Tapered head cigars

Monday, November 29 1999

Q. What is the advantage of a tapered head on a cigar?

A. The "advantage" of cigars with tapered heads, such as Pyramids, Torpedoes, Belicosos, and Double Perfectos - also referred to as "Figurados" - is that the small, conical-shaped opening causes the oils from the cigar to collect much faster in the head. Since the flavors develop more quickly, your palate is able to pick up more of the flavor nuances in the tobaccos, resulting in a more complex-tasting smoke.

The Pyramid is perhaps the best shape for demonstrating this phemomenon, because the entire cigar fans out from the head to the foot.