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)

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?

 

[Smart Ash]

I haven’t noticed a change in flavor of the smoke, but definitely notice a build up of tar at the cap. I prefer a straight cut over a v or a punch.

 

[lucasbuck]

V-Cut is far superior. Wish I had known about them in my early smoking journey. Would have saved lots of headaches.

 

[Long Ash]

In my opinion the straight and V are the better cuts. Straight is how the blender intends for you to taste their blends. I dont think the difference in draw or taste is much if any between the V and straight. The punch in my opinion sucks. They taste bitter towards the end, and risk crushing the cap if dull which they get quick. A dull straight or V will still get the job done without damage unless it has train wrecked blades. Plus you can't punch all cigars some are too small and some are so big the hole is too small. Winner-Straight/V

 

[Smart Ash]

V-Cut is far superior. Wish I had known about them in my early smoking journey. Would have saved lots of headaches.

Can you elaborate please? I’m interested in your thoughts on why a v is superior. I will admit, I’ve only had dozens of instances where I’ve used a v over a straight. Perhaps I’m missing out on something…

 

[MaytagMan]

For me it is straight a majority of the time, V on occasion. I'm not a punch fan.

 

[lucasbuck]

Can you elaborate please? I’m interested in your thoughts on why a v is superior. I will admit, I’ve only had dozens of instances where I’ve used a v over a straight. Perhaps I’m missing out on something…

Exposes maximum filler/binder while leaving the cap intact. Near perfect draw every single time. Zero guess work. Same cut always - no more, no less. I’ve been using this cut almost exclusively for about 15 years now. Total game changer (at least for me). Keep in mind I smoke Cuban cigars which often have less than ideal construction unlike NC’s which are much more consistent.