Why you cut a cigar
A cigar is closed at the mouth end with a small cap of tobacco leaf, which holds the wrapper in place. Before you can smoke a cigar, you make an opening in it.
Where do you cut?
Cut just above the line where the cap meets the wrapper, about 2 mm from the end. This leaves enough of the cap to hold the wrapper together. If you cut too deep, the wrapper can come loose or tear.
Types of cigar cutter
- Guillotine: a straight blade that cuts off the cap in one movement. There are models with one blade and with two blades that cut from both sides at once.
- Cigar scissors: scissors with curved blades, made to hold a cigar while you cut.
- Punch: a small round blade that makes a hole in the cap. Most of the cap then stays in place.
- V-cut: a V-shaped blade that makes a notch in the cap.
Lighting a cigar
- Use a flame with no smell of its own: a butane lighter, a wooden match or a thin strip of cedar. With a match, let the sulphur burn off first.
- Hold the foot of the cigar just above the flame, without them touching, and rotate the cigar until the whole end is evenly toasted.
- Then bring the cigar to your mouth and draw gently while holding the flame about a centimetre away, until the flame catches the foot.
Do not use a candle or a petrol lighter: they give off a smell of their own.
If your cigar goes out
You can relight a cigar. First tap off the loose ash, toast the foot again and light it as you did the first time. Do not wait too long: after a few hours it is better not to relight a cigar.
Putting out a cigar
Do not stub out a cigar. Leave it in the ashtray: it goes out by itself. A stubbed cigar splits open and gives off a strong smell.
Cigars that are too dry
A cigar that is too dry cracks easily when you cut it. If it crackles when you roll it gently between your fingers, it is too dry. That is why cigars are kept in a humidor; how to use one is explained in Using and maintaining a humidor.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you cut off a cigar?
Just above the line where the cap meets the wrapper, about 2 mm from the end. If you cut too deep, the wrapper can come loose.
Which cigar cutter do you need?
A guillotine cuts the cap off straight, a punch makes a small round hole and a V-cut makes a notch. Cigar scissors hold the cigar while you cut.
What do you light a cigar with?
With a butane lighter, a wooden match (let the sulphur burn off first) or a strip of cedar. No candle or petrol lighter.
Can you relight a cigar?
Yes, if it has gone out. Tap off the loose ash and light it again, preferably within a few hours.
How do you put out a cigar?
Leave it in the ashtray: it goes out by itself. Do not stub it out.
