Cigar smoking has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and has since become a beloved pastime for many.
However, to fully enjoy a cigar, it’s important to know how to cut it correctly. Cutting a cigar is not only necessary to smoke it, but also enhances its flavor and ensures an even burn.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of cutting a cigar, explain why it’s important, delve into the history of the practice, and provide an overview of how cigars are made. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar smoker or a newcomer to the world of cigars, this article will provide you with the information you need to fully enjoy your next cigar.
Cutting a cigar:
- Choose a cutter: There are three main types of cigar cutters – guillotine, V-cut, and punch. Guillotine cutters have a straight blade that cuts the head of the cigar, V-cutters have a v-shaped blade that creates a V-shaped notch in the head of the cigar, and punches have a circular blade that punches a hole in the head of the cigar.
- Locate the head of the cigar: The head is the rounded, closed end of the cigar that you place in your mouth.
- Cut the head of the cigar: Hold the cigar steady with one hand and use the other hand to make the cut. The cut should be clean, straight, and expose about a quarter inch of the filler tobacco. If using a guillotine, place the head of the cigar into the blade and make a quick, decisive cut. If using a V-cutter, place the head of the cigar into the V-shaped blade and make a quick, decisive cut. If using a punch, place the punch into the head of the cigar and give it a quick twist.
Why cut a cigar
Cutting a cigar is essential for a proper smoke. The cut allows air to circulate and create an even burn. It also enhances the flavor of the cigar by exposing the filler tobacco. If a cigar is not cut properly, it may not burn evenly or draw properly.
History of Cutting a Cigar
The tradition of cutting and smoking cigars dates back to the 16th century when cigars were first introduced to Europe.
At first, cigars were enjoyed only by royalty and the wealthy, but as the popularity of cigars grew, they became more widely available.
Over time, the practice of cutting cigars has become an important part of cigar culture, with many cigar aficionados taking great pride in their ability to make a perfect cut.
How cigars are made
- Harvesting and curing tobacco: The first step in making cigars is harvesting and curing the tobacco. Tobacco plants are grown in fields and then harvested and hung to cure.
- Fermentation: Once the tobacco has been harvested and cured, it undergoes a fermentation process to bring out its flavor and reduce its harshness.
- Blending: The next step is blending the different types of tobacco to create the right flavor and consistency.
- Bunching: The filler tobacco leaves are bunched together to form the core of the cigar.
- Wrapping: The bunched filler is then wrapped in a binder leaf to hold it together.
- Wrapper selection: The final step is selecting a wrapper leaf to cover the binder and filler. This wrapper is chosen for its texture, flavor, and appearance.
- Shaping and packaging: The wrapped cigar is then shaped, fermented, and packaged for sale.
In conclusion, cutting a cigar is an important step in fully enjoying the cigar-smoking experience. By understanding the various methods of cutting a cigar, why it’s important, the history behind the practice, and how cigars are made, you will be able to fully appreciate the time-honored tradition of cigar smoking.
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting out, taking the time to understand the process of cutting a cigar will ensure that you have the best possible experience.
So, the next time you light up a cigar, take a moment to reflect on the rich history of cigar smoking and the time-honored tradition of cutting a cigar, and enjoy the full flavor and experience that a properly cut cigar can offer.
