Make sure you have a lighter with a nice hot flame, torch lighters are wonderful. I have found that you don't want to skimp too much on lighters. I bought a few cheap torches and they just didn't cut the mustard. Spend a few bucks and finally got a decent Colibri and it has done a great job for me. Get good fluid too. As far as lighting, I toast mine first and then light and draw rotating the cigar as I do this to get an even light.