How To Cut A Cigar

Before we dive in…

Let’s talk about a few things before we dive into the different types of cuts. A couple actions I see from cigar smokers I just don’t get. I’ll stop short of calling them pet peeves in this setting. I’ll just leave it as more of a head scratcher.

Licking your cigar

It’s not necessary before you cut your cigar. Plain and simple. Let’s be honest, NOBODY wants to see you do this. I understand for many it might be a habit. Maybe it is even something you have seen others do. The thought behind licking a cigar pre-cut is to make sure that the cap does not crack when you cut it. However, you should not run into this issue if the cigar has been properly humidified and your cutter is not dull. I’ll let anyone use my cutter, but if I see you lick your cigar first, sorry you’re going to have to find your own to use.

Cutting your with the cellophane on 

I just don’t get this one for multiple reasons. Not only could you be dulling your cutter blade, but you can’t see the cap line nearly as well. Not to mention you run the risk of putting cellophane into the head of the cigar and eventually into your mouth. To top it all off, the next thing you are going to do is  take the cigar out of the cellophane anyway.

Now let’s get to the fun part! What are the different types of cuts?

Punch Cut

• Inserting the punch into the center of the cap while giving it a slight twist
• Remove the punch at a slight angle to extract the round core of the cap.

V-Cut

• Open the cutter to reveal a bowl in the cutter
• Place the cigar cap into the opening perpendicular to the cutter
• Firmly squeeze the cutter shut while gently pressing the cigar into the cutter

Straight Cut

How big of a cutter should I have?

• Open your cutter
• Pass just enough of the cigar through to keep above the cap line
  • You will see this right away if you look at the cigar near the head(the part of the cigar you put you mouth on.). See the horizontal lines? The sole purpose of the cap is the keep the wrapper in place while you smoke your cigar.
• Firmly close your cutter to cut the cigar one you are satisfied you have the right spot!

My preference is a straight cut at the end of the day. It allows me to fully see the artisanal nuances used to create the handmade cigar. You are experiencing the cigar how the blender envisioned the cigar to taste when it is straight cut.

Try this experiment next time you sit down to enjoy your next cigar. Start by using a punch of a v-cut and smoke it halfway down. Pay attention to the taste, specifically where the cigar is “hitting” your palette. Take a few mental notes and then cut your cigar using a guillotine cut. Do you notice a change in taste? You should notice the cigar flavors hit differently on your palette. There should be a more full bodied smoke and tasting flavors in more regions of your mouth than before. You will then see what you have been missing in your favorite cigar.

~Welcome to the Culture