Bitter smoke...black ash

[ApexAZ]

So I just finished a GH #3 and it was very bitter, which hasn't been typical from the batch I've been smoking.

I noticed the wrapper seemed thicker than usual, and the ash was very black (carbon?). Is there any correlation to the black ash and bitterness?

I was hoping some of you more experienced smokers might be able to give me some insight.

Thanks!

Brian

[NCRadioMan]

No, not at all. Bitterness is usually associated with too much ammonia. When it goes on bitter side, purge.

[ApexAZ]

Purge means to blow the smoke out the foot?

[chaase321]

Purge means to blow the smoke out the foot?

Yea...if you take like three breaths and blow through the cigar you will be amazed at how much better it draws and tastes afterwards. I usually do it 1-2 times per cigar depending...

[ApexAZ]

Yea...if you take like three breaths and blow through the cigar you will be amazed at how much better it draws and tastes afterwards. I usually do it 1-2 times per cigar depending...

Cool, thanks!

[Ratters]

Also check to see you're not getting tar. It's bitter and burns a little bit. If you see it just clip it off, purge, and keep smoking.

[Mattso3000]

Agreed, sometimes if I punch I get tar build-up so I keep the cutter on hand and re-cut if I start to get that bitter flavor to a cigar. Purge works to a point as well.