Definition
The foot is the open end of a cigar, the part you light. It exposes the filler leaves inside and gives a first look at the cigar’s blend composition. When appropriately toasted, the foot sets the tone for the cigar’s burn, aroma, and initial flavor notes.
Structure & Function
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🔥 Location: Opposite the cap, this is the end placed in the flame during lighting.
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🍂 Composition: Exposes the tips of the filler, held by the binder and wrapped by the wrapper.
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💨 Purpose: Allows air and flame to draw evenly through the cigar, ensuring a uniform burn.
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👃 Sensory Role: The aroma from the unlit foot reveals early hints of flavor — a preview of the blend’s character.
Foot Styles
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Open Foot: Most common; filler is fully exposed for immediate lighting.
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Closed Foot (Covered): Wrapper leaf covers the end, delivering a burst of wrapper flavor on first light.
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Shaggy Foot: Filler extends slightly beyond the wrapper — a rustic, traditional style that highlights the transition from the taste of the filler to the wrapper.
For visuals and examples of different cigar foot styles, see Cigar Aficionado’s guide to cigar feet.
It shows how open, closed, and shaggy feet influence the lighting experience and early flavor profile.
Pro Tip
Always toast the foot before lighting. Hold the cigar just above the flame and rotate it slowly until the edge glows evenly — this prevents tunneling and ensures the wrapper, binder, and filler ignite together for a balanced start.
Related Terms
👉 Cap | Binder | Filler
👉 Cigar Construction | Fermentation | Aging
👉 Curing | Wrapper | Wrapper Colors
