Ahh yes the status quo...the straight cut! It can never be discredited and is the smoker's (and usually the blenders) choice for a proper draw and flavor experience. When evaluating a cigar, to experience what the manufacturer intended, this is the traditional cut. However, I tried out my punch cutter on a familiar blend today, La Riqueza petit robusto cabinet selection. What I found was worth sharing. A punch cut, if used on a cigar that's not too tightly constructed will:
1. keep the cap intact. This is very handy if you don't have a sharp guillotine cutter or are prone to cutting too much past the shoulder of your parejo.
2. change up the experience by producing a more concentrated spice on the first half, giving it a sharper and stronger taste. Because the smoke is condensed to a smaller opening the smoke hits the pallet differently and can turn your usual blend into something new.
3. create a very good burn. Remember that on premium handmades, the entire tobacco leaf is bunched against others before the binder is rolled around them. Uneven bunching can cause one side to burn quicker if air passes through evenly with a straight cut. Since the draw is confined to the center of the cigar, it focuses the combustion in the middle.
4. make the cigar easier to nub if you're going the distance.
I thought that "tunneling" would be a concern, but my smoke actually burned better and created the perfect conical cherry. The bottom line is, stick to your favorite cut, but never be afraid to revert to long forgotten accessories. You just may be surprised...
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