I have often noticed, that after the ash is discarded, the cigar doesn't burn properly for a while. I mean things are going fine, the burn is perfect, the ash comes off, then sometimes I have to gently light the wrapper to get it to burn even again, or smoke if for a while before burning even again. Sometimes also I will notice, the first puff after the ash comes off is often a bit bitter.

I've noticed the same thing, but only when you "tap" the ash off. When it falls off on its' own I don't notice any difference. Hmmmm.

if you do ash your cigars, take a nice long draw right before you do. i find that this helps to keep the wrapper burning well.

njazz, now that is a good and useful advice. .....Seriously! This is not, and I stress NOT, a joke.