Anatomy of an Ash

[DesertRat]

I'm sitting here smoking a Sancho Panza Dbl Maduro Escudero and looking at this 2" long ash at the end and asking myself; what, if anything does the ash tell you about a cigar?

I've seen people refer to the ash in reviews and such and I remember how surprised I was when I had a nice long ash hit the floor with a noticeable thud as opposed to a silent splash of fine ash.

So I figured I'd ask the FOG's here to enlighten me as to what they learn from the way a cigar burns and specifically the ash it leaves? If anything at all.

Thanks in advance

Danny

 

[Devil Doc]

It's sort of like reading entrails. It can mean anything you want it to.

Doc.

 

[DesertRat]

Hmmm, interesting, although having never taken a fancy to reading entrails, I'm still in the dark.

 

[Devil Doc]

Let me put it another way. In the words of the immortal Mr. Natural, "It don't mean shit". Just enjoy your cigar, and don't worry about all this crap because if you do, you can't enjoy your cigar. You know what I mean?

Doc.

 

[DesertRat]

Let me put it another way. In the words of the immortal Mr. Natural, "It don't mean shit". Just enjoy your cigar, and don't worry about all this crap because if you do, you can't enjoy your cigar. You know what I mean?

Doc.

I know what you mean, Doc. Don't major in the minor in other words.

I was asking mainly out of curiosity because I see so many reviews where the ash is mentioned as if it is an important tell-tale or something.

Danny

 

[Dsav101]

Unless having an ash contest for cash or smokes with people, I really do not care anything about the ash. Long as it burns nice, tastes great, and gives me plenty of smoke and enjoyment, I am good to go!

Don

 

[MadMonk]

To me.......it means the cigar is burning!
That's a good thing right now in this 100 degree 80% humidity weather.

 

[LilBastage]

Let me put it another way. In the words of the immortal Mr. Natural, "It don't mean shit". Just enjoy your cigar, and don't worry about all this crap because if you do, you can't enjoy your cigar. You know what I mean?

Doc.

I know what you mean, Doc. Don't major in the minor in other words.

I was asking mainly out of curiosity because I see so many reviews where the ash is mentioned as if it is an important tell-tale or something.

Danny

A lot of people think it points to the quality of the construction of the cigar. If a cigar has a firm ash that holds on, many folks think this is a sign of a very well bunched, well made cigar. It may have some merit, but I too think it's not all that indicative of a good smoke.

One of the best cigars I've smoked was a Padron 2000 maduro that was about 6 years old. The ash was fine looking, but it didn't hang on like the Padron 2000s usually do and was pretty fragile. It didn't make one bit of difference in the flavor or smokeability of the cigar. It was fantastic.

Most of the Anejo #46s I've smoked also have an ash that isn't all that firm or dense. I don't think anyone can say that Anejos are bad cigars.

 

[bully1875]

I have talked to quite a few people about this and the majority of answers I get is that it refers to a combination of the wrap of the cigar and the way its stored. A tight wrapped cigar stored at a solid 65% RH (an Opus for example) usually tend to have heavier ash when it drops. I supposed from the lack of moisture as opposed to a RyJ Habana Reserve (maybe just my batch) stored at 72% RH tends to float and break up when it drops. Just what I have heard and it tends to hold true so far.

 

[themoneycollector]

The color of an ash is related to the magnesium content. More magnesium, whiter ash. Less magnesium, darker ash.

 

[tsmckenney]

I once smoked a Brazilia that had dozens of small, perfectly circular balls in its ash. That told me the stick was full of beetle eggs. Fricken creeps me out to this day.

 

[moki]

I once smoked a Brazilia that had dozens of small, perfectly circular balls in its ash. That told me the stick was full of beetle eggs. Fricken creeps me out to this day.

You mean like this?

 

[jfields]

I once smoked a Brazilia that had dozens of small, perfectly circular balls in its ash. That told me the stick was full of beetle eggs. Fricken creeps me out to this day.

High levels of Magnesium and Potash levels in the wrapper leaf Mick. Not beetle eggs. Besides, beetles don't lay their eggs all over the surface of a cigar like some sort of a busy moth. :laugh:

 

[cigar smoke]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

 

[Ginseng]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts." Aside from one fellow who actually did some work to study cigar ash formation (not me), all everyone does is parrot what they read most or most recently. Fact of the matter is that the ash color is the result of a variable, incomplete combustion process and the conditions of smoking, and not just the materials, can vary the superficial color.

Additionally, the ash color you see is the color of the wrapper and binder leaves, primarily. When you tap off the ash, the interior is usually several different shades and what is more important than the color of the "outside" of the ash is the nature of the ash and ash cone on the interior. Want to noodle about the relationship between ash color/shape/texture and smoking performance? Pay more attention to the interior and forget about the color of the ash "skin."

Wilkey

 

[Infinity]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts."

Wilkey

That's what he did write ??? I guess your brain reacts sometimes without seeing

Brian

 

[cigar smoke]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts." Aside from one fellow who actually did some work to study cigar ash formation (not me), all everyone does is parrot what they read most or most recently. Fact of the matter is that the ash color is the result of a variable, incomplete combustion process and the conditions of smoking, and not just the materials, can vary the superficial color.

Additionally, the ash color you see is the color of the wrapper and binder leaves, primarily. When you tap off the ash, the interior is usually several different shades and what is more important than the color of the "outside" of the ash is the nature of the ash and ash cone on the interior. Want to noodle about the relationship between ash color/shape/texture and smoking performance? Pay more attention to the interior and forget about the color of the ash "skin."


Wilkey

Hey Wilkey, I certainly am not parroting what the cigar experts say although I have pointed out that there are 2 diferent camps regarding this issue and what my experience was with black ashes with my own cigars which were maintained in proper conditions prior to smoking. When I say a black ash that means a black ash through and through. I am totaly aware of the layers within a cigar and sometimes they exhibit multi ash shades from the different tobaccos in the blend. I'm not talking about the wrapper ash. The entire ash. I fully agree that there are many variables involved such as a over humidified cigar which could result in a black ash due to the lack of combustion. I need to clarify that I am talking about tobacco that is inferior due to improper soil prep not the other variables that could produce a black ash as well.

Due you have an opinion on cigars you have smoked with an all black ash? Also that were stored and smoked in a condusive envirnment.

Bob

 

[Ginseng]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts." Aside from one fellow who actually did some work to study cigar ash formation (not me), all everyone does is parrot what they read most or most recently. Fact of the matter is that the ash color is the result of a variable, incomplete combustion process and the conditions of smoking, and not just the materials, can vary the superficial color.

Additionally, the ash color you see is the color of the wrapper and binder leaves, primarily. When you tap off the ash, the interior is usually several different shades and what is more important than the color of the "outside" of the ash is the nature of the ash and ash cone on the interior. Want to noodle about the relationship between ash color/shape/texture and smoking performance? Pay more attention to the interior and forget about the color of the ash "skin."


Wilkey

Hey Wilkey, I certainly am not parroting what the cigar experts say although I have pointed out that there are 2 diferent camps regarding this issue and what my experience was with black ashes with my own cigars which were maintained in proper conditions prior to smoking. When I say a black ash that means a black ash through and through. I am totaly aware of the layers within a cigar and sometimes they exhibit multi ash shades from the different tobaccos in the blend. I'm not talking about the wrapper ash. The entire ash. I fully agree that there are many variables involved such as a over humidified cigar which could result in a black ash due to the lack of combustion. I need to clarify that I am talking about tobacco that is inferior due to improper soil prep not the other variables that could produce a black ash as well.

Due you have an opinion on cigars you have smoked with an all black ash? Also that were stored and smoked in a condusive envirnment.

Bob

Bob,

I apologize for not being sufficiently clear. I certainly wasn't referring to you in the "parroting" remark and I didn't mean to offend. You have always brought your own experiences to the table in any discussion you've engaged in and I appreciate that.

I realize my comment came across as dismissive overall but I really don't hold any disdain for those who claim white ash means this and black ash means that (magnesium level, for instance). It's just that this subject is one of those "folklore" subjects in cigars that is lacking in critical and/or empirical understanding. In other words, folks tend to adopt one side or the other based on any one of a number of reasons aside from a preponderance of good evidence...necessarily because there is no such evidence of which I'm aware.

Do I have an opinion? No. Because I haven't always recorded detailed ash information for the cigars I've smoked. Honestly I cannot proffer an educated or experience-substantiated observation and so I hesitate to take one position or another.

The world has many interesting phenomena and many worthy of observation and study. So many so, that we have to pick and choose what we engage. I'm afraid this is one that's low on my list.

Best,
Wilkey

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts."

Wilkey

That's what he did write ??? I guess your brain reacts sometimes without seeing

Brian

Wow. What precipitated this jab? ??? Nice sarcastic use of the though.

In fact I consider carefully everything I write. Has my record suggested anything to the contrary?

Now how about you take a closer look at what I wrote? Notice the double quotes around the word "expert?" Let me be explicit. I did so to emphasize the connotation of experts in the specific sense of "self-appointed" experts.

Wilkey

 

[cigar smoke]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts." Aside from one fellow who actually did some work to study cigar ash formation (not me), all everyone does is parrot what they read most or most recently. Fact of the matter is that the ash color is the result of a variable, incomplete combustion process and the conditions of smoking, and not just the materials, can vary the superficial color.

Additionally, the ash color you see is the color of the wrapper and binder leaves, primarily. When you tap off the ash, the interior is usually several different shades and what is more important than the color of the "outside" of the ash is the nature of the ash and ash cone on the interior. Want to noodle about the relationship between ash color/shape/texture and smoking performance? Pay more attention to the interior and forget about the color of the ash "skin."


Wilkey

Hey Wilkey, I certainly am not parroting what the cigar experts say although I have pointed out that there are 2 diferent camps regarding this issue and what my experience was with black ashes with my own cigars which were maintained in proper conditions prior to smoking. When I say a black ash that means a black ash through and through. I am totaly aware of the layers within a cigar and sometimes they exhibit multi ash shades from the different tobaccos in the blend. I'm not talking about the wrapper ash. The entire ash. I fully agree that there are many variables involved such as a over humidified cigar which could result in a black ash due to the lack of combustion. I need to clarify that I am talking about tobacco that is inferior due to improper soil prep not the other variables that could produce a black ash as well.

Due you have an opinion on cigars you have smoked with an all black ash? Also that were stored and smoked in a condusive envirnment.

Bob

Bob,

I apologize for not being sufficiently clear. I certainly wasn't referring to you in the "parroting" remark and I didn't mean to offend. You have always brought your own experiences to the table in any discussion you've engaged in and I appreciate that.

I realize my comment came across as dismissive overall but I really don't hold any disdain for those who claim white ash means this and black ash means that (magnesium level, for instance). It's just that this subject is one of those "folklore" subjects in cigars that is lacking in critical and/or empirical understanding. In other words, folks tend to adopt one side or the other based on any one of a number of reasons aside from a preponderance of good evidence...necessarily because there is no such evidence of which I'm aware.

Do I have an opinion? No. Because I haven't always recorded detailed ash information for the cigars I've smoked. Honestly I cannot proffer an educated or experience-substantiated observation and so I hesitate to take one position or another.

The world has many interesting phenomena and many worthy of observation and study. So many so, that we have to pick and choose what we engage. I'm afraid this is one that's low on my list.

Best,
Wilkey

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts."

Wilkey

That's what he did write ??? I guess your brain reacts sometimes without seeing

Brian

Wow. What precipitated this jab? ??? Nice sarcastic use of the though.

In fact I consider carefully everything I write. Has my record suggested anything to the contrary?

Now how about you take a closer look at what I wrote? Notice the double quotes around the word "expert?" Let me be explicit. I did so to emphasize the connotation of experts in the specific sense of "self-appointed" experts.

Wilkey

No apologies necessary Wilkey. Thanks as always for your imput.

Bob

 

[Infinity]

This artical seems to suport my opinion that a black ash is not a great thing as I mentioned in a prior thread. This is what i mean't when I said there are cigar experts on both sides of this. One says a cigars ash color doesn't matter the other say it does. Its been my experience that when I have a black ash occur (not all the time but many) The burn quality or combustion, as well as flavor is deminished somewhat. Again this is just my opinion.

Bob

I hazard you meant to write cigar "experts."

Wilkey

That's what he did write ??? I guess your brain reacts sometimes without seeing

Brian

Wow. What precipitated this jab? ??? Nice sarcastic use of the though.

In fact I consider carefully everything I write. Has my record suggested anything to the contrary?

Now how about you take a closer look at what I wrote? Notice the double quotes around the word "expert?" Let me be explicit. I did so to emphasize the connotation of experts in the specific sense of "self-appointed" experts.

Wilkey

WOW!!! ??? How about YOU take a closer look at what I wrote. Give me a break Wilkey, that's a joke not a jab. That's poking fun, not sarcasm. ??? Lighten up!

Brian