Where cigars are concerned, Zippo lighters are something of a controversy. Zippo, of course, is the most well-known manufacturer of fluid-filled lighters. Any fluid-filled lighter will be the subject of the same controversy as are that manufacturer's. The debate stems from the fluid itself and how it affects"or doesn't affect, depending upon who one asks"the flavor of the cigar.
Lighting a cigar with a Zippo has been a debate in the cigar aficionado community for a long time. These lighters have been around since World War 1 when they were offered to soldiers as a way of generating light without the position-betraying flare characteristic of a match. While matches may have been a liability in the trenches, many cigar smokers prefer them for lighting up in modern times, claiming that it is the best way to get a cigar burning without adding any unpleasant taste.
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.
As is the case with everything concerning cigars, whether or not to use a Zippo is a matter of personal preference. These lighters are often heirloom items and using them is something of a ritual for some people. If one should detect an unpleasant chemical taste fouling that of their favorite cigar, the solution may be to purchase a higher-end fluid. Some fluids advertise that they give no taste to the tobacco at all and, even among very discriminating smokers, these fluids are a popular option.
Cigars are a very personal thing. If one wishes to use their Zippo then, by all means, they should do so. While some smokers may wince at the sight, a cigar is meant to be enjoyed in a way that offers the best experience possible and, given some people's attachment to their Zippos, there is no reason that they should feel that using those lighters is out of bounds when enjoying a fine cigar.
Lighting a cigar with a Zippo has been a debate in the cigar aficionado community for a long time. These lighters have been around since World War 1 when they were offered to soldiers as a way of generating light without the position-betraying flare characteristic of a match. While matches may have been a liability in the trenches, many cigar smokers prefer them for lighting up in modern times, claiming that it is the best way to get a cigar burning without adding any unpleasant taste.
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.
As is the case with everything concerning cigars, whether or not to use a Zippo is a matter of personal preference. These lighters are often heirloom items and using them is something of a ritual for some people. If one should detect an unpleasant chemical taste fouling that of their favorite cigar, the solution may be to purchase a higher-end fluid. Some fluids advertise that they give no taste to the tobacco at all and, even among very discriminating smokers, these fluids are a popular option.
Cigars are a very personal thing. If one wishes to use their Zippo then, by all means, they should do so. While some smokers may wince at the sight, a cigar is meant to be enjoyed in a way that offers the best experience possible and, given some people's attachment to their Zippos, there is no reason that they should feel that using those lighters is out of bounds when enjoying a fine cigar.
About the Author:
Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including zippo lighters, Dave also owns a premier online humidors store.
No comments:
Post a Comment