



Information:

Country: Dominican Republic

Wrapper origin: Ecuador

Wrapper type: Ecuadorian Sun Grown

Filler: Dominican

Length: 5.5

Ring: 50

Cost: $10.00





Appearance (0-20): Ashton is a very well-known name in the cigar world, and even non-cigar smokers generally know Ashton and Cohiba. The first thing that you notice is the beautiful band wrapper around the cigar. It integrates strong gold embossing, with dark blue and red coloring worked in. The wrapper is a medium-dark brown color, with some marbling that looks very nice. Overall, the presentation on this cigar is very well done.





Score: 19





Construction (0-20): When smoking a $10.00+ cigar, you hope that it smokes and draws well for you. This one is no exception, and follows suit from beginning to end. The cigar was well packed, and had an absolutely flawless draw that gave off nice amounts of smoke. The ash was a very white-gray color, and held on for an easy 1.5”. I tapped it off a bit early, leaving the cone shape sticking out. If I attempted to keep going, it would have lasted 3” most likely. Another solid score.





Score: 19

















Strength (0-20): The strength was a solid medium-full. Throughout the smoke, it felt as though it was just a straight medium stick. Getting closer to the end, I started to feel a nicotine kick and it moved to the fuller scale.





Score: 18





Flavor (0-20): Very nice notes throughout the cigar. I didn’t feel as though there were many different transitions, but the flavors present were very bold and robust. It starts off with strong cream and moves into strong coffee, sweetness, and hints of cedar. The smoke was very smooth, and I didn’t experience any harshness even down to the nub. It was very relaxing, with a bit of heft as you finish up the cigar.





Score: 18





Value (0-20): Referring back to the construction profile; you want a quality stick when paying a premium price. Ashton did a great job here, and it’s worth the money. I’ve smoked three VSG’s before, and every single one of them smoked very similar. Great flavor, no touch-ups, and perfect draws.





Score: 18





Additional Notes: Smoked at CI, paired with cherry seltzer





Overall (0-100): Although I really enjoyed the smoked, Ashton’s are not a cigar that I generally go out and purchase. I’ve acquired them in sampler packs from time to time, and I’ve never been disappointed. If asked about a repeat purchase on a single cigar, I would definitely say yes. Very well done, and there is no reason not to try one of these. This is one to keep in your humidor and need something to rely on.





Score: 92







