New May 2006

Purera-Corta Puros, size 3 robustos 30€.

New January 2005

New Book

The cut is fundamental: it will determine the draught, burn and flavour. The cut should be clean, never jagged, and you must never cross the line joining the mouth end of the wrapper. This would cause the wrapper to start to unravel and the cigar would come undone. The flavour and duration of the cigar will depend on doing it right. It should not be an excessive cut, as this would cause it to burn too fast and give a sensation of excess heat in the mouth.

There is a large variety of instruments for a good cut. The simplest is to use a guillotine or special cutter; the mouth end should never be perforated, or bitten or cut using your nails, as this will only serve to damage the cigar.

If you wish to remove the band from the cigar, you should wait until it is lit. Otherwise, the wrapper could be damaged.

Lighting up is also a very important step. According to how a cigar is lit, its flavour and burn will be affected. A lighter can be used, provided it is odourless, butane gas.

The best thing for lighting up a Havana or a good cigar is wooden matches; special ones are available, made with cedar wood. Cardboard or wax matches should never be used, as they would contaminate the cigar's flavour. Wooden splints are also recommended, such as the ones in any box of Havanas to cover the cigars.

When lighting it, the cigar should not be burnt with the lighter or match. The burnt flavour comes through straight away. The cigar should be held and the flame set at an angle of 45º, without it touching the cigar. The cigar should then be turned slowly, until it is evenly lit. You can then take small puffs whilst turning it. When the cigar is alight, you can treat yourself to a good puff.

You can now enjoy this fine cigar with all your senses.