Ammonia
/ uh-MOHN-yuh /
Flavor & TastingLatin
Definition
A sharp, acrid smell and taste from nitrogen compounds released during tobacco fermentation. Its presence in a finished cigar indicates the leaf has not fully rested.
Why it matters
Ammonia is the clearest sign that a cigar needs more time in the humidor, and it usually dissipates with months of rest rather than requiring the cigar to be discarded.
In context
"There was ammonia on the cold draw, so the box went to the back of the cabinet for a year."
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