Does a v-cut or punch enhance the flavor?

[holmes711]

I was wanting to try a v-cutter or a punch and was wondering what to expect, if anything.

[andrew s]

I think for the most part it is preference. I always use a punch unless it is a torpedo then I use a cutter. I like the punch because it is cleaner, it doesn't leave any loose tobacco.

I don't think it would change the taste at all.

[itsme_timd]

I've heard that a punch or v-cut will 'concentrate' the smoke and therefore the flavors. I've got a punch on my Xikar lighter and I've used it several times - I have not noticed a flavor difference.

However, I frequently find I have to grab a cutter and nip it after a while - I always seem to get a build up around the punch that affects the draw.

[madurolover]

I have never noticed any difference.

[RicoPuro]

I don't see a razon why it would make a difference. I mostly punch my cigars (except course for torpedos or belicosos). In larger ring smokes I punch them several times, the first one in the center and 4-5 additional punches around the first one to make for a larger draw surface.

Jorge

[SMOKE20]

I have never noticed a difference. But I am intrigued by the V cutter. I may have to go get a cheap one to try out

[DBCcigar]

No, it does not "Enhance" the flavor.

[Cigary]

Originally Posted by itsme_timd

I've heard that a punch or v-cut will 'concentrate' the smoke and therefore the flavors. I've got a punch on my Xikar lighter and I've used it several times - I have not noticed a flavor difference.

However, I frequently find I have to grab a cutter and nip it after a while - I always seem to get a build up around the punch that affects the draw.

This is correct in that most V Cutters ( as myself ) tend to be able to get a more directed level and concentration of smoke,,,does it mean you get more smoke? Sometimes it does because when you clip the head of your cigar you don't want to cut past more than 1/8,,,or you risk unravelling of the wrapper. I actually have a "Little Guy" Boston Cutter that is a deeper cut,,,a cats eye cut that will cut deeper in the middle than at the beginning or end of the cut. This "trenches" the head all the way across while making the beginning and end of the cut not as deep,,,so the direction and pull of the smoke (IMHO) gives you more of what you want. A Punch cut will be deep in the middle but it doesn't have the "trench" effect and is only about a 1/3 of the size of the cats eye cut.

Originally Posted by SMOKE20

I have never noticed a difference. But I am intrigued by the V cutter. I may have to go get a cheap one to try out

Try as many different kinds of cuts as it's all about what you prefer anyway. I don't have any scientific data to prove that I get more smoke but it sure seems that way.

As DBC says,,,its not going to enhance the flavor,,,the flavor is what it is and if it did enhance you'd see everyone doing a V Cut or Cats Eye Cut.

Rico Puro is probably on to something as he says he uses more than one punch,,,thus getting into the middle of the cigar and opening up as much of the head as he can. I used to do this too at one time but ended up collapsing the head of the cigar as I tend to keep it in mouth too long.

[Nwayne]

I don't punch my cigars because when I smoke my cigar, my mouth tends to leave the end very very wet...I have big lips. And with that, it leave that cap pretty mushy, so I try to cut off as much as the cap I can without unraveling the cigar.

[s.tyler]

imo just preference and i prefer the punch.

[Airborne RU]

No change in flavor. I think it is mosly a convience issue.

I do notice that punched cigars accumulate tar at the opening with greater frequency. This can be good and bad. Good because that means its not going into your mouth; bad because if you don't pay attention to the opening you could get a tongue full of bitter tar.

[Marinero]

I only punch my cigars, and i get the right ammount of smoke that i like.

But it is true that i just noticed from what Airborne is saying.... i do get a bitter taste at the beginning from some of the cigars,,,,,

i will give the cutter a shot with the same kind of cigar and see if i still get that bitterness....

[ca21455]

Same experience as others, do not notice any change in taste. A punch works well on some cigars, I like it because you keep most of the wrapper in tack. A punch will work well on cigars that have an easy draw. Not so well if the draw is hard.

Wetting can be a problem with some cigars also, if the draw gets too hard I have to clip the punched area off.

Never have liked the V cut. Again it will work well for some cigars. Others will have a tendency to tear and make for a mess. When this happens have to clip the end again.

Use a guillotine cut 90% of the time.

[teedles915]

I prefer the v-cut just because it keeps you from cutting too much off, but you get a bigger opening than a punch. I think it's just a personal preference. On anything over about a 52 ring gauge I go with a double blader. Just experiment you'll find what you like.

[Toulouse]

I v-cut most large ring cigars, mostly because for me it keeps the head the neatest.

I highly recommend the Wolf V-Cutter. Sells for around $10 and feels very cheap and flimsy, but works better than any other v-cutter I've ever used.