Should Cigars Be Scored Against For Ash?

[Jonjonmacky]

I dont mean a cigar running up the side, or un even burn, or cigar splitting, I mean, ugly ash on a delicious cigar, that burned perfectly, and tasted excellent, much like this Padilla Obsidian I had that was gifted to me by Bigfoot...





I mean this is one of my favorite cigars, and the taste is always consistently awesome to me, yet the ash always looks like this, and then I read reviews in CA or C.Insider, and like they will be, "the ash looked awful and didn't hold" and I know an ash holding is consistent with a good rolling? right? But anyways, I always think, "yeah, but how did it taste" "did you get a good smoke out of it" ... I just cant see a reviewer thinking "man that cigar really had an awesome flavor and aroma but that ash was just ugly as all get out"

[iloveclmore]

That definitely does not look appealing. But if it tastes good I guess it doesn't matter.

[Jonjonmacky]

Originally Posted by triplezero24

That definitely does not look appealing. But if it tastes good I guess it doesn't matter.

Thats what im sayin.

[baboruger]

I think that sometimes, I do knock a little for ash...not a huge amount, but on the ICRS I would say 1/2 a point, I don't like a flowery ash or a really black ash. I think it is just a sign of age/construction quality.

[ER Doc]

I would knock points on construction. The ash adds to the overall experience of the smoking. Gotta have nice ash...

[Doogie]

should of tried a NUB stand:teacher:

[nativetexan_1]

If the appearance of the ash interferes with your enjoyment, the cigar must be graded down. Maybe only slightly, but down. The whole idea is to enjoy the cigar. On the other hand, if it doesn't bother you, no, do not grade the cigar down. But, since you brought it up, it must bother you. Hence, minor downgrade due to appearance of the ash.

[Jonjonmacky]

Originally Posted by ER Doc

I would knock points on construction. The ash adds to the overall experience of the smoking. Gotta have nice ash...

Yeah but why? I mean, If you don't care what it looks like then when does it become the image of the smoker that gets rated? Instead of of the appearance of the cigar along? See what I'm sayin? Its like, you look at two men, and one is smoking a dog rocket with nice ash, and the other is smoking a Padron 80 year, with dark ash, and the observer goes "well that guy is obviously smoking a better cigar *pointing to the dog rocket*"

I dunno im rambling..

But, since you brought it up, it must bother you. Hence, minor downgrade due to appearance of the ash.

No no, it doesn't bother me. Thats why I'm bringing it up..

[chinomalo]

I don't think that your grading should be affected by the look of the ash.. If you thought your Padilla looked bad, you should of seen my Zino Pudge I had today..

Just nasty is all I can say about that.. The smoke was ok, too.. Just not as nasty as the ash (might as well call it ass.. Nasty ass..)..

[acharpe-cl]

As long as you're not chewing on the ash later, it's all good. I don't care if the ash is green, as long as the cigar tastes great and draws and burns well.

[hiway_86-cl]

Originally Posted by triplezero24

That definitely does not look appealing. But if it tastes good I guess it doesn't matter.

I have to agree.

[LkyLindy]

I always enjoy a nice piece of "ash"

Sorry-couldn't help myself-LOL

[Doogie]

Originally Posted by LkyLindy

I always enjoy a nice piece of "ash"

Sorry-couldn't help myself-LOL

me too

[Webmeister]

Originally Posted by ER Doc

I would knock points on construction. The ash adds to the overall experience of the smoking. Gotta have nice ash...

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.

[karmaz00]

i do knock it a bit for the ash quality, but not very much.