When to Ash a Cigar

January 31, 2010 by Dave Sabot
Filed under Travel

Smoking a cigar is very unlike smoking a cigarette. The right time to ash a cigarette is when the ash becomes inconveniently long. The tobacco in cigarettes is cheap and hot-burning. Conversely, the tobacco in a cigar is expensive and burns best when it\’s kept at a lower temperature. This ensures the very best flavor.

Figuring out how much of an ash gives the best flavor will depend not only on the smoker\’s preference but on the cigar in question. Some cigars will burn hotter than others and, thus, need more of an ash. Remember that the first few puffs of a cigar will be the point at which the ash is at its hottest. Cigar lighters, such as Colibri lighters, oftentimes have a very hot flame and the first few puffs are not representative of the overall flavor of the cigar owning to the heat. Once an ash is generated, the real flavor begins.

The more ash, the cooler the ember. Too much ash will actually extinguish the ember altogether so one must endeavor to keep the ash to a reasonable level. Too much of an ash will also mean a hard draw. Depending on the tobacco being smoked, one may be able to smoke with a longer ash or the density of the tobacco may mean that the cigar needs to be ashed quite frequently. Keep experimenting to see what works for any given brand of cigar.

The ash also affects how easily one can draw off of the cigar. Of course, a thicker, heavier ash means that it will be a harder draw for the smoker. No ash means that the draw will be very easy but also may mean that the ember will be burning too hot to ensure quality flavor. The art of cigar smoking involves finding a happy medium between the two. It may take some time but, then again, all worthwhile things have that quality to them.

Don\’t ash too frequently. Not only does this cause the ember to burn too hot, it can pull filler material out of the wrapper and the entire cherry, if done too vigorously. Conversely, tapping off the ash too infrequently may result in a very difficult draw, a cigar that keeps going out and, of course, a bunch of ashes falling off the foot at an inopportune moment. Cigar smoking is an inherently social activity and one even may want to ask a very experienced smoker for their advice on the matter. A cigar is best enjoyed when smoked correctly and, to that end, the experience of an old hand is very much a useful thing. Remember to keep track of what methods give the best results!

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty lighters store featuring windproof lighters and cigar reviews.