This is the classic Ashton presentation, it is simple and elegant and has always been one of my go to smokes for something consistent and expected. It is wrapped in a yellowish/brown wrapper that has few veins and a nice smooth and oily presentation. A quick inspection leads me to believe that this cigar has superior construction and that I will not encounter any issues. The pre light draw is lightly spicy and a bit unexpected for me. The pre light draw shows some cinnamon and light tobacco notes.
The cigar opens with a touch of bitterness, but it dissipates quickly and the cigar shows some nice creamy vanilla notes, there is a mix of nice spice and cinnamon as well. At the back of the palate there are some solid flavors of cedar. The draw is a but tight for me, but not causing any issues in terms of performance. The burn is sharp and produces a nice solid ash as it progresses.
The first half of the cigar shows all of the things that I have come to expect from this smoke. The core profile has blasts of cinnamon and light spice, there is a solid under layer of light wood flavors that complement the main presentation extremely well. At the back of the palate there are still flavors of cedar that are quite nice, and they are offset by a nice mix of vanilla and bready notes. The draw remains a touch tight, but again it is a subjective evaluation as I like my cigars to draw in a very specific way. The burn is still rock solid and razor sharp.
The final half of the cigar picks up the pace a bit, and I am slightly surprised by this turn of events, as a strengthening of flavors is not typically what I expect of this smoke. The core profile intensifies with cinnamon and clove notes that are heady, there is still a nice undertone of tobacco but it has become richer and more involved with the presentation. At the back of the palate the cedar flavors have given way to a more robust oaky flavor that is emboldened by a slight tinge of white pepper that has crept in. I am impressed with the level of depth and complexity at this point. The draw opens up in the back half and becomes more acceptable to me. The burn is solid throughout.
The finish is a bit short, but shows a nice conclusive note of cinnamon and oak.
Appearance- 92 a very nice, simple looking cigar
Taste- 94 an excellent array of flavors, I smoked this with a clean palate which is what needs to be done to detect an array of subtlety that would not be noticeable after heavier blends
Construction- 88 some early draw tightness detracts for me, but all in all above average
Strength- 93 a very nice mild starter cigar, a lynch pin for early in the rotation
Overall- 91.5 a very impressive smoke
Showing posts with label Ashton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashton. Show all posts
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
Ashton VSG Robusto
This is a classic cigar that has been available at the top end of the market for years. The selection I have chosen has over a year of humidor age on it. The cigar is visually appealing with a nice dark wrapper that has few veins and zero flaws. The construction feels firm, but not too firm, and I don't anticipate any issues smoking this cigar. The pre light aroma is light and has notes of wood and crisp tobacco. The pre light draw is dry and woody with notes of clean tobacco and pepper.
The cigar opens with notes of wood, clean tobacco notes and hints of light pepper and spice. The draw is exceptional, and the burn is producing a sharp, crisp white ash. At the back of the palate the pepper note is more prominent, but I find myself wanting more depth up front.
At the one third point the cigar has developed nicely, but is still a medium offering. The profile shows notes of wood, spice and pepper. At the back of the palate there are some light notes of creamed coffee and a brown sugar like sweetness. The draw is still performing very well and the ease of this smoke adds to the enjoyability. The burn is still sharp and the ash is holding to well past the one third point of the cigar.
The middle third is still performing well but the profile is losing some of it's zest. There are notes of wood, pepper and tobacco but the depth is lacking and discouraging. The burn and draw have remained constant and I am still struck by the quality performance of this cigar.
The final third picks up some steam and is somewhere beyond medium, but not quite full in strength. The profile continues to show notes of wood, spice, pepper and tobacco. I am still wanting more complexity and depth from this cigar to the end. The burn and draw have stayed consistent.
The finish is smooth and long showing notes of pepper and clean tobacco flavors.
Appearance- 92 an excellent cigar to behold
Taste- 87 lacking in depth and complexity
Construction- 95 an excellent example of the craft
Strength- 88 could have used more power throughout
Overall- 90.5 overall an average tasting cigar buoyed by a strong performance construction wise
The cigar opens with notes of wood, clean tobacco notes and hints of light pepper and spice. The draw is exceptional, and the burn is producing a sharp, crisp white ash. At the back of the palate the pepper note is more prominent, but I find myself wanting more depth up front.
At the one third point the cigar has developed nicely, but is still a medium offering. The profile shows notes of wood, spice and pepper. At the back of the palate there are some light notes of creamed coffee and a brown sugar like sweetness. The draw is still performing very well and the ease of this smoke adds to the enjoyability. The burn is still sharp and the ash is holding to well past the one third point of the cigar.
The middle third is still performing well but the profile is losing some of it's zest. There are notes of wood, pepper and tobacco but the depth is lacking and discouraging. The burn and draw have remained constant and I am still struck by the quality performance of this cigar.
The final third picks up some steam and is somewhere beyond medium, but not quite full in strength. The profile continues to show notes of wood, spice, pepper and tobacco. I am still wanting more complexity and depth from this cigar to the end. The burn and draw have stayed consistent.
The finish is smooth and long showing notes of pepper and clean tobacco flavors.
Appearance- 92 an excellent cigar to behold
Taste- 87 lacking in depth and complexity
Construction- 95 an excellent example of the craft
Strength- 88 could have used more power throughout
Overall- 90.5 overall an average tasting cigar buoyed by a strong performance construction wise
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ashton Classic Corona
This is, as the name implies, a classic cigar. I have smoked these for years and always found them to be smooth, mild and enjoyable. The cigar presents well with a near blond wrapper that is smooth with a dusty texture. There is a minor flaw that detracts from the overall presentation, but the cigar appears to be well made. An inspection reveals some firm spots and I have some concern about what that will do to the draw. The pre light aroma is full of cedary notes with a hint of cinnamon. The pre light draw is tight, but it shows sweet floral notes.
The cigar opens smoothly with a profile of cedar, cream and sweet floral notes. The draw is a tight, but I am not laboring to produce appropriate amounts of smoke. The burn is strong and the ash is a solid gray.
At the one inch point the profile smooths out even more, taking on a core profile of cedar with some floral essence. There are some nutmeg and cinnamon notes through the nose. The draw is loosening up some and the smoke is heavy and satisfactory. The burn is still very sharp and the ash remains solid.
At the halfway point the cigar continues with a profile of cedar with some floral undertones. At the back of the palate there are some bready notes and still some hints of cinnamon. The draw is still tight, but continues to open up as the smoke progresses.
The final half of the cigar continues to show a deep core of cedar notes, there are still hints of cinnamon and bread at the back of the palate. The cigar lacks some complexity, but has plenty of depth and rich flavor. The draw and burn have maintained the same characteristics throughout the smoke.
The finish is smooth and shows notes of cedar, bread and a little bit of white pepper.
Appearance- 87 an excellent looking cigar, a blemish hurt the score
Taste- 90 an excellent profile with deep flavor, I would like more complexity
Construction- 86 the tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a fabulous mild that compliments the profile expertly
Overall- 89 an excellent smoke
The cigar opens smoothly with a profile of cedar, cream and sweet floral notes. The draw is a tight, but I am not laboring to produce appropriate amounts of smoke. The burn is strong and the ash is a solid gray.
At the one inch point the profile smooths out even more, taking on a core profile of cedar with some floral essence. There are some nutmeg and cinnamon notes through the nose. The draw is loosening up some and the smoke is heavy and satisfactory. The burn is still very sharp and the ash remains solid.
At the halfway point the cigar continues with a profile of cedar with some floral undertones. At the back of the palate there are some bready notes and still some hints of cinnamon. The draw is still tight, but continues to open up as the smoke progresses.
The final half of the cigar continues to show a deep core of cedar notes, there are still hints of cinnamon and bread at the back of the palate. The cigar lacks some complexity, but has plenty of depth and rich flavor. The draw and burn have maintained the same characteristics throughout the smoke.
The finish is smooth and shows notes of cedar, bread and a little bit of white pepper.
Appearance- 87 an excellent looking cigar, a blemish hurt the score
Taste- 90 an excellent profile with deep flavor, I would like more complexity
Construction- 86 the tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a fabulous mild that compliments the profile expertly
Overall- 89 an excellent smoke
Friday, October 9, 2009
Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Double Corona
This cigar presents with a nice brown wrapper that has an oily sheen, there are no detectable flaws and the overall construction seems solid. The pre light aroma is a bit sour, but has a note of pleasant spice and ginger. The pre light draw has tones of leather and spice.
The cigar begins with a medium profile of tobacco, nuts and spice. The depth of the flavors is surprising and the character is complex. The draw is excellent and the burn is even. The first third of the cigar progresses in this fashion.
At just past one third of the way through the profile shows notes of leather and light spice, there is a floral essence at the back of the palate. The draw has stayed excellent and the burn is razor sharp. The ash has held for the first half of the cigar.
The final half of the cigar contains a complex arrangement of nuts, leather and light earth. There is a sour note that has crept into the mix. The draw and the burn are still well above average.
The finish is long and smooth. There are notes of light pepper, leather and earth.
Appearance- 93 an attractive cigar
Taste- 88 the sour notes at the end hurt this score
Construction- 94 this is a superior example
Strength- 89 this was a nice medium/full offering, but more strength would have helped the profile
Overall- 91 an above average smoke
The cigar begins with a medium profile of tobacco, nuts and spice. The depth of the flavors is surprising and the character is complex. The draw is excellent and the burn is even. The first third of the cigar progresses in this fashion.
At just past one third of the way through the profile shows notes of leather and light spice, there is a floral essence at the back of the palate. The draw has stayed excellent and the burn is razor sharp. The ash has held for the first half of the cigar.
The final half of the cigar contains a complex arrangement of nuts, leather and light earth. There is a sour note that has crept into the mix. The draw and the burn are still well above average.
The finish is long and smooth. There are notes of light pepper, leather and earth.
Appearance- 93 an attractive cigar
Taste- 88 the sour notes at the end hurt this score
Construction- 94 this is a superior example
Strength- 89 this was a nice medium/full offering, but more strength would have helped the profile
Overall- 91 an above average smoke
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ashton Aged Maduro No.15
This petit corona sized smoke presents with a dark maduro wrapper that has prominent veins and a firm feeling construction. The pre light aroma is full of coffee and tobacco notes. The pre light draw hints of pepper and coffee. The draw seems a bit tight in the pre light stage.
The cigar opens beautifully with notes of wood, coffee and earth. The burn is sharp and I am not having to labor with the tight draw at this point. Ample smoke is produced with each puff and I am lulled into the enjoyment of the opening salvo from this smoke.
At just past half way I am snapped out of my enjoyable reverie by a profile change. The cigar has taken on a medicinal quality. It is sour and metallic and the burn is becoming hot. The draw has lessened and become tighter. I believe I am near a flaw or a plug but I can't feel anything beneath the wrapper and I gently plumb the depths for signs of imperfection. I make the decision to smoke through it. There is little change, except that the cigar did cool back down. The medicinal and sour notes dominate the rest of the smoke.
The finish is short and bitter, I am disappointed everything started out so well.
Appearance- 85 veining hurt the score
Taste- 70 the first half was destroyed by the second half
Construction- 75 except for the tightening of the draw I could not find any flaws
Strength- 70 can't make a determination due to the horrible notes in the profile
Overall- 75 very disappointing
The cigar opens beautifully with notes of wood, coffee and earth. The burn is sharp and I am not having to labor with the tight draw at this point. Ample smoke is produced with each puff and I am lulled into the enjoyment of the opening salvo from this smoke.
At just past half way I am snapped out of my enjoyable reverie by a profile change. The cigar has taken on a medicinal quality. It is sour and metallic and the burn is becoming hot. The draw has lessened and become tighter. I believe I am near a flaw or a plug but I can't feel anything beneath the wrapper and I gently plumb the depths for signs of imperfection. I make the decision to smoke through it. There is little change, except that the cigar did cool back down. The medicinal and sour notes dominate the rest of the smoke.
The finish is short and bitter, I am disappointed everything started out so well.
Appearance- 85 veining hurt the score
Taste- 70 the first half was destroyed by the second half
Construction- 75 except for the tightening of the draw I could not find any flaws
Strength- 70 can't make a determination due to the horrible notes in the profile
Overall- 75 very disappointing
Benchmade for Ashton (by Pepin Garcia) Robusto
A new affordable offering from Ashton that is made by the biggest name in the business right now. The cigar presents with a mottled wrapper that seems a bit wet, but the cigar is finished with a short pigtail cap at the head that is an interesting twist. The pre light aroma is of earth and tobacco. The pre light draw had traces of tobacco, but spice and pepper are prominent.
The cigar begins with a slightly off putting sweetness that is accompanied by notes of mushrooms. The cigar does seem to be a bit wet as I also detect a moist bitterness in the smoke. The burn is passable and the draw is fine. The cigar develops a big bite of pepper about an inch in.
At the half way point the pepper notes have taken over, but there is still a note of mushrooms and vegetation at the back of the palate. The burn has remained consistent and the draw is still above average. There is ample smoke and some of the early moist, bitter notes have subsided.
The final half of the cigar takes on a sweeter character with a slightly floral essence, however the notes of mushroom continue to show through. The burn and draw have performed well throughout the smoke. I am finding this to be milder than a usual Pepin offering.
The finish is a bit short with notes of pepper, mushroom and sweet floral essence.
Appearance- 86 an OK appearance despite the mottled, leprous wrapper
Taste- 82 the profile was a bit weird and did not compliment all of the flavors well
Construction- 86 this was OK, but the draw was passable not exceptional
Strength- 85 a nice medium bodied smoke, but there was not enough oomph
Overall- 84.75 this was just OK, I will age some and review again at a later date
The cigar begins with a slightly off putting sweetness that is accompanied by notes of mushrooms. The cigar does seem to be a bit wet as I also detect a moist bitterness in the smoke. The burn is passable and the draw is fine. The cigar develops a big bite of pepper about an inch in.
At the half way point the pepper notes have taken over, but there is still a note of mushrooms and vegetation at the back of the palate. The burn has remained consistent and the draw is still above average. There is ample smoke and some of the early moist, bitter notes have subsided.
The final half of the cigar takes on a sweeter character with a slightly floral essence, however the notes of mushroom continue to show through. The burn and draw have performed well throughout the smoke. I am finding this to be milder than a usual Pepin offering.
The finish is a bit short with notes of pepper, mushroom and sweet floral essence.
Appearance- 86 an OK appearance despite the mottled, leprous wrapper
Taste- 82 the profile was a bit weird and did not compliment all of the flavors well
Construction- 86 this was OK, but the draw was passable not exceptional
Strength- 85 a nice medium bodied smoke, but there was not enough oomph
Overall- 84.75 this was just OK, I will age some and review again at a later date
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