Cigars 101

How do you cut Salomone shaped cigars?

A: First, you want to clip the head, which would be the end closest to the cigar’s band. Secondly, it depends on how the foot has been finished. If there is a slight opening at the bottom already, first see how well the cigar draws. It it’s good, light ‘er up. If the foot is closed like the head, clip that, too, then see how it draws.

In some cases, you might have to make some slight adjustments. If so, clip from the foot first. Just remember not to clip too much on either end, especially the head. If it’s a very well made cigar like the Pepin Serie JJ Salomones (shown), you need only clip the head. If the Salomone has been finished with a nipple-like foot similar to the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Best Seller, for example, you would only need to clip the cap and light the nipple. In either case, eventually the ash will spread around the foot and the cigar should burn nicely.