general questions for a beginer

[Scyfer]

ok forgive me if these have been answered before i took around the site and tried to find the answer before i posted the questions, but i didnt so if i missed it i am sorry
1. what dose cutting past the cap mean? And if you do is that bad? and is there a fix? what is the effect doing so will have?
2. do different cuts produce a more/less intense flavor?
3. if you can even say "in general" (because i know cigars are enjoyed on the personal level and what one person likes another may not but...) what is the best cut for the type of cigar you are smoking ...ie torpedo, corona...ect

 

[Big Red]

Every cigar has a single or multi-layered cap applied to the head end to keep the wrapper from unraveling. Look closely and you will see the lines of the cap. Cutting past the cap means cutting beyond this line, not a good thing for the reason stated. There are a few types of cuts but I like the straight cut, as with a guillotine type cutter, which allows for the most flow of smoke and flavor in my opinion. Have fun learning about your new hobby. It does bring lots of enjoyment.

 

[Scyfer]

thank you for the info!

 

[javajunkie]

as you are just starting out (just said hey in your intro thread!), i recommend trying a v-cut, straight, and bullet, on three of the same cigar, preferably one you are already familiar with. see if it makes a difference in taste, draw, or just aesthetic to you.

i personally use a straight cut, as it will work on EVERYTHING, all the time. but a lot of people have their preference, and some even change with the cigar or occasion.

 

[Scyfer]

thanks for he info guys i have another question...is there a point to storing cigars at different humidity levels...dose it change the flavor or effect the burn? i have seen several different lvls to keep it at from 65-72 just wondering why there is a choice in that area

 

[NHaze]

thanks for he info guys i have another question...is there a point to storing cigars at different humidity levels...dose it change the flavor or effect the burn? i have seen several different lvls to keep it at from 65-72 just wondering why there is a choice in that area

The general rule of thumb is 70/70. 70°F and 70% Relative humidity. That said, a lot of smokers like to keep their cigars at around 65-66% RH because they tend to smoke less bitter and burn more evenly than at 70%RH. Some people even run different RH levels in different humidors, for instance I'm using 65% on my ready to smoke box and I use 70% in my long term storage/aging box. But like taste in cigars, everyone has their own opinion on RH so YMMV

 

[Rupe]

ok forgive me if these have been answered before i took around the site and tried to find the answer before i posted the questions, but i didnt so if i missed it i am sorry
1. what dose cutting past the cap mean? And if you do is that bad? and is there a fix? what is the effect doing so will have?
2. do different cuts produce a more/less intense flavor?
3. if you can even say "in general" (because i know cigars are enjoyed on the personal level and what one person likes another may not but...) what is the best cut for the type of cigar you are smoking ...ie torpedo, corona...ect

Hey Scyfer...good questions.

As previously mentioned, you need to cut behind the cap line (towards the end that you are smoking) to keep the wrapper from unravelling.

There is no "correct" answer regarding what type of cut to use. Mostly it comes down to what works for you (your preference). Personally I like to use a V-cut for torpedos and box pressed cigars. For cigars 50 ring gauge and up I will generally start with a punch. I cut them this way because I like the way they feel in my mouth. In either case, if I do not get a good enough draw or they start to load up with nicotine part way through and the draw gets tight I will go back and give them a straight cut to open them up.

For cigars below 50 I will generally just use a straight (guillotine) cut right out of the gate because the punch is getting pretty close to the the diameter of the cigar anyway.

 

[Jfire]

Click down below.
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V

 

[Scyfer]

Click down below.
|
V

lol i did find those tips i was watching them just about an hour ago then i checked the replies to this post and saw your link to them lol tyvm

 

[Scyfer]

...also those tips are very informative and well done thank you for doing those they really help

 

[The EVP]

ok forgive me if these have been answered before i took around the site and tried to find the answer before i posted the questions, but i didnt so if i missed it i am sorry
1. what dose cutting past the cap mean? And if you do is that bad? and is there a fix? what is the effect doing so will have?
2. do different cuts produce a more/less intense flavor?
3. if you can even say "in general" (because i know cigars are enjoyed on the personal level and what one person likes another may not but...) what is the best cut for the type of cigar you are smoking ...ie torpedo, corona...ect

1) Cutting past the cap. If you take your typical cigar and look at the head, you will probably see three lines...a.k.a. Triple Cap. You generally don't want to clip the entire cap off as the cap is what prevents it from unraveling. A good tip I was give if using a double-guillotine cutter is to lay the cutter of a flat surface. Put the head of the cigar in the hole (no Monica jokes!). With the cutter still on it's side, clip the cigar.

2) Different cuts to affect the flavor/intensity of the smoke. The smaller the opening, the more intense the smoke as the smoke will hit your palate in a smaller, more concentrated area than a larger cut does. Try taking three of the same cigar and punch on, V cut another and straight cut the last. You should notice a difference.

3) Hard to say which cut is best, but for some cigars like torpedos or pyramids, a punch or v-cut isn't going to work too well...best go with a straight cut. Same with smaller ring gauge cigars such as lanceros or pantellas. Cigars like corona or lonsdale I would go with either a straight cut or a V cut. With larger RG cigars, Robusto's and larger, it's personal choice.