When you light up a cigar, it’s not just about enjoying the flavours—there’s a whole lot more to the experience. The ash and smoke produced during the burn can tell you a lot about your cigar’s quality, construction, and blend. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced smoker, understanding what your cigar’s ash and smoke are telling you can help you savour the experience even more.
What does the cigar ash reveal?
The ash of your cigar provides several clues about the quality of the cigar and its construction. Though it’s easy to overlook, a closer look at the ash can give you valuable insight.
Length and consistency of the ash
A well-constructed cigar will hold its ash for longer periods. A longer, consistent ash is often a sign of quality tobacco and good construction. Typically, a cigar with a stable ash indicates it’s rolled properly and burning evenly. A cigar that sheds its ash quickly or easily may have a loose roll or uneven packing.
Colour of the ash
The colour of the ash varies depending on the cigar’s blend. Light grey or white ash generally indicates good quality, aged tobacco, and proper fermentation. Darker ash, such as grey or black, is often found in stronger, fuller-bodied cigars and is not necessarily a sign of poor quality. However, inconsistent or crumbling ash might point to inferior construction or improperly cured tobacco.
Firmness and texture
The texture of the ash also reveals the cigar’s quality. Ash that holds its shape and is firm is a sign of a solid, well-constructed cigar. Soft or powdery ash could suggest that the tobacco was poorly cured or over-humidified. A flaky or crumbling ash can indicate an issue with the cigar’s quality.
What does the cigar smoke reveal?
Cigar smoke is another key indicator of quality. It can reveal how well the cigar is burning, the construction, and the overall flavour experience.
Draw and smoke volume
The ease with which smoke flows through the cigar is a clear sign of its construction. A well-rolled cigar will provide a smooth draw and an ample volume of smoke. If the draw is tight, it might indicate the cigar was packed too tightly, making it harder to smoke and reducing the volume of smoke. A loose draw could cause the cigar to burn too quickly, affecting the flavour and experience.
Smoothness of the smoke
The smoothness of the smoke speaks to how well the cigar is performing. High-quality cigars tend to produce thick, creamy smoke that is easy to inhale. If the smoke feels harsh, hot, or uncomfortable, it could be a sign that the cigar is burning too quickly, was over-humidified, or the tobacco is poorly blended. A cigar with smooth, even smoke is often a well-crafted cigar with balanced tobacco.
Aroma of the smoke
The aroma of the smoke is another way to gauge the cigar’s quality. Rich, pleasant aromas are typical of high-quality cigars, with a balanced mix of natural tobacco sweetness and depth. If the smoke has a sour, bitter cigar taste or a burnt smell, it might be a sign of poor tobacco quality or an issue with the cigar’s construction.
What to do if ash or smoke isn’t right
If you notice any problems with the cigar ash or smoke, it may indicate issues with its construction or moisture levels. For instance, if the ash falls off too quickly, it may be a sign of a loose roll or poor combustion. Try smoking more slowly to allow the cigar to burn evenly. A tight draw can sometimes be relieved by gently massaging the cigar or carefully cutting it again. If the smoke feels too hot or harsh, allow the cigar to cool down between puffs.
Sometimes, it may be the cigar itself. If the smoke is uncomfortable or the ash is inconsistent, it could simply be a cigar that isn’t up to par.
Cigar ash and smoke tell you a lot about the cigar itself. A steady ash, smooth smoke, and a nice aroma usually mean it’s a well-made cigar, while problems with these can hint at flaws in the construction. Paying attention to these details, whether you’re experienced or new to cigars, can really improve your overall smoking experience.
