Lighting a cigar is equal parts art and science. For many smokers, it is the opening act in the smoking ritual and, in many ways, one of the most enjoyable. Zippo lighters are regarded by some as a poor way to light a cigar owing to the lighter fluid imparting a chemical taste to the tobacco. Other smokers claim that this is simply not true and wouldn't use anything else to light their stogie. The individual should always feel free to make this determination for themselves.
Lighter fluid burns with a distinctive smell. It has an oily consistency which makes it highly-prized for its being able to burn in even very windy conditions. Lighter fluid has a taste which is detectable by some individuals and not at all detectable by others. Different fluids are said to affect this characteristic, as well. Whether or not this is true is entirely up to the individual to decide. Some cigar smokers would not for a minute consider giving up their prized Zippo; others would hesitate to light a fine cigar with anything other than a wooden match or a cedar strip.
The reason Zippos remain popular for outdoor use is that they are an inherently windproof lighter. The lighter fluid used to fuel them is slow to evaporate and is thick enough that it will stick to the wick and ignite even in very windy conditions. This makes them popular with sailors and fishermen.
There are new butane lighters on the market which rival Zippos where wind resistance is concerned, however, and these may be a less-objectionable option for those who find the taste of lighter fluid something which they cannot tolerate. These windproof butane torches are available from higher-end tobacconists and lighter shops.
Whether or not the taste of lighter fluid is something about which one should harbor concern is entirely for the smoker to decide. Being outdoors is as much about the equipment as it is about anything else and using a Zippo has something of an adventurous feel to it. These lighters long history of reliability makes them an advantageous choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The butane models, however, are very affordable and there's nothing to say that it's a bad idea to bring along more than one lighter and to see which proves superior in adverse outdoor conditions.
Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including zippo lighters, Dave also authors a premier cigar reviews blog.
