If this is your first cigar or even the first few, you’ll notice a lingering taste or sensation that tends to stick around, sometimes into the next day. Several folks I know have described it as a “mouth like an ashtray,” or rather tasting like one. The overpowering taste of the last cigar you smoked can sometimes overstay its welcome, but there are ways to mitigate this.
Moreover, ensuring that you’re following the right protocols can damper the experience. For example, cigars stored at extreme humidity levels, called Relative Humidity (RH), will burn hotter. That’s why it’s important to follow proper cigar care. You don’t want the humidity in your humidor too low or too high.
Mouth like an ashtray? You may be smoking too fast
Smoking a cigar should be slow, deliberate and relaxing. Many newbie smokers puff too often, taking a draw constantly while the cigar is lit but this can create a problem. Provided the cigar has been properly stored, it can make the tobacco burn much hotter. When that happens, not only does that affect the experience and taste it eliminates the entire point of smoking. You won’t be able to pick up some of the nuanced flavors, maybe even at all, because that heat overpowers the senses. Try as you might, it’s just not going to be a pleasant experience either.
Take slow calculated draws every minute and a half to two minutes. Don’t puff on the cigar constantly. The breaks are key because they allow the cherry to cool between draws and that ensures the tobacco isn’t burning too hot. When you do take a puff, the smoke you draw in will have a cooler and lighter sensation.
Being patient is tough, I get it, I have ADHD. But the payoff is worth it so take things slow and chill.
To tell if you’re smoking too fast, observe the following:
If the cherry remains bright red at the end of the cigar, even through the ash, you’re smoking too often or the cigar is probably burning too hot.
Take your index finger and thumb and hold the cigar close to the cherry. If the area from about a half inch up is too hot to touch, your cigar is too hot.
In some cases, it may even be related to the quality of the cigar you’re smoking.
Even if the humidity is ideal, your cigar is burning okay, and you’re taking your time with draws or puffs, it’s still possible to end up with ashtray mouth. If it’s a common occurrence for you, try incorporating some of these tips into your after-regimen:
Drink something sweet with citric acid to cleanse your palate and neutralize the sensation.
When you’re done smoking, brush your teeth to remove any lingering residues.
Mouthwash works wonders, too.
Try eating a small snack after smoking like crackers, pretzels, or something salty.
Rinse out your mouth with a mixture of salt and warm water.
It can also show up if you’re a fairly infrequent smoker. In other words, if you smoke consistently it tends to go away because you get used to it.
If you have a beard or facial hair, you might also consider giving it a quick rinse or wash when you’re done smoking. It’s fairly obvious, but the smoke can linger there, too.
I also recommend pairing a sweet beverage with your cigar. Water is okay, but it doesn’t counteract the cigar well. If you are going to drink water try mineral water or sparkling water. Do be sure to stay hydrated before and after your smoking sessions, though.
Drinking something like soda, juice, tea, coffee, beer, or even spirits can help eliminate that buildup of the “ashtray” taste in your mouth by effectively cleansing your palate between puffs. Sweet beverages also counteract some of the effects of the natural nicotine in tobacco.
Some great non-alcoholic drinks to pair with your cigars are:
Root Beer
Ginger Ale
Sparkling Water or Tonic
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Home-brewed iced tea or Juice
Lemonade
Gatorade or Powerade
Pepsi or Coke
Dr. Pepper
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list. It is fun to try new beverage pairings with your cigars. You may find something you like best that’s not even listed.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
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