How to cut and light a cigar

Updated November 2026

1. Cut the cap

The cap is the small round piece of leaf on the head of the cigar. Cut just enough to open it, usually about 1/16 inch (1–2 mm), without cutting below the cap line, or the wrapper can unravel.

• Straight (guillotine) cutter: the most versatile.
• Punch: makes a small round hole; good for larger ring gauges.
• V-cutter: a wedge-shaped notch that concentrates the draw.

Watch

2. Toast the foot

Hold the open end (the foot) just above a flame without touching it, and rotate slowly until the edge glows evenly. This warms the tobacco and helps an even burn.

3. Light and draw

Put the cigar in your mouth, keep the flame just below the foot, and draw gently while rotating. Many smokers prefer butane lighters, cedar spills or wooden matches over petrol lighters, which some find leave a taste.

4. Don't inhale

Cigar smoke is meant to be tasted in the mouth, not inhaled. Take a puff about once a minute; puffing too often makes a cigar burn hot and bitter.