Smoking article

The present invention preferably relates to an insulated smoking article which is capable of producing substantial quantities of smoke, both initially and over the useful life of the product, without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products or sidestream smoke. Thus, the article of the present invention is able to provide the user with the sensations and benefits of cigarette smoking without burning tobacco. In addition, the article may be made virtually ashless so that the user does not have to remove any ash during use. Preferred embodiments of the present smoking article comprise a short i.e., 30 mm or less (prior to smoking), combustible carbonaceous fuel element, a short heat stable, preferably carbonaceous, substrate longitudinally disposed relative to the fuel element bearing an aerosol forming substance, an efficient insulating means surrounding at least a portion of the fuel element and a relatively long mouthend piece. The fuel element, insulator and substrate are arranged in a heat exchange relationship, providing aerosol formation without significant degradation of the aerosol former.