which side of a cigar do you light
You always light the foot of the cigar, which is the open end where you can see the loose filler tobacco, not the capped/closed end that goes in your mouth.
Which side to light
- The side you light is the open end showing the cut tobacco; this is called the foot.
- The side you smoke from is the closed, rounded end with a small cap of wrapper leaf; this is called the head and must be cut or punched before use.
A quick memory trick many smokers use: “Read the band: cut the top, light the bottom” – the band normally sits closer to the head, so you light the opposite end.
Very short how‑to
- Cut or punch the capped head so you can draw through the cigar.
- Hold the cigar so the open foot is just above the flame, not directly in it.
- Rotate the cigar while lightly drawing until the entire foot glows evenly.
Lighting the head by mistake can ruin airflow and flavor, and often makes the cigar burn poorly or taste harsh.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.