A system for heating a cigarette to evolve an aerosol upon consumer request comprises a cigarette and a lighter. The lighter includes a housing into which the cigarette is inserted, and a stationary heater inside the housing is positioned in thermal proximity to the cigarette. The cigarette is rotatably mounted inside the housing. When a puff is desired, heat is applied to the cigarette to produce the aerosol. Prior to the next puff, the cigarette is slightly rotated to position a fresh portion of the cigarette in proximity to the stationary heater, and this procedure is repeated until the cigarette is spent.