Been reading about them and searching for an answer to this question but I haven't found the answer. (I did find a rapper named Shaggy.) Why make a cigar with a shaggy foot?
I've not had one myself...but would it make lighting easier, and smoother? Allow the filler to light more "naturally" (not sure that's the right word). I'd thing if you get the "shag" going, it will light the stick itself in much less heat than a torch.
Something to do with lighting is what I think, too. Imagine having to light your cigar with a coal of fire held in a pair of tongs, I think the shaggy foot would help smooth that out. Just guessing, though.
I love the shaggy foot. You get to experience the filler and later see how it changes when you hit the binder and wrapper. Significant change and very interesting. Strongly recommend you try one out and see for yourself. It is a fun experience.
I have had a few shaggy footed sticks. I like the idea of trying the filler on it's own. I remember reading the origin is in Cuba. The article explained it was done so the purchaser good see the tobacco that was used in the blend. Maybe so...maybe no.
I have had a few shaggy footed sticks. I like the idea of trying the filler on it's own. I remember reading the origin is in Cuba. The article explained it was done so the purchaser good see the tobacco that was used in the blend. Maybe so...maybe no.
Yes, me too. (Not that I've tried one yet but I like the concept of being able to taste the contrast.) I've read that it's a good way to see what the filler tastes like before the binder and wrapper com into play. But like you said, this may be the reason, maybe not. Nothing I've read so far states any exact purpose. I've wondered to myself if it was a way to prove that the cigar contained long filler as opposed to short. Maybe?
I have had a few shaggy footed sticks. I like the idea of trying the filler on it's own. I remember reading the origin is in Cuba. The article explained it was done so the purchaser good see the tobacco that was used in the blend. Maybe so...maybe no.
Yes, me too. (Not that I've tried one yet but I like the concept of being able to taste the contrast.) I've read that it's a good way to see what the filler tastes like before the binder and wrapper com into play. But like you said, this may be the reason, maybe not. Nothing I've read so far states any exact purpose. I've wondered to myself if it was a way to prove that the cigar contained long filler as opposed to short. Maybe?
Maybe to it all. I still go for the "we do it because we can" and as a way to distinguish a cigar from another/marketing. The couple of shaggy feet I've had haven't had enough of a shag to really allow you to taste the filler alone all that much. By the time it's well toasted and ready to go, anyway. They're more like a low pile than a shag, really.
Yes, shaggy and closed foot allow you to taste the different elements of the cigar on their own. I really like closed foot cigars. I love the way the wrapper tastes by itself. Someone also mentioned the Viaje Summerfest and that is a great illustration of the differences. Such a good stick and the filler/binder by itself really does shine but once you add the wrapper, yum yum yum.
I remember reading once that another reason for the shaggy foot is to give the feel of "old school rolled cigars". The rollers did a quick job on cigars that they intended to smoke, so trimming and a good look were not important. I can see how the flavor profile aspect can be considered too since there will be a definite profile change when all three ( filler, binder, wrapper ) are burning, and when they are not.
Dug around the humidor and found I have a Gurkha and a couple Viaje left with the shaggy foot. The only downside to me is if there is no cellophane you have to be careful because little pieces will come off here and there. Not enough to damage the cigar but it leaves a little tobacco in the tray. I like a clean humidor.
Shaggy Foot simply allows you to light up your cigars and taste what the filler is before the wrapper and binder flavors comes in.
Yes, nowadays that seems to be the only purpose, but the question is more of a historical one. Is tasting the difference the only reason the shaggy foot idea began? What about the first shaggy foots? When and why. We may never know. LOL
Yup. The flavor is just WAY better when you start slow. But I used to be like this guy. If not for some very helpful comments that I read here on ccom and a few helpful youtube videos I would still be torching and charring my sticks too. And this guy wasn't too bad. I've seen worse. You know, where you see guys stick that triple flame torch right on the foot and puff and puff and puff and next thing you know a big flare back-draft emerges from the foot and it's actually ablaze with flames and he has to blow on it to get the flame to go out? LOL. Makes me wonder if the quest by some BOTLs for stronger flavors in cigars isn't some attempt to overcome the harsh results of their lighting technique.
Sure, we all had no clue at one time, and certainly you can light a cigar many ways. But sometimes I cringe when I see some get torched... I can't help but think you are right. I'm sure there are some guys who are convinced all cigars taste like charcoal for the first half of the stick, then tar the second half, lol!
To keep in line with this thread, lighting a shaggy foot would probably make an "aggressive lighter" slow down. If you take a triple flame right on a shaggy foot, you will get a forest fire!
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