Why does my hookah taste like coal?

Beginners often make the mistake of using self-igniting charcoal to light the hookah. Not only does this taste bad, but it is also unhealthy, as the ignition aids contain toxic residues. It also takes a long time until the hookah is finally ready to smoke. It is best to use natural charcoal in the beginning to ensure the best smoking experience. To get the best taste and smoke from your hookah, you need to make sure that the hookah charcoal is fully glowed. This means that the entire coal should be covered with a white layer of ash. You can then place it on the head. If you don't use the right heat management, you can end up with a charred tasting tobacco. So it is better to start from the outside until you find your personal sweet spot. There, the tobacco has an intense flavour and the smoke development is perfect.