Zippo lighters are awesome, but sadly, when it comes to cigars, the old trusted Zippo falls out of favor. It’s not the lighter itself that is to blame, just the trusty lighter fluid that has powered it for over 75 years.

Though some cigar smokers would probably admit to using Zippo’s all the time, my experience tells me that the fluid’s odor can taint the taste of a good cigar right from the start. Well, for me, the thought of smoking an expensive benzene stick is more than I can handle.

That’s where the Z-plus torch lighter insert comes in. Though these have been out for some time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to buy a classic Zippo and gut it, replacing the core of the lighter with a third party insert that claims to fit “most popular liquid fuel lighter cases.”

The fact, though, is that probably some trademark technicality prevents them from saying that the insert is “designed exclusively for Zippo lighter cases”, but believe me, It is! I’ve got to tell you that it not only fits perfectly but works great, providing a steady windproof flame encased in Zippo coolness.

When I headed over to Lighters Direct this time, I was aiming for a classic piece to add to my worthy repertoire. As I browsed the extensive Zippo section, I knew it had to be Black Ice. The Z-plus insert was under the accessories section.

I’ve had it for over a week now, and have used it everyday, including at last night’s Super Bowl herf where my Super Bowl pick made me a good amount of cabbage! It’s the only way to light up a fine cigar in classic Zippo style—highly recommended.