Bitter hookah smoke: what to do?

Bitter hookah smoke: what to do to stay fresh?

 

Hookah has become an integral part of the lives of many smoking enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to relax in the company of friends and enjoy the variety of flavors of smoke. However, sometimes you encounter bitterness that spoils the entire smoking process. If you notice that the hookah smoke becomes bitter or produces little smoke, it is worth finding out the possible causes and solutions.

Why does hookah smoke become bitter? 

The problem of bitter hookah smoke can arise for several reasons. Here are the main hookah preparation mistakes that are worth paying attention to:

1. Tobacco quality and preparation. Using low-quality tobacco or storing it improperly can cause an unpleasant bitter taste. Tobacco should be properly stored in a sealed container, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. If the tobacco is too wet, it should be wiped off with a napkin. This will help prevent excess liquid from entering the hookah shaft and improve the tobacco smoking experience.
2. Incorrectly selected coal. Under- or improperly heated charcoal can give off a chemical taste. Natural coconut charcoal is a better choice than nitrate-based charcoal, which can give off an unpleasant smell and taste if it doesn't burn completely.
3. Excessive carbon contentIf there is too much coal in the hookah bowl, the tobacco will overheat and start to burn, producing bitter smoke. In this case, you should reduce the amount of coal and let the tobacco cool.
4. Incorrect distance between tobacco and foilIf the tobacco is too close to the foil, it may start to burn. To prevent this, it is recommended to increase the distance between the tobacco and the foil or use special charcoal holders such as charcoal holders.

Improper hookah maintenance

One common cause of bitterness is improper or lack of hookah maintenance. Here are a couple of important hookah maintenance points to consider:

1. Cleaning hookah parts. After each use, it is necessary to thoroughly wash all parts of the hookah: shaft, hose, flask and mouthpiece. If the hookah is not cleaned properly, accumulated resins and dirt spoil the taste and create an unpleasant odor. Using special hookah cleaning brushes and tools, you can effectively clean all hard-to-reach places.
2. Parts inspectionRust, mold, or other damaged parts of your hookah can ruin your smoking experience. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace worn parts of your hookah if necessary.

 

How to avoid bitterness and enjoy the pleasant smoke of hookah?

To avoid bitterness and ensure that the hookah smoke is soft, fragrant and pleasant, it is important not only to properly prepare the equipment, but also to know certain subtleties of smoking. A properly prepared hookah will allow you to enjoy a flawless smoking process, so we provide detailed advice on how to achieve the best quality of hookah smoke.

Invest in quality tobacco and charcoal

The quality of hookah smoke directly depends on the choice of tobacco and coal. When buying tobacco, choose well-known manufacturers whose products have excellent texture and pleasant taste. Avoid cheaper alternatives, as lower-quality tobacco may be too dry or too moist, which leads to burning or accumulation of excess liquid in the hookah shaft.

The charcoal should also be of high quality, preferably coconut, as it burns evenly and for a long time without giving the smoke an unpleasant chemical aftertaste. Make sure the charcoal is fully heated before placing it on the foil or tarpaulin. Charcoal that is not fully heated will give off unpleasant odors and can spoil the taste of the tobacco.

Correct coal position and quantity adjustment

One of the most common mistakes made by novice hookah enthusiasts is improper placement of coals or their excess. Too many coals quickly heat the tobacco, causing it to smolder and the smoke to take on a bitter aftertaste. To avoid this problem, use 2-3 coals and distribute them evenly over the surface of the foil or kalaw. If you notice that the smoke is starting to become bitter, remove one coal and wait a few minutes for the temperature to balance.

It is important to regularly change the position of the coals during smoking - this helps maintain even heat distribution and prevents the tobacco from overheating.

Regular hookah cleaning and hygiene

Even the best tobacco and excellent coal will not save you from bitterness if your hookah is not properly maintained. It is necessary to wash the flask, shaft, hose and bowl after each use. This helps to remove accumulated resins, odors and dirt that can spoil the taste of the smoke.

Pay special attention to cleaning the hose, as it is where odors and resins tend to accumulate. If you use a silicone hose, it is easy to rinse with water and leave to dry. Don't forget to regularly check the condition of other parts of the hookah - clean parts ensure a longer service life of the device and a more enjoyable smoking experience.

Proper preparation and arrangement of tobacco in the bowl

Different tobacco manufacturers may recommend different tobacco preparation techniques. Some tobaccos require crushing larger leaves or draining excess liquid to ensure a smooth smoking process.

It is important not to overfill the bowl with tobacco – the tobacco layer should be loose, not compressed, to allow air to circulate freely. If the tobacco is compressed too much, it may burn unevenly and cause an unpleasant taste.

Conclusion

Hookah smoking is not only a pleasant pastime, but also a kind of art that requires attention to detail. A properly maintained and prepared hookah will ensure a pleasant experience without bitterness when smoking, so it is worth spending time and effort on its care and choosing quality accessories.

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