Why the IM Corona Double Corona Is One of the Best Cigar Lighters Ever

The IM Corona Double Corona is a traditional Japanese butane cigar lighter best known for its distinctive dual soft-flame design. Instead of producing a single flame, the lighter ignites two converging flames from a dual-port nozzle, creating a wider, gentler flame that evenly lights a cigar’s foot. 

This twin-flame system is what gives the Double Corona its name—and its reputation. The paired flames spread heat across the entire end of the cigar, making it especially effective for larger ring gauges while avoiding the harsh intensity of modern torch lighters. 

Combined with a reliable flint-wheel ignition and precise Japanese manufacturing from IM Corona, the Double Corona has become one of the most respected soft-flame cigar lighters ever made.

The design of the IM Corona Double Corona reflects the kind of restrained engineering that has long defined IM Corona lighters. At first glance, its shape is simple and compact, but every element is carefully considered for function and longevity. The lighter features a solid metal body that gives it a reassuring weight in the hand, paired with clean, understated lines that feel more like a finely made instrument than a disposable accessory. Inside, the Double Corona uses a traditional flint-wheel ignition system paired with a precisely machined gas valve, both designed to deliver consistent performance over years of use.

The lighter’s most distinctive structural feature is its dual-port burner, which produces the two soft flames that converge when lit. This design not only creates the signature double flame but also helps distribute heat evenly across the foot of a cigar. The hinged cap opens with a satisfying mechanical action, protecting the burner while adding to the lighter’s durability and pocket safety. Altogether, the materials and construction reflect a philosophy that prioritizes reliability and long service life—qualities that have helped the Double Corona earn its reputation as one of the most dependable cigar lighters ever made.

For cigar smokers, the type of flame used to light a cigar makes a meaningful difference in both the experience and the result. The IM Corona Double Corona uses a traditional soft butane flame, which burns cooler and more controlled than the powerful jet flames found in most modern torch lighters. 

This gentler flame allows the cigar to be toasted gradually, warming the foot of the cigar before it fully ignites. The result is a more even light and a reduced risk of scorching the tobacco.

A soft flame also gives the smoker greater control during the lighting process. By slowly rotating the cigar above the flame, the foot can be toasted evenly across its surface, helping ensure the cigar burns properly from the start. 

This is particularly important for premium cigars, where uneven lighting can lead to tunneling or canoeing as the cigar burns. The Double Corona’s signature twin soft flames spread heat across a wider area, making it easier to light larger ring gauges while still preserving the careful, deliberate ritual that many cigar enthusiasts prefer.

The IM Corona Double Corona represents a very different philosophy from modern torch lighters. Torch lighters use a pressurized jet flame that burns extremely hot and concentrated, allowing cigars to be lit quickly and reliably—even in windy conditions. Their intense flame can make lighting a cigar fast and efficient, which is why many smokers prefer them outdoors.

By contrast, the Double Corona’s dual soft flames emphasize control rather than speed. A traditional soft flame burns much cooler than a jet torch, making it less likely to scorch the tobacco or alter the flavor of a premium cigar. Instead of blasting heat directly into the cigar, the flame allows the smoker to slowly toast the foot and bring the cigar to life more gradually.

Torch lighters excel when speed and wind resistance are priorities. Soft-flame lighters like the Double Corona appeal to those who enjoy the slower ritual of lighting a cigar and want a gentler flame that preserves the character of the tobacco. In many ways, the difference reflects two approaches to cigar smoking: one focused on convenience, the other on tradition and deliberate craftsmanship.