The Legacy and Heritage of Pappy Van Winkle Cigars

Cigar 101: Cigar Accessories

 When speaking in regards to cigars, accessories aren’t necessarily aesthetically pleasing accoutrements, as the term might otherwise suggest - after all we aren’t talking about fashion accessories here. We are referring to toolsspecifically designed to elevate, heighten, and refine your smokingexperience. In this case, the term accessory is slightly misleading, as these are really essentials if you want to get the most out of your cigar experience and not in any way dilute the luxurious layers of flavor that have been handcraftedespecially for your enjoyment. 

Fortunately, in the case of premium cigars and ideal cigar accessories, we have you covered.   

 Once you have selected your ideal smoke, whether it is a Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermentedcigar or Pappy Van Winkle Tradition cigar, and familiarized yourself with all the cigar lingo, you are ready to select your accessories, starting with the two most critical: a cutter and a lighter. 

 Just as the experience of sipping bourbon demands proper accessories, so too does the cigar experience. Sure, it may just seem fun and frivolous to have a sophisticated glass for a Pappy Van Winkle Espresso Martini, or a vintage old-fashioned glass for an evening cocktail, but there is actually a reason, and a good deal of thought and craftsmanship behind these curated accessories. 

Just like bourbon, which ages and develops in character, depth, and complexity, cigarsare equally as decadent in their enjoyment and their production. Treat your cigar the same way. The cigar you are about to enjoy has undergone an equally laborious, traditional, and to some degree, secretive process as bourbon, and as such, it is not to be rushed or squandered.

Cigars are handcrafted, each individual layer carefully selected for a specific purpose and flavor profile. Each component of the layered process is part of a thoughtful and intentional process. 

Take our Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented cigars, for instance. The tobacco is fire-cured, where it hangs over a smoldering fire for anywhere from 3 days to 10 weeks, as the wafting smoke imparts a distinct smoky and earthy flavor, texture, and aroma.  Yet this is only one in a multi-layered process, similar to that of bourbon, that requires time, patience, and old-fashioned know-how and tradition. The fire-cured tobacco then undergoes a wholly unique fermentation process, where, just like the recently departed bourbon, it is carefully placed in a retiredPappy Van Winkle bourbon barrel. 

A lengthy element that requires time upwards of 12-18 months under conditions perfectedfor flavor. As it ferments under its own weight, it draws the remnants of bourbon from the barrel staves, taking on the signature oaky, smoky notes of Pappy Van Winkle flavor that remain. Only then is it sent to our cigar partner, Drew Estate, in Esteli, Nicaragua, where each cigar is hand-rolled under the scrutinous discretion of time-honored traditions, before it is carefully wrapped, boxed, and shared with you. 

So, just as one sip of bourbon carries decades of tradition, craftsmanship, and legacy, one singular cigar embodies the same level of dedication, tradition, and flavor and is ideally crafted for that moment of bliss and enjoyment. It is an invitation to luxury, relaxation, and ritual. One that deserves your attention, care, and detailed devotion. One that demands the proper tools, accessories, occasion, and time. 

Fortunately, we have thoughtfully curated a collection of accessories that are intentionally designed to fully appreciateand elevate the cigar-smoking experience. Basically, we did all of the work for you - all you have to do is sit back, relax, sip, and savoryour smoke. 

Explore our Cigar 101: Guide to Cigar Accessories: Cutters & Lighters

So, just as one should highlight the flavor of their preferred bourbon with accessories meant to define and elevate, cigars should be treated with the same deference. While it may seem like a simple act, how you cut and light your cigar affects the overall flavor and experience of your smoke. If you wouldn’t drink Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon out of a solo cup, then you shouldn’t light your cigar with a disposable lighter purchased at the gas station.  

 A cigar is a luxury. A moment to indulge in. It begins when you carefully selectyour cigar, cut and light it. 

Cutters:
Don’t let a subpar cutter ruin a premium cigar. How you cut your cigar affects the flow, smoke concentration, and intensity of flavor. There are a few types of cutters that, depending on the preference of cut and vitola, can set you up for the best smoking experience. 

 “V” Cut:  Named for the V-shaped notch that is carved into the cigar’s cap, rather than the perhaps more common straight cut provided by a traditional guillotine cutter, the V cutprovides more concentrated flavor and a deeper draw. As the cap stays intact with a V-Cut, it can help prevent tobacco bits from migrating into your mouth. While the sharp, wedge-shaped opening is suitable for most vitolas, it is best suited to larger vitolas and shaped torpedos. 
 We recommend: Custom “V” Cutterin Walnut Wood, created exclusively for Pappy & Company in partnership with Brizard & Co., known for their premium American-made leather goods, with Germain stainless steel for a flawless V-Cut Cutterbuilt to last. 

 SV Cutter: A two-in-one tool, this offers the versatility of a V cut and a straight cut, making it the ideal accessory for a smoker who enjoys tailoring their cut across multiple vitolas. A straight cut for broad flavor or a V cut for more intense, concentrated flavor. 
We recommend: Custom Calibri SV-Cut Cutter: Elegant and functional, with a sleek, ergonomic design, a traditional, large S-Cut aperture, and a V-Cut that allows you to control the depth of the clean V-shaped cut.  

 Guillotine Cutter: A classic cigar cutter, the guillotine provides a smooth, precise cut with a sharp blade. With a swift, clean, and simple movement, the guillotine operates just as the name indicates, by removing the cigar’s top for a full draw. Suitable for most vitolas, this dependable cutter offers a consistent cut for broad flavor.  We recommend:Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Boxed Cutter: Stainless Steel Guillotine, which accommodates up to a 60-ring gauge cigar and includes a built-in cigar rest.  

 Punch Cut Cutter: A punch cut operates like a hole punch for cigars. Often times a portable option, it, as the name suggests, punches a hole in the cap to remove a plug of tobacco, leaving a clean circular cut. Popular for larger vitolas, it makes for the ideal travel accessory. 

 We recommend: the versatile and elegant custom Pappy Van Winkle antique Gatsbytable lighter, which includes a built-inpunch cutter and poker.  

Lighters.

Similarly, how you lightyour cigar and the lighter you use can affect the cigar's flavor, dry it out, or torch its layers of flavor. After years of carefulproduction, don’t ruin your smoke with a cheap lighter that can impact the cigar with chemical flavors.  Our line-up of custom lightersin a variety of options will ensure a clean, precise, and smooth light, every single time, in signature Pappy Van Winkle style.  

 Holding the flame 1 to 2 inches away, gently rotate your cigar as you run the flame along the edges until the tobacco is evenly darkened. This will naturally warm the oils present in the tobacco and ensure a smooth, flavorful smoke. To avoid burning or drying out, don’t hold the flame in direct or extended contact with the cigar. For the secondary light, gently hold the flame as you rotate the cigar and puff simultaneously until the cigar is fully lit and you have achieved your desired draw. 

We recommend: 
Custom Colibri Julius Lighter: Featuring a robust double flame that can withstand the elements, with a roll bar ignition and touch fuel wheel that allows you to control the level of power. Suitable for all cigar vitolas.  

 Custom Colibri Aura Flat Flame Lighter:Long, lean, and versatile for wider coverage, with a thumbs-up motion trigger that instantly ignites a 10mm flat flame. Suitable for all vitolas, and a bonus: it reaches a wick that has worn down or a candle tucked into a deep vase.  

 Custom Gatsby Table Lighter in Antique Saddle Leather: Classic and retro style, with ergonomic design and chromed three levertorch flame for elegant display and smooth, flawless light each time. Includes a built-in punch cutter and poker to loosen tightly rolled tobacco.  

 Custom Wood Eternal Lighter in Walnut:Crafted in partnership with Brizard & Co., our custom lighter features a double soft flame, a classic flip cap, and side-roller ignitionfor a flame that wraps around the cigar for an even, consistent light. 

Stay tuned for more cigar guides to elevate your experience. In the meantime, explore our collection of unique, custom, hand-crafted cigar accessories designed to be the ideal cigar companion. We invite you to select the right cigar, your ideal cocktail, and indulge in a favored ritual.