In case you were wondering, no, your cigar is not defective. No, they did not forget to finish your stogie during the rolling stage down at the factory, and accidentally left the innards hanging outwards. This was done on purpose, and yes, there is a purpose to this "shaggy foot" you see on the end of your cigar.

To the uninitiated eye, the sight of unkempt tobacco leaves protruding from the end of a cigar is anything but attractive. We get it. It's rough-looking, unrefined, and flat-out incomplete in a way. 

But for certain cigar makers, having a stick or two in their collection that rocks a shaggy foot is actually a wise marketing move. Not only do these kinds of cigars stand out on the shelf, but they also offer something that seasoned cigar smokers search for, and here's why you too should be intrigued.

A Few Shaggy Foot Faves

Oscar Valladares "Island Jim Barber Pole"

Camacho "Factory Unleashed 1"

Oscar Valladares "McFly"

Foot Loose & Fancy Free

While not nearly as commonplace, a shaggy foot is also referred to as a "loose foot," or a "broom" in the stogie biz. Despite their rare usage, both terms are widely recognized in the cigar community, as they are accurate representations of the cigar itself. In fact, it was the latter of the two that started the whole shaggy foot craze, as cigar makers in Cuba during the early 1900s produced what they called "escoba" (aka "brooms") in limited quantities for certain cigar blends.

As for production, that merely requires a firm bunch, the application of the wrapper and cap, followed by a predesignated amount of the shaggy foot being shorn. This leaves a clean, flat end on the cigar that is ripe for lighting, while still allowing the innards of the blend to be exposed. Like all cigars, cellophane packaging is optional, with shaggy foot cigars like the Island Jim line from Oscar Valladares shipping completely nude.

First Impressions Matter Most

Being that what gets lit is the section of the cigar that is all sorts of shaggy, it only makes sense that it is here that a series of unique smells and tastes occur. After lighting the shaggy foot (either with or without toasting), you will be able to experience the tobacco inside of the cigar without any influence from the wrapper. Being that the cigar wrapper leaf is recognized for imparting the majority of the flavors and aromas that are deemed detectable, being able to experience the tobacco underneath without any influence from this leaf puts a whole new spin on the tasting wheel.

Even though the overall cigar flavor profile cannot be detected, a series of notes hit the taste buds and smell receptors that cannot be found anywhere else within the blend. It may not be nearly as complex an experience as when the wrapper is burning alongside everything else, but there are definitely going to be some intriguing tasting notes during those first few minutes. 

Furthermore, as the shaggy foot ends and the wrapper begins, a transition that is exclusive to that section comes alive. For fans of "broom blends," this is where the sweet spot lies, as it grants you access to a shift in tastes and smells that a cleanly cut foot cannot. It may not be the most heart-pounding plunge into new cigar tasting notes, but it more than likely will be noticeable.

Parting Puffs

All that being said, there are a few considerations one must take into account when selecting a shaggy foot cigar. This isn't your average stogie, so it does have its own quirks and needs. 

First of all, one must carefully inspect that section where the shaggy foot transitions over to the wrapper prior to purchase. If the shaggy foot blooms outward, or those "broom straws" get frazzled, there may be damage to the wrapper. So look for cracks or significant peeling. A little bit should be fine, but too much can cause serious burn concerns to form further down.

The other thing to watch out for is ash flakes and ash drops. Without a wrapper or binder in place, the long-filler has no source of restraint around its circumference. So keep that ashtray handy and be mindful of your clothing and body hair, because a smoldering shaggy foot can make a royal mess of things if one is not mindful.

But beyond these two considerations, there really isn't that much to worry about when smoking a cigar with a shaggy foot. Not all cigars are intended to have them, as their internals are not ideal for smoking on their own, so when you see one, definitely give it a shot. You more than likely are going to enjoy what you find, and maybe, just maybe, find a new favorite vitola in a blend line that you already adore.