Cigars 101

Clipping “pigtail” capped cigars

Q. I recently purchased Rocky Patel’s Factory Select 60 and it has a head with a curly type cap. How do you clip these? First one I did as normal but the cigar unwound. I have had the best luck just sniping off the little “knot.” It leaves just a small hole and doesn’t unravel as much. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
– Vincent C.

A. You did the right thing. This type of cap is called “pigtail.” If you snip it at its base, you should have enough exposed tobacco at the head to produce a good draw. In your case, in which the wrapper leaf unwound, you may have just cut a little too deep. I’ve clipped some pigtail cigars the way you would a round capped cigar, and they’ve been fine, although I admit I’ve goofed on occasion.

When clipping round head cigars, try to cut the cap as thinly as possible so what results looks like a little disc. If you have a good sharp cutter, you can always slice off a little more cap if needed.