Punch vs Guillotine in Nicotine buil-up and taste effection

[Sid.Stavros]

A cigar Punch produces a 7-10mm hole and this cut surface is smaller in diameter than one from a Guillotine cuter, according to Physics this smaller hole makes the draw one click more difficult and some remains may stay in the perimeter of the hole but my point of interest is the Nicotine:

According to Google: A cigar punch, does not inherently increase or change the nicotine content at the end of a cigar; rather, the tool creates a small, circular hole in the cap to control the draw and deliver a more concentrated smoke, which some smokers prefer. While the resulting smoke may taste stronger due to the concentrated oils and heat, this is a subjective experience related to the draw, not a change in the tobacco's nicotine. The method allows less filler and binder to enter the mouth, potentially providing a cleaner, more complex flavour profile.

Potential Drawbacks

Restricted Airflow: The smaller hole can restrict airflow, making the cigar go out more frequently.
Oil Build-up: Some smokers experience a build-up of tobacco and saliva oils at the capped end, which can create a bitter taste.

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In this video the XIKAR President and Co-Founder (at that time)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRlUYIzV0iA

at 0:29-0:38 says that ''cigar Punch helps build Nicotine towards the end of cigar and it does that by restricting the flow of air and smoke through it and that collects at the butt''

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Gentlemen, since they say different things what's your opinion? You that are far more experienced than me, have you ever noticed any difference in the same cigar from the use of Punch or Guillotine? The taste is same, is stronger or not?

Those last draws with Punch contain more Nicotine and give you a a click bitter taste than those with the Guillotine or not?

[ha_banos]

I almost always 99% guillotine cut. Next cigar I'll go for another D4, punch cut.

I've only had tar build up on a piramid which a small guillotine cut. Another cut fixes it. I've only punched a few cigars. Can't say I've noticed a difference. ... But then Cubans are ... Variable.

[PeeJay]

I punched every day for two weeks of a holiday once and got 'tongue bite" which is an affliction that affects pipe smokers but I didn't notice any change in nicotine or flavour.

[smokey joe]

On a flat headed cigar a punch or V-cut will restrict airflow (compared to a guillotine cut that exposed more of the surface), which in turn can cause draw and burn issues, affecting flavour.

I think the nicotine is uniform in the cigar, regardless of cut style.

A V-cut on a torpedo will, due to the shape, pull smoke through the entire cigar but can increase risk of tar build up - more than an angled guillotine cut, in my experience. Can always do the later after the former if required.

For a time I used punch cuts by default (a year or more) and did experience more frequent occasions of tar build up as a consequence.

It’s a long time since I had any tar issues regardless of cut. I wonder if the way the cigars are stored has anything to do with it.

[Simon Bolivar]

I have been punch for 20 odd yrs, above 40 RG, below I cut. There are several reasons why I continue to use this method. Firstly convenience, I have a punch on my key ring & always have it with me, never had a problem with it at an airport, if questioned just explained it's purpose. Secondly it leaves an edge to the cap, no ragged wrapper. It does give a little firmer draw, which I prefer but if it's too tight, I'll either punch it a second time (if RG large enough or cut it. Ultimately, if it's a loose draw (happens more often these days with Cubans), cutting it means you can't tighten the draw but I can open up a tight draw, if I punched first.

Of note, I rarely smoke large RG & yes, occasionally I do get tar. Cutting does get rid of the residue but I usually find if it's a tary cigar, it will return anyway & I might have to cut a second time. The bitter taste usually ruins, anotherwise pleasant experience.

[ha_banos]

I have been punch for 20 odd yrs, above 40 RG, below I cut. There are several reasons why I continue to use this method. Firstly convenience, I have a punch on my key ring & always have it with me, never had a problem with it at an airport, if questioned just explained it's purpose. Secondly it leaves an edge to the cap, no ragged wrapper. It does give a little firmer draw, which I prefer but if it's too tight, I'll either punch it a second time (if RG large enough or cut it. Ultimately, if it's a loose draw (happens more often these days with Cubans), cutting it means you can't tighten the draw but I can open up a tight draw, if I punched first.

Of note, I rarely smoke large RG & yes, occasionally I do get tar. Cutting does get rid of the residue but I usually find if it's a tary cigar, it will return anyway & I might have to cut a second time. The bitter taste usually ruins, anotherwise pleasant experience.

I think Mitch actively does not punch cut. Something about spoils the cigar IIRC. And I vaguely recall someone - could be Ed Sahakian agreeing with him. I did just try to find a reference to this, but no luck yet!

Make for an interesting poll here.

[Hookmaker]

I used to punch 95% but last year I've been cutting mostly due to tasting new releases where tar build up and “dripping” is much more frequent than in aged/vintage cigars.


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