With all lighting techniques, it is important to NOT allow the flame to touch the tobacco.  Keep the fire just close enough so that your draw will bring the heat to the foot of the cigar or tobacco in your pipe.  Twirling and slowly drawing on the cigar will light the foot without charring it and altering the tobacco's natural flavor.

Spanish cedar strips, also known as spills, are the most romantic, if not practical, method for lighting cigars.  The strips can be procured from the dividers many cigar makers use for packaging.  Most Tobacconists will simply give these dividers away to their customers at no charge.  Cedar strips can be made by folding the divider to desired width and tearing it at the seam.  The aroma and allure of using the cedar strip to light the foot of a cigar adds ceremony and panache to a potentially mundane ritual.