How to cut and light a cigar

Cutting a Cigar.

To prepare a cigar for use, a passage way for the air to circulate from one end to the other is necessary. Some smokers bite the tip off the cigar, but most cigar afficionados would prefer to use specialised clippers to make a clean cut.
When using a cutter, make a quick decisive clip. Place the cutter above the cigar's cap line, the curved area that covers the head of the cigar and clip in one swift pass, producing a clean cut.

Types of cutters

The Guillotine or Traditional Cut
The guillotine cuts in a straight slice, across the cigars cap line. Creating an easy, well circulated draw, but tar and residue from the burning tobacco will come directly into contact with the smoker's mouth.

The Bullet or Punch Cut
The bullet cutter works by piercing a small hole into the cap of the cigar. It is possible for air circulation to be restricted and the smoke's residue and tar can accumulate around the opening, this will depend upon the diameter of the hole that has been punched.

The V Cut
The V cutter creates a wedge shape in the cigars cap, allowing air circulation to occur. Tar and residue accumulates at the side of the wedge, keeping the bitter taste away from the smoker's mouth. It can, however, be a little difficult to keep a V cutter sharp, due to it's unique shape.

Lighting a cigar
Always remember that tobacco will absorb any aroma or fragrance that it comes into contact with. This means that paper or sulphur matches and fluid based lighters may leave the cigar with an unpleasant taste. The best method of lighting a cigar is a butane based lighter. A lit wooden match may be used, once the chemicals used in the ignition process have been allowed to burn off.

When the cigar is cut, hold the open end of the cigar over the flame and rotate slowly. This will permit the cigar to "toast" and will prime it for lighting. While still warm, place the cigar in your mouth and holding it at a 45deg angle over the flame, slowly puff and rotate the cigar, while maintaining a slight contact with the flame. A good cigar will light easily and burn evenly.