Monday, November 29 1999
Q. I've recently just started smoking cigars and have been curious about cigarillos. As none of my friends smoke, I'm without help, so here's the question: Do you cut cigarillos with those large cigar cutters or are smaller ones available?
- David K.
A. Actually, It depends on the size of the cigarillo, since "cigarillo" is sometimes used as a broad term. Most cigarillos, which are often presented in tins, are generally a 29 ring or smaller in diameter. Cigarillos in those sizes, many of which are machine-made, are rolled open at the head, and therefore require no cutting at all.
Most "small cigars," which can range from a 30 to a 36 ring, are "capped" (closed at the head) like large premium cigars, and should be clipped. Note that a lot of the better brand small cigars are also made by hand.
For clipping, you would use the same cutter as you would on a large cigar. Some cutters offer smaller holes, but your average, double-blade guillotine will do the trick.
