How to cut and light a cigar

A hand made cigar is finished with a cap, a small piece of wrapper leaf that closes the head. You need to open that cap before you smoke, and how you do it changes the draw.

Cut just above the shoulder

Look for the point where the rounded head starts to straighten into the body. That is the shoulder. Cut a little above it, taking off only enough cap to open the filler. If you cut below the shoulder the wrapper can start to unravel.

A sharp double-blade cutter is the easiest tool. Close it in one quick motion. A slow squeeze crushes the head instead of slicing it.

Toast, then light

Hold the foot just above the flame and turn the cigar until the whole edge glows. This is called toasting, and it gets the outer leaves burning before you draw. Then take a few slow puffs while you keep turning.

Use a butane lighter or a wooden match. Lighter fluid and candles leave a taste in the tobacco.

Take your time

One draw a minute is plenty. A cigar that burns too hot turns bitter, and one that is left alone for a few minutes will usually relight without complaint.