Does ash length contribute to flavor?

[Tredegar]

I sometimes use a long ash to tell me if I will have some serious burn issues.

[ca21455]

Here is a link to an excellent discussion on ash:

http://www.cigars-for-you.com/ash.html

In short, the ash can tell you a lot about the cigar and how you are smoking it.

The ash can affect the flavor somewhat because frequent ashing and smoking fast can make the cigar burn hotter which will make the flavor harsh.

Smoke your cigar slowly and draw through it slowly and even. Let the ash fall naturally. I find this increasing the enjoyment and flavor of the smoke.

[Glacierman]

Originally Posted by ca21455

...... Smoke your cigar slowly and draw through it slowly and even. Let the ash fall naturally. I find this increasing the enjoyment and flavor of the smoke.

Quite true, but I knock the ash off when it starts getting long, as it is likely to "fall naturally" in my lap, on the carpet, in the car seat, etc., etc.

[lightning9191]

Thank you for all the info so far.....I'll have to work on resisting to knock off my ash by the sounds of things.

[runningonmt64]

I only knew the length of the ash indicates the quality of the cigar. It is also a good gauge when it lands on my shirt, then I had too much to drink.

[Glacierman]

Originally Posted by lightning9191

Thank you for all the info so far.....I'll have to work on resisting to knock off my ash by the sounds of things.

Oh, fiddlesticks! Just knock the danged ash off and smoke the bloody thing. You guys obsess over the weirdest things....

Unless you're in a "longest ash" contest, of course.

-- Richard

[gwc4sc]

Originally Posted by Glacierman

Oh, fiddlesticks! Just knock the danged ash off and smoke the bloody thing. You guys obsess over the weirdest things....

Unless you're in a "longest ash" contest, of course.

-- Richard

Did you say fiddlesticks??

[gwc4sc]

I like to keep the ash for at least an inch and a half. This is due to all of the reasons listed above.

[Glacierman]

Originally Posted by gwc4sc

Did you say fiddlesticks??

Aye, laddie, I did. Comes from growin' up in another time. When my mother was upset, that was her only "cuss" word. You knew she was REALLY ticked off if she said "Hell."

I remember when diesel was 8¢ per gallon, and $1.00 of gas would let you drag main all night long......

[gwc4sc]

Originally Posted by Glacierman

Aye, laddie, I did. Comes from growin' up in another time. When my mother was upset, that was her only "cuss" word. You knew she wall REALLY ticked off if she said "Hell."

I remember when diesel was 8¢ per gallon, and $1.00 of gas would let you drag main all night long......

Wow times have really changed huh? I would have liked to see what it was like back then.

[brigey]

Long ashes to ya from the 2008 Raleigh HERF!

[lightning9191]

It looks like you are out in the middle of a field at the herf.

[brigey]

Originally Posted by lightning9191

It looks like you are out in the middle of a field at the herf.

.
Actually Mr. Moos back yard. It was a great time and a lot of fun.

[CigarmanTim]

Originally Posted by mjr955201

I find leaving the ash on allows the cigar to burn cooler than if the ash knocked off.

[sjnovakovich]

Originally Posted by stearns

its all about the temperature of the burn. its good to have a longer ash when you try to nub, because it wont get hot on your lips. i know its sort of cheating because of the length, but i've nubbed an AF short story without once ashing. its my best accomplishment, take it or leave it

stearns

This is true. The ash acts somewhat like a radiator and causes the heat from the burn to dissipate slowly and evenly. This evens out the heat on your lips and also serves to keep the cigar lit. This is one of the reasons that construction and long filler are important, because they both contribute to a long ash.

Steve