In the world of cigar accessories, cigar cutters kick off the cigar - tasting experience with a neat cut, and lighters ignite the mellow aroma with precise flame control. These two are often the focus of careful selection by cigar lovers. However, cigar ashtrays are usually pushed to the sidelines and reduced to "supporting roles". But in fact, a well - crafted cigar ashtray can elevate every cigar - tasting experience from a mere "enjoyment" to a state of "immersion". It is not only a container for holding ash but also a silent expression of taste and style. Today, let's step into the world of cigar ashtrays and uncover the underestimated wonders they hold.
I. Why Must You Choose a Dedicated Cigar Ashtray?
If a cigar is a symbol of a man's status, then a cigar ashtray is the concrete embodiment of taste. True cigar enthusiasts who pursue a high - quality cigar - tasting experience will never replace a dedicated cigar ashtray with an ordinary cigarette ashtray. The difference between the two stems from the fundamental differences between cigars and cigarettes.
1. Holding Requirement: Adapting to the "Complete Ash" of Cigars
When ordinary cigarettes burn, the ash is mostly scattered. The only requirement for a container is that it "can hold the ash" — even a disposable paper cup can do the job. But cigars are different. A well - rolled cigar that burns evenly leaves behind a complete and compact column of ash after burning out. This requires the ashtray to have sufficient depth and width. It should be able to hold the long ash column, prevent the ash from scattering easily, and at the same time, not damage the integrity of the ash.
2. Tasting Basis: Judging Cigar Quality from the Ash
For seasoned cigar lovers, cigar ash is an "invisible benchmark" for judging the quality of a cigar. The color of the remaining ash after burning (ranging from light gray to dark gray) and its compactness (whether it is not easy to break) are directly related to the quality of the cigar's tobacco leaves, the rolling craftsmanship, and the aging time. Ordinary ashtrays are often made of rough materials and have messy colors, which can interfere with the observation of the ash's condition. In contrast, dedicated cigar ashtrays are mostly made of solid - colored and smooth materials, which can clearly show the details of the ash and provide an accurate basis for tasting.
3. Emergency Need: Dealing with "Interruption Moments" during Cigar Tasting Calmly
Cigar tasting is a lazy and pleasant time, but it is inevitable to encounter unexpected situations that require putting the cigar down temporarily. Throwing it away directly is a waste; placing it randomly may cause the flame to burn unevenly, and the ash may fall and dirty the environment. At this time, the groove design of the cigar ashtray comes into play. Placing the cigar steadily in the groove allows it to go out naturally and slowly. It also prevents the ash from scattering and the cigar body from being damaged, saving trouble and effort, and ensuring that the rhythm of cigar tasting is not interrupted by accidents.
II. How to Choose a Cigar Ashtray That Suits You?
Choosing a cigar ashtray is not as simple as "judging by appearance". You need to consider your own cigar - tasting habits, the size of the cigars, and the usage scenarios to find a truly suitable "partner".
1. Step 1: Adapt to the Size of Cigars You Usually Smoke
Different types of cigars vary greatly in ring gauge (thickness) and length — from the slender Cohiba Short to the thick Cohiba Robusto. Different sizes have different requirements for the holding space of the ashtray. When choosing, you need to ensure:
• The "bowl depth" of the ashtray is sufficient to hold the ash column produced when the cigar burns, preventing the ash from overflowing.
• The "caliber" of the ashtray is large enough to easily place the cigar. Especially for cigars with a thick ring gauge, you need to avoid the cigar body being deformed due to the too - small caliber.
2. Step 2: Choose the Color Based on Personal Cigar - Tasting Habits
The choice of the color of a cigar ashtray is directly related to the need of "observing the ash":
• If you prefer to carefully observe the burning state of the cigar (such as the color change of the ash and whether there are mottled spots), a light - colored ashtray (such as white or light gray) is the best choice. It can clearly distinguish between "the ash that has fallen" and "the residual ash attached to the cigar body", allowing you to judge the quality of the cigar more accurately.
• If you value practicality more and do not like to clean the ashtray frequently, a dark - colored ashtray (such as black or dark brown) is more stain - resistant and can reduce the visual clutter caused by residual ash.
3. Step 3: Choose the "Number of Grooves" According to the Usage Scenario
One of the core designs of a cigar ashtray is the "groove". Each groove is for one cigar, and the number of grooves directly determines its applicable scenarios. The common number of grooves on the market ranges from 1 to 4. When choosing, you need to decide based on whether you smoke cigars "alone" or "share with others":
|
Groove Type |
Features |
Applicable Scenarios |
|
Single - groove |
Compact size, diverse styles, and high portability |
Smoking cigars alone (at home or when going out). No need to worry about where to put the ash, and it does not take up much space. |
|
Double - groove |
Can hold 2 cigars at the same time, balancing practicality and compactness |
Smoking cigars while chatting with 1 - 2 people. Suitable for matching cigars of different flavors (such as one full - bodied and one mild). |
|
Four - groove |
Large capacity. The design is inspired by the "four positions around a dining table", maximizing the use of space |
Sharing with multiple people (3 - 4 people). It is a must - have for friend gatherings and cigar tastings, and it is also the "classic prototype" of cigar ashtrays. |
III. Cigar Ashtrays: From "Practical Tools" to "Art Collectibles"
Nowadays, cigar ashtrays have long gone beyond the attribute of "tools" and gradually become collectibles that combine practicality and artistic value. Many brands invite designers to participate in their creation. They use high - end materials such as brass, crystal, ceramics, and walnut wood, and combine techniques like carving and inlay to create unique works. Some replicate the retro gentleman style, some integrate modern minimalist design, and others even take cigar tobacco leaves and cigar bands as inspiration, making them worthy "visual focal points" on the desktop.
A good cigar ashtray can fill every detail of cigar tasting with a sense of ritual. When you gently place the cigar in the groove and watch the ash slowly fall into the clean ashtray body, even the waiting time becomes pleasant. It not only improves the quality of cigar smoking but also silently conveys the owner's taste and love for life.
If you want to know more recommendations for cigar ashtrays that "combine good looks and performance", feel free to subscribe to our content. In the next issue, we will take you through a list of those charming classic styles and unlock more possibilities of cigar ashtrays.