Does the ash tell a story?

[hawaiian]

I apologize for this noob question but does the ash tell a story?

You've all seen ashes that are super white to dark gray, yellow and brownish, spotted, some with white specs, some loose, some so hard that it makes a snapping sound when you ash against the ashtray...

I was just wondering if different type of leaves, origin, age, or whatever makes the ash look a certain way.

 

[Jwrussell]

In short, yes.

Now I'll sit back with you and listen to those that actually know the rest of the answer.

 

[Jfire]

Yes and no IMO. There are so many variables to account for. Yes because many countries and even regions have not only different seed varietals but soil nutrients. No because human nature is also involved. Your b&m humidity. Your storing conditions as well can make a ash lighter or darker. Also age of tobacco can make a ash lighter over many years. Yes for construction. Long or short flaky ash. No for construction. There may of been a good roller for said cigar but some wrapper leaves are more frail and often thinner.
So yes and no is my final answer lol.

 

[Treinenwj]

I saw a post here some time ago that went pretty in depth explaining the types of ash and how you can tell the various regions the tobacco was grown in by the ash. Pretty interesting stuff, but I don't remember the thread title.

 

[iCraig]

I saw a post here some time ago that went pretty in depth explaining the types of ash and how you can tell the various regions the tobacco was grown in by the ash. Pretty interesting stuff, but I don't remember the thread title.

It'd be interesting to know that little stuff like that. I like that sort of little knowledge.


Overall though, for me, the ash leaves a memory of a good smoke and good times had with those I'm smoking with.

 

[gibbleguts]

Ok I am mostly with Justin on this. The info I know is the small bumps come from a toothy wrapper. If you pay close attention this is most common on Cameroon wrappers. The bumps become almost more obvious on the ash then the wrapper. My thoughts on colour are I love the looks of a perfect white ash but it doesn't always matter some of my favourite cigars have dark ugly wrappers but it can go any way. Nice tight rings are also nice and indicative of a good even burn. Flakey ashes are usually a sign of a construction issue. In the end I smoke for flavour so would prefer a great flavourful cigar over a flavourless cigar. But if the cigars were to taste the same it would be great if they all came with snow white ashes that formed in perfect rings with no flakes. But again flavour is key for me.


Posted via Mobile Device

 

[tobii3]

I apologize for this noob question but does the ash tell a story?

Yes. It tells you that you can't smoke that part of the cigar anymore.

:razz:

 

[danthebugman]

Here ya go...

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

Dan

 

[hawaiian]

Interesting read... Thanks for the link bugman.

 

[jtpatton]

I really enjoyed that article too. Great find!

 

[tx_tuff]

While it was a good article it leaves out the fact that more manufacturers/factories are adding said contents to soil to make sure they are getting the tobacco they want. This is becoming just as important as the type of seeds they are using. So you can't always tell where the tobacco is from just by the color of the ash.

 

[tx_tuff]

The info I know is the small bumps come from a toothy wrapper. If you pay close attention this is most common on Cameroon wrappers. The bumps become almost more obvious on the ash then the wrapper. .


Posted via Mobile Device

What you are talking about is not "tooth" on a wrapper. A toothy wrapper (yes most Cameroon is toothy) isn't bumps but like small fine hair. The bumps you are talking about that turn bright white in the ash making them easy to see is Magnesium in the tobacco. Caused of course by high Magnesium in the soil.