How to light a cigar without scorching it
Short answer: Toast the foot first, keep the flame slightly away from the tobacco, rotate the cigar, then take a few gentle puffs while continuing to rotate until the edge glows evenly.
1. Toast the foot
Hold the flame close enough to heat the end without burying the cigar in the flame. Rotate slowly. The outer edge should darken and begin to glow.
2. Puff gently
Bring the cigar to your mouth and take a few slow puffs while keeping the flame just in front of the foot. Continue rotating so one side does not ignite faster than the other.
3. Check the burn
Look at the foot. A mostly even orange-red glow around the edge means you are ready. If one section is dark, touch that area up rather than blasting the whole foot again.
Torch or soft flame?
Either works. A torch is faster and easier outdoors but also easier to overheat. A soft flame is slower and more forgiving. The key is control, not the lighter type.
What to avoid
Do not hold the cigar directly inside a powerful torch flame for an extended period. That can char the wrapper and make the first part of the cigar taste harsh.