Cutting and lighting a cigar is more than a routine—it’s a ritual. Done correctly, it maximises the enjoyment of your Havana and honours the craftsmanship behind every leaf.
Understanding the Anatomy
Every Havana is built from three key components: the filler, the binder, and the delicate wrapper leaf. The wrapper is sealed at the cigar’s head with a small piece of leaf known as the cap. This is what you’ll need to cut before smoking.
Cutting: Precision Matters
To prepare your cigar, remove most of the cap with a single, clean, and decisive cut across the shoulders of the cigar. A sharp guillotine cutter or specialist cigar scissors will give the best result. Leave a small section of the cap intact—it holds the wrapper leaf in place, and without it, your cigar could begin to unravel.
Some old traditions suggest piercing the cigar with a matchstick to create an opening, but this almost always results in a poor draw. Trust the cut, not the pierce.
The Band Debate
Should you remove the cigar band before lighting your cigar? This debate has raged as long as cigars have existed. Havana bands are applied with meticulous care—most often by women, as the process is said to require a particularly delicate touch.
The best advice? Wait at least five minutes after lighting. By then, the heat will loosen the glue, making the band easier to peel away without tearing the wrapper. The wrapper, or capa, is the most expensive and visually important part of a cigar, so treat it with care. Always peel gently—never tug.
Lighting: A Ritual of Patience
Lighting a cigar is not like lighting a cigarette. It requires patience, respect, and the right tools. Avoid petrol lighters, whose strong aroma will taint the tobacco. Instead, use odourless wooden matches (allow the sulphur tip to burn off first) or a clean butane lighter.
Hold the flame close—but not touching—the foot of the cigar. Toast the edges slowly, rotating the cigar to ensure even charring. Once glowing, take gentle puffs while continuing to rotate, encouraging an even burn. A soft blow on the foot can help check that the embers are glowing evenly.
Remember: the thicker the cigar, the longer it will take to light correctly. Rushing risks uneven burning, which will affect flavour and enjoyment.
When Your Cigar Goes Out
Even the finest Havana may go out before you’re finished. Don’t panic—it’s part of the experience. Simply brush away any ash from the foot and re-light carefully. You don’t even need to put the cigar back in your mouth first; let the flame reawaken it until it glows once again.
One final note: resist the temptation to tap your cigar against an ashtray like a cigarette. Let the ash fall naturally—it helps maintain an even burn.
Watch this short video on the art of cutting and lighting a cigar.
This ritual of cutting, lighting, and nurturing your Havana is all part of the experience. Take your time, treat it with respect, and the reward will be a smoke that unfolds as its makers intended—slowly, richly, and with great satisfaction.
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