The Cigar Library

The short answer

There are three common cuts — straight, V and punch — and each one changes the draw and how the flavor reaches you. The same cigar can taste a little different with each, so try all three and find your favorite.

• Straight cut: slice off the end of the cap. The bigger opening gives an easier draw and spreads the smoke for fuller flavor.
• V-cut: a deeper, V-shaped groove — a balance between a focused draw and a bigger opening. Cross two V-cuts and you have an X-cut.
• Punch cut: a small round hole in the cap that concentrates the taste. Take it slowly — smoked too fast, the cigar runs hot and turns bitter or sharp.