Well, I had high hopes for this one. The Illusion was a great smoke, and at a lonsdale I figured it could only get better going up to a double corona. A beautiful 7.5 x 54 double corona that I was sure was going to blow me away with flavors. Turns out I was drunker than I thought last night, which should have been evident by the girl I woke up next to.
ASHTON VSG SPELL BOUND 7.5 X 54
APPEARANCE AND CONSTRUCTION (13/15) This cigar was beautiful, dark and oily. Slightly rumpled with a few big veins. The cap cut perfectly, sliding right off between my scissors. Considering the insane humidity here (I smoked it outside on the porch during one of the brief rainstorms), it lit well. Not as well made as the Illusion was, the wrapper was not by any means seamless (edges were slightly raised in a few places).
FLAVOR (22/25) This is where I was dissapointed. I expected a deep flavor profile that would leave me "spell bound," but instead found it somewhat shallow and lacking. As with the Illusion the first flavor was that of sweet wood, the same as on the pre light draw. About 1/3 inch in spice came into play, though somewhat subtle. A little bit more into the cigar and notes of coffee were discernable. My issue here is that at no time did the notes really bloom on the palate, but were rather too subtle for my tastes. I would expect from a large gauge cigar more depth, but at least it was medium-full strength. A nice finish, and smooth overall.
SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS (23/25) Again, a slightly firm draw that got firmer in the first half then opened up in the second. The burn was slightly off at first but I chalk that up to the insane humidity, but it self corrected as a good cigar should. A good amount of smoke was produced, with a pleasant aroma. The ash was very firm, white, and hung on for at least 2.5 inches before falling off.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS (31/35) This cigar does not live up to the hype of the VSG IMHO. It was flavorful, but not deeply so. The detectable flavors were not as pronounced as they should be, besides the wood, and it could have been spicier. The firm draw almost had my cheeks hurting by the end of the first half, which lessened my enjoyment of the cigar once the draw did open up. The strenght was refreshing, medium-full bodied, while not overpowering. Left me more buzzed than the Illusion, but not out of commission. The construction was excellent, but the large vein and rumpled appearance were not up to par with the other VSGs I have. I think that this is a good cigar that maybe could have benefited from some aging, but as it stands at an MSRP of $12.50, I think it is very overpriced. I wouldn't object to paying $8 once in a while for one, but I won't be buying another at the price asked.
TOTAL SCORE: 89
dark beer, strong cigars, black coffee, straight bourbon
Posts: 491 | Location: Ithaca, NY | Registered: April 19, 2004
I agree on the wrapper comments, they have been looking a bit ragged lately. I agree with your review, though I'd rate them a tad higher. These and the Enchantments are some of my all-time favs.
Then watch this... http://projectboil.pixel10.co.uk/posting/Posting.html Thanx to Oscuro XX for posting this link... ----------------------------- "Un día sin los puros es como un día sin el sol." "A day without cigars is like a day without sun."
Posts: 3237 | Location: South Jersey | Registered: May 20, 2002
i think some of the flat flavor come from over humidification, but i smoked the others from the same humidor and they were excellent. it was a great stick, i was just watering at the mouth with expectation. as i said, bigger gauge, longer stick, MUST be more complex, gotta be a fave!! i would def smoke them again, but i wouldnt buy a box. i like the flavors in the PAM 64s better, but goddamn they lack that beautiful power.
Noob, and a FNG to boot!
Posts: 491 | Location: Ithaca, NY | Registered: April 19, 2004
