Cigar Tip: Cutting a Torpedo

Share it!

Cutting a cigar cap can be tricky. We need to cut just enough cigar to open its end, but not so deep as to cause the wrapper to unravel. This is particularly true with a torpedo type vitola. These pointy-end cigars are some of the hardest to roll because the head is elongated, making it’s construction more challenging than a parejo (standard cigar shape). This elongated head means the windings of the cap are spread out over a larger area of the cigar.

The tendency when cutting a torpedo (or piramide) is to cut way more than is necessary. This in turn can cause the wrapper to unwind, making for a less enjoyable smoking experience. Fact is, we really don’t need to cut all that much. Making a cut that is just enough to open a small air hole should work just fine. By doing this we can insure the integrity of the cigar’s construction and enjoy the cigar with a cap that remains tightly wound.

7 thoughts on “Cigar Tip: Cutting a Torpedo

  1. One of my favorites is a torp. I estimate and never had a problem. Carefully look at the cap, eyball 2/3rds, nevger had an unravel. On Pyramids start from the tip and go the point where the thickness of the stick starts to uniform and eyeball halfway. Again have never had an unravel and seems to always be ample draw I tried a wedgy on a Pyri and 3/4 down started to get build up. (coulda done it wrong but haven’t used a V since)

  2. The amount of cut effects the intensity of flavor and can effect the burn. i have been experimenting with a V cut and it seems to work great!

  3. I haven’t found a torpedo I particularly enjoy. It feels like smoking through a straw. Is that what torpedo smokers look for? (Although I do appreciate the torpedo Nubs.)

  4. I’ve enjoyed cutting torpedoes with a V cutter a few times. It seems to give me a great draw without worrying about cutting off too much.

  5. I always do a straight cut, and rather a careful one, to test the draw. I make another cut later if needed to improve it.

  6. Some make the cut on an angle to expose more filler. They say it doesn’t harm the burn. Sounds risky to me. I always look very carefully at the cap before cutting a torpedo.

  7. I generally cut a 1/4″ off, test the draw, and take a second 1/4″ off if needed.

Leave a Reply