In a world of vapes and nicotine pouches that hit fast and are quickly forgotten, a cigar is a defiant sanctuary of mindful relaxation. The uninitiated might see a cigar as just tobacco, but to the gentleman, it’s a ritual of equanimity. It’s a link to the world of physical craftsmanship, cultural history, and a reward for a day well-navigated.
As much as we can talk about what makes cigars special, the experience of a premium cigar is a fragile one. It can be enhanced with precision or ruined by haste. To appreciate the flavor and craftsmanship of a great cigar, a gentleman must master two critical steps: The Cut and The Light.
Preparation and a Moment to Reflect
Before a flame even touches a cigar, the materials have been through the hands of dozens of skilled artisans. A gentleman doesn’t rush the preparation. Take a moment to appreciate the wrap and the aroma. Your role here isn’t to consume a product. It’s to complete the cigarmakers' work.
Understanding the Construction of a Cigar
Understanding the anatomy of a cigar is the key to cutting it perfectly, whether you are relaxing in a Port Jefferson cigar lounge or at home.
- The Head: This is the closed end of the cigar that you draw smoke through. This is where you will cut the cigar. At its very end is the cap.
- The Shoulder: This is the area that tapers from the cap up to the main body of the cigar.
- The Foot: This is the open end of the cigar, which is where you light it once you’ve made your cut.
There’s a small cap at the end of the cigar. This is a small piece of aged tobacco leaf designed to keep the structure intact. Cut too much, and the cigar will unravel. You will lose the draw and find that the experience is more frustrating than enjoyable. Cutting just enough to enjoy the cigar without destroying it requires some care and attention. The Straight Cut is the best option for beginners.
How to Straight Cut a Cigar
The Straight Cut, also known as the Guillotine Cut, is the easiest option for beginners and also the preferred option for premium cigars. It opens up enough surface area to enjoy the draw and full flavor of the cigar.
The easiest way to achieve a straight cut is with a traditional cigar cutter. Any high-quality traditional guillotine cutter will do. This Cigar Accessory Kit includes a beautiful cutter and torch lighter in an attractive gunmetal finish.
- Inspect the head of the cigar carefully. You will see a line where the cap meets the shoulder and body of the cigar.
- Aim to cut just above the cap line. Eventually, this will become instinctual, but if you’re one who likes to think in hard measurements, you will want to cut about 1/8 of an inch before the line.
- Hold the cigar steady, preferably with the support of a table or countertop. Take your straight guillotine cutter and position it so the blade is where you want to cut.
- Close the blades in a quick motion. Do this confidently. The easiest way to ruin a cigar is to hesitate with the cutter, which will crush the wrapped leaves rather than cut them cleanly.
It helps to familiarize yourself with the cutter’s action. Try cutting with nothing inside to see how it works and feel the mechanism.
Can Anything Go Wrong During Cigar Cutting?
The biggest risk when making a straight cut is that you could remove too much of the cap. The wrapper will unravel. Alternatively, you could cut too little, and you might find that the draw is tight and lacking airflow.
If you take this step slowly and cut just before the cap line, your cigar will be perfectly prepared and ready to light.
The Light: A Gentleman’s Guide to Lighting a Cigar
Lighting a cigar is nothing like lighting a candle or even a cigarette. You start with a toast, and then the draw.
- Toasting a Cigar: High-end cigars benefit from toasting. Hold the cigar horizontally above a clean butane flame. Keep it a few inches from the flame and never burn the cigar directly. You’re not setting it on fire, just toasting it to wake up the natural oils. Rotate the foot of the cigar (the open end) above the flame to toast the edges until they are charred grey.
- Wait for the Glow: Continue to rotate until the cigar is glowing around the rim and the center is smoldering.
- Blow Gently: You might need to blow gently into the foot to ensure it’s smoldering.
- The Draw: Now it’s time for the reward. Continue to hold your lighter an inch from the foot of the cigar and take short, firm puffs. This will draw the flame to the cigar and complete the light.
This accessory bundle by Klaro includes a straight cutter and a butane torch lighter. Butane is the preferred choice for cigar lighters because it’s consistent and won’t contaminate the leaves with any chemical flavors.
A puff every minute or so is the best way to enjoy a cigar. Taking too many draws too quickly will overheat the tobacco and bring out bitter flavors.
A Note on Cigar Ash
A long ash is a sign of quality construction, but there are no prizes for length. Whether at home or at a cigar lounge, ash regularly by gently tapping on the body of the cigar above an ashtray.
If you don’t have an ashtray at home, something elegant can elevate your experience. This Cuban Concrete Cigar Ashtray features a classic design with a practical, oversized bowl that is ideal for cigars.
Visit a Local Cigar Lounge and Provisions Store in Port Jefferson
Cigars were once common in restaurants, bars, and lounges throughout America. That culture is still alive today in the heart of Port Jefferson. You can visit a relaxing space to escape and connect at our private Cigar Lounge. It’s an opportunity to discover a range of affordable and premium cigar options. You can also browse unique men’s style accessories, ranging from handmade hats and caps to wallets and shaving provisions.
The Smokin’ Gentleman Provisions Store and Cigar Lounge are located at 308 and 310 Main St., Port Jefferson, NY. Come down and meet our staff and other lounge members who share a passion for great conversations and the art of slow living in a fast-moving world.