When to Ash a Cigar
Articles - Lifestyle
Cigar smoking, like any other gourmet activity, is one where every aspect of the endeavor matters. This includes when one should ash their cigar. The ash does do a bit of work for the cigar smoker and maintaining the proper amount affects the quality of the smoke.
by DaveSabot


Cigar smoking, like any other gourmet activity, is one where every aspect of the endeavor matters. This includes when one should ash their cigar. The ash does do a bit of work for the cigar smoker and maintaining the proper amount affects the quality of the smoke.

The ash is far more than a nuisance. It affects the burn rate of the cigar, the ease of draw and much more. Over time, a cigar smoker will develop the ability to determine exactly how much ash is the best on the foot of their cigar.

A cigar ember should be burning slightly cooler than one might think. The ash plays a role in this. To generate an ember, the cigar needs heat, fuel and oxygen. The tobacco, obviously, is the fuel. The lighter provides the heat that allows the cigar to combust and the oxygen is ambient, the levels being increased when one draws through the cigar. To mitigate the heat, the ash acts as something of a damper, reducing the raw amount of oxygen to which the ember is exposed.

Etiquette is also a part of deciding when to ash. Remember that a long ash will tend to shed all over the place and, in environments where there is carpet or expensive furniture, this can result in some significant embarrassment. It's best to keep the ash to a short enough length that one can be assured that it stays fixed to the ember and doesn't fall in any inopportune places.

The cigar ash may still have some very hot embers within it, so keep this in mind when smoking in outdoor locations. Especially in areas with dry grass or wood, this can pose a risk of fire. To make sure the ash is cooled, flick it first into the palm of the hand and then toss it to the wind once one is sure it's cooled off. Aside from determining the flavor of a cigar, the ash presents one of the hazards of smoking and should be watched.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including cigar lighters, Dave also owns a premier online humidors store.