Should Cigars Be Scored Against For Ash?

[stig-cl]

As long as the ash doesn't explode (I don't even know how that would happen but I'm glad it hasn't yet ) or keep dropping in my lap, it's all good. I care a lot about taste (after all, that's the point of cigars), somewhat about aroma, and a little bit about burn (as long as I don't have to keep touching it up with my lighter it's all good).

[tx_tuff]

Jonjon, seems everytime I see you smoking you have a ash or burn problem LOL. Just messing with you.

You want a good strong ash that stays together and doesn't fall off to soon. The nice long ash helps keep the smoke cool and helps the cigar burn better.

Is that cigar a Cuban Sandwhich type filler? Thats what the ash looks like to me.

[htown]

It's always been about the quality of the ash for me.

[sofaman]

You just cant beat a good ash!!!

[Architeuthis]

You'll almost never see more than a half inch of ash on anything I smoke. I knock it off in an ashtray regularly. Just habit I guess...

[The EVP]

From what I've been told, it is common for ISOM's to have a dark ash due to the depletion of Magnesium in the soil. Since Cuba is realtively small, farming land is a premium and unless the soil is allowed to rest undisturbed, the minerals in the soil don't have the chance to recover as much as it should. That's why some farmers will let an area that's been farmed constantly for 6 years rest on the 7th year (referred to as a Summer Follow).

[Phantom57-cl]

Although I admit that is an ugly ash, it doesn't make any difference to me as long as the other characteristics are acceptable. Humidity variances can also contribute the condition of the ash. That's a pretty motley looking wrapper on that one too.

[mrgatorman]

I think the ash burn goes to the quality of the construction and tobacco. when ithsa nice strong ash, its allows for the opportunity for a nice construction and decent tobac. When its flaking and falling apart, I get the impression that its a cheaper construction or maybe short filler.

[Lighthouse]

I think it comes down to a "perception" perhaps of the quality and construction. I too keep a close eye one the ash, if it flakes, the first thing that comes to mind is it's a lesser quality - but may not be a reality. I have had this happen on some pretty pricey sticks that are known for their high quality and perfect construction - although it didn't impair the taste. As noted earlier, if I end up wearing it, it gets an automatic downgrade. If not, I note it, but view it as a "smoking characterisitc" of the stick.

[poriggity-cl]

For me, I don't usually mark down for ash, unless it breaks off and falls all over my clothes If the smoke tastes good, I don't pay attention to the ash.
Scott

[Maduro_Scotty]

Altadis has the online Cigar Aficionado criteria. According to CA's system:

The ash should be relatively firm and get to an inch long without difficulty (except in small ring gauges). A falling ash is not necessarily a sign of a poorly constructed cigar, but, if your cigars develop a firm, even ash while you're smoking, it is an indication that they are well made. And if it happens consistently, your impression will be reinforced. Anyway, it's really annoying to find a cigar ash in your lap, and a consistently flaky, loose ash is a sign of a poorly constructed cigar.

[cory76044]

Originally Posted by Webmeister

I agree with Bill. When I rate a cigar, I rate the entire thing - including the ash color, consistency, firmness, etc. As the cigar disappears, the ash left behind is indicative on construction quality.

I've smoked some real bombs that had a very firm, solid white ash. Conversely, I've had some excellent smokes that render an ugly, disorganized, blackish ash. I don't ding the stick a lot, but it has has to be noted because the rating is about the entire cigar and your smoking experience, not just the parts you like or dislike.

Are you sure that if the ash doesnt hold together ,but the cigar was a great burning cigar, that that means it was rolled wrong? are you sure that some tobacco from different regions dont hold together, in its ash form, as others do? Just have a hard time saying the cigar was rolled bad if it had a great even burn with a great draw but the ash was loose!
I know the cigars that have a loose ash in my rotation, so I do not smoke those in the truck...
Thats my 2 pennys

[JoeyBear]

If the cigar is keeping my interest and is tasty, I would never knock it down for a bad ash. For me, ash is an interesting aspect of the cigar, but by the time that ash is present, the leaf has already been smoked and enjoyed.

[GreySmoke]

Smoke what you like & like what you smoke thats all that matters.

[Lok17]

Originally Posted by cory76044

Are you sure that if the ash doesnt hold together ,but the cigar was a great burning cigar, that that means it was rolled wrong? are you sure that some tobacco from different regions dont hold together, in its ash form, as others do? Just have a hard time saying the cigar was rolled bad if it had a great even burn with a great draw but the ash was loose!
I know the cigars that have a loose ash in my rotation, so I do not smoke those in the truck...
Thats my 2 pennys

That's what I'm saying. If it burns well, how bad can the construction be? Now if it burnt horrible, then it's a different story.