Should You Cut Both Ends of a Cigar? Here’s the Truth Most Beginners Miss
If you’re new to cigars, you’ve probably wondered: Do I need to cut both ends before lighting up?
The short answer — no, absolutely not.
It might sound obvious to experienced smokers, but everyone starts somewhere. So let’s break down why you only cut one end, which end that is, and what happens if you don’t.
Which End Should You Cut?
Always cut the closed end, known as the cap.
The cap is the little rounded piece at the top — usually near the cigar band. It’s carefully placed there by the roller at the end of the cigar-making process. The cap isn’t just decoration; it keeps the wrapper from unraveling and prevents stray bits of tobacco from ending up in your mouth.
Premium cigars often have a triple cap — a traditional Cuban-style finish that’s a mark of craftsmanship.
Why Cutting the Cap Matters
Without removing the cap, air can’t flow through the cigar. Once you cut it, you open a clear passage so you can draw smoke evenly through the body.
After that, you can toast and light the other end — the foot — and enjoy a smooth, consistent burn.
Three Common Cutting Styles
There’s no single “right” way to cut a cigar — it depends on how you like your draw.
-
Straight Cut (Guillotine):
The most common choice. It takes off most of the cap and gives you a looser, fuller draw. -
Punch Cut:
Creates a small circular hole, keeping the draw tighter and the cigar’s shape intact. -
V-Cut:
Cuts a wedge shape into the cap — ideal for torpedo or figurado cigars. It allows good airflow while holding the cigar’s structure together.
Which End Do You Light?
You light the foot — the open end of the cigar.
That’s where the combustion starts as you puff. Even if a cigar has a closed foot (where the wrapper covers the bottom), don’t cut it. Just light it directly. The closed foot gives you an extra hit of wrapper flavor during the first few draws.
Why Some Cigars Look Closed on Both Ends
Certain shapes — like the Perfecto — might confuse beginners because they taper or even appear closed on both sides.
Take the Arturo Fuente Hemingway series, for example. It starts with a small, pinched foot and widens out as you smoke. Don’t cut the foot — just light the tip and enjoy the gradual opening of flavors as it burns.
These shapes are the work of the most skilled rollers, and that unique construction is part of the charm.
Bottom Line
No matter how fancy or unusual a cigar looks, remember this simple rule:
Cut the cap, light the foot. Never both.
Every cigar tells a story through its shape, leaf, and craftsmanship — and it all starts with a single, clean cut.
