I would say, just a "flaky" ash. Like Bob said, sometimes you can tell from the ash if there was a construction issue like a stem, but typically I don't think there's a lot to gain from analyzing it too closely.
I've had great cigars where the ash is light, flaky, and falls off unevenly, and it seems like the 5 Vegas A, a relatively cheap but pretty good cigar, always has an ash that clings on and is compact.
I bet the cracked wrapper was mostly to blame, which is a bummer.
I would have to agree with Bob and Gray on this one, don't think the ash is an indicator here whereas the wrapper definitely was. Sounds like the cigar may have been a bit wet, damaged, or even that the temp/rH of the environment it was being smoked in was less than ideal and caused the issue. Either way sorry it happened, but would give the Ave Maria's another chance. Had a great one today, the Argentum that was a very enjoyable full bodied and full flavored smoke.
Brett
P.S. Welcome to the forum!
"When walking in open territory bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask them to stop. If they do not stop, destroy them."
Let me follow up here,.... I was focused on the ash and really didn't pay attention to the whole post. A cracked wrapper can sometimes mess up a cigar's draw pretty bad to the point that the cigar is not worth the effort. I have always enjoyed the Ave Maria. Don't give up on this blend. After all, you did say the flavor was OK. The next one you try could be much better.
I remember reading once that you could learn a lot about the growing process from the ash. Stuff along the lines of "the whiter the ash, the more magnesium in the soil." I'll do some digging and see if I can find any of it.
Comments
I've had great cigars where the ash is light, flaky, and falls off unevenly, and it seems like the 5 Vegas A, a relatively cheap but pretty good cigar, always has an ash that clings on and is compact.
I bet the cracked wrapper was mostly to blame, which is a bummer.
Brett
P.S. Welcome to the forum!
Puff, pause, puff, pause etc.