Will you continue to smoke if the shisha tobacco tastes bad or burned? The answer is surely a no! For this reason, we are going to assess different aspects that influence the flavor of your shisha tobacco and share certain tips to improve the flavor and quality of your hookah session. 

Hookah Tobacco and Recommended Heat Level

No one can ignore the thumb rule of hookah smoking; excessive heat can ruin the flavor of shisha and thus the entire hookah session. However, tobaccos from different shisha brands react differently to heat. While flavors of some tobaccos shine out in high heat, some hookah shisha get burned too much heat is added at once. Always, take a minute to study the shisha you plan to smoke and recognize how they react to heat.

Heat Management: Use Red Hot Hookah Charcoals

Another significant rule of a great session is to always use red hot hookah charcoal to your hookah. If the coals are not evenly heated, they can add an unwanted flavor to your smoke. This taste lingers to the hookah bowl and tobacco and is very difficult to remove. Heat the coals on an electric burner. Rotate them in between so they heat up evenly from all sides. Before you start smoking, let the coals heat up the shisha for a few minutes. Doing so will certainly keep the flavor clean, and also improve the smoke output. 

Use Proper Hookah Bowl Packing Methods

Depending on the type of hookah bowl and hookah shisha you are using, you need to pack the bowl. Make sure to research online regarding the basic guidelines for your chosen shisha brand and hookah bowl.
In general, packing the bowl fluffy or semi-dense works great with most of the hookah tobacco brands. Sprinkle the tobacco into the hookah bowl. Keep the tobacco right under the rim of the bowl. Do not pat it down to ensure proper airflow and heat distribution across the shisha. Another useful tip will be to make holes in it using a foil poker or a toothpick after packing the bowl with shisha. Make the holes all the way down to the bottom of the bowl.
If you are wondering which are the best hookah bowls to smoke from, we suggest using phunnel-style hookah bowls for your regular sessions. They go best with a number of shisha brands.

Ensure Even Heat Distribution

When wrapping the hookah bowl, use hookah-specific aluminum foil or two layers of heavy-duty ones. Poke at least three rings of holes at regular space and a big hole right on top of the central spire of the hookah bowl to avoid sucking the foil and blocking the spire opening. It also ensures thorough distribution of heat.
Check the airflow of the prepared bowl. Take the bowl above your head and check if there is any juice clogging the neck of the hookah bowl. Try inhaling through the bowl, and if you experience any restriction, consider packing it again.

Use an HMD

Another way to add heat to your shisha is to use an HMD, or heat management device, instead of wrapping it with foil. However, make sure that the bottom vent of the HMD is right above the shisha. Before placing the heated charcoal into the device, use a toothpick to remove any tobacco that is blocking the HMD vents. Place the charcoal toward the edge of the device to facilitate proper airflow. You can also use a diffuser to minimize vibration and make it smooth.

Maintain Proper Water Level in the Hookah Base

Having an adequate amount of water in the hookah base is crucial for a smooth, flavorful hookah session. While too much water in the base can limit the airflow, less amount of water can make the smoke dry and harsh. Ensure two inches of the bottom of the downstem remain under the water. Drain out the base liquid after each session to prevent mold buildups and flavor ghosting. Always use water at room temperature in your hookah base for best results. Adding cold water or ice in the base can make the smoke cooler, but that will cut down flavors as well. 

Watch Out Your Hookah Hose

Since traditional leather hookah hoses cannot be washed, they can retain flavor from their previous sessions. Always blow through the hose after every session to remove the lingering smoke from inside. Hang the hookah hose with its tip facing downwards to drain the moisture out. If possible, use washable hookah hoses made of silicone, which are easy to clean and maintain. You can always replace them when you feel they are not serving you right.

Cleaning of Hookah Stem

It is important to rinse and wash the hookah stem after every session to have the best flavors and also prevent ghosting of flavors from earlier sessions. For cleaning stems with severe ghosted flavors, try soaking them in a solution of water and lemon juice. You can also add some baking soda for a deep clean. Afterwards, rinse the hookah part thoroughly with some plain water.
There are metal ball bearings in the purge valve of most of the hookah, which can gradually rust. You can replace them with plastic ball bearings. Keep them clean and shiny if you prefer using metal ones. If you tried cleaning the bowl, hose, stem, and hose, yet the shisha is not tasting well, clean the purge valve.

That makes a comprehensive list of our best tips to help you enhance the flavor of your hookah shisha. Try them out and see the difference yourself. If you need any part replaced for your hookah set up or simply a new hookah, we have a huge collection available for you. Check out our online hookah store to get started.
Happy smoking!