Thanks to Aholsber for this cigar and the chance to review .
Appearance & Construction - 13/15 The Ashton VSG Torpedo is a 6 1/2 x 55 cigar with a nice press that's not overly severe. The cap was nicely done on this torp. The wrapper has a silky feel to the touch and is veiny. The VSG band has always looked "classy" to me.
Flavor - 24/25 Wow. This was the first VSG I've smoked and it won't be the last. The cigar is definitely medium/full bodied and probably full to some palates. One thing that I noticed immediately about this cigar is that the flavors developed right from the start, with no 1/2 inch break in period. I noticed a strong espresso flavor along with a woody cedar or hardwood character and earthy undertones. I also noticed a sweetness that was different, the sensation on my palate reminded me of the tangy sweetness one gets from sun-dried tomatoes. It could be the Asian food that I ate a couple of days ago but this smoke had a pepper note to it that was like white pepper to me. Very good flavors all around, good body and nicely complex.
Smoking Characteristics - 23/25 The clip and draw on this cigar were perfect. The draw being easy enough to produce large volumes of smoke without being overly loose. The ash was on the flaky side but still hung on for over an inch. The ash was a light grey color similar to pumice. The cigar burned slightly uneven, more so than I would have expected from a "super premium" but nothing that would even be mentioned in a regular cigar.
Overall Impressions - 32/35 This is an amazing cigar. I think any "aficionado" must smoke this cigar at least once. It had a great strength and body and the flavors were complex and wonderful. I can see how this may be too much for some, especially for beginners. My only qualm with this cigar was the burn. It just wasn't as even as I expected. However, as I'm reviewing after one cigar this may not be an issue at all. I look forward to finding out after repeated research . Wonderful.
Total Score - 92
Posts: 2499 | Location: SoCal, USA | Registered: March 06, 2004
Yeah , it was a great smoke. Thanks again for that, I'm really hoping to be able to find some to stash away. If they weren't so expensive I'd try and buy a whole box.
---------------------------------------- Look Ma, I can make my own Sig! Information and Donkey gangs can't hurt you .
Posts: 2499 | Location: SoCal, USA | Registered: March 06, 2004
That flavor you desribe as sun dried tomato is interesting. I notice that is is also slighty present in the ashton cabinet line. I think I have described it as dried fruit in the past. But I know exactly what you are talking about.
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Originally posted by pmpimbura: That flavor you desribe as sun dried tomato is interesting. I notice that is is also slighty present in the ashton cabinet line. I think I have described it as dried fruit in the past. But I know exactly what you are talking about.
Yeah that's gotta be the same. I thought sun dried tomato rather than dried fruit becuase It seemed to have more of the tangy flavor with a slight sewwtness at the end. Where as I would picutre dried fruit to be sweeter IMO. AZsteelman, glad I can be part of your downfall .
----------------------------------------- Look Ma, I can make my own Sig! Information and Donkey gangs can't hurt you .
Posts: 2499 | Location: SoCal, USA | Registered: March 06, 2004
Watch out, the suggestions are always good. Like all good dealers, the sample <review> is free, but the actual product always costs you.
Smokie,
I hear you about the price. I'm glad that I'm in good with my local shop owner. Which reminds me, I need to stop by and visit this weekend. Seem to need a few PAM '64s and a Ashton VSG or 2 for the box.
Alan
Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it. --Mark Twain
B.A.S.E. #0006 <(O)>
Posts: 770 | Location: Greater Boston Area | Registered: August 16, 2004
Box Pressed (6.5 x 55) This was my first time trying the Ashton VSG Torpedo size. I thought it was full bodied, it had a great draw the entire time, and a very even burn. The taste was amazing, very smooth from start to finish with a lot of power. Worth trying and a FAVORITE!
whaat?
Posts: 610 | Location: Cigar City | Registered: January 21, 2003
Hands down the best cigar on the market. I love Opus, Anejo, Tatuaje, Padron 64 & 26, but none compare to this cigar. Def the best size in the VSG line. For those of you who complain about the $10.50 price tag, go to your local store and compare w/ other high end smokes, it's actually quite reasonable for the quality. Opus perfection #2 is $12.50, Tatuaje Unicos $11.00, Anejo Shark $10.00, Padron 1964 Torpedo $15.00, & Padron 1926 40th $25. Remember you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a decent smoke there is nothing wrong w/ spending $5.75 on a Padilla Habano, but if you want a smoke that you will remember go for the VSG Torpedo.
I wouldn't have called it the best in the line if I hadn't tried the entire line. I have smoked prob about a box of Wizards, they are very good, but the Torpedo is the best VSG in the line.
Just got my email from Holt's my 10 vsg torps just got shipped. I have a vsg box for the sorcerer size that will fit the torps, so maybe I'll just buy the 10/month holts lets you get away with. It sure is cool to have the right box for stuff like this. I hate only having singles as its real easy to forget the sizes, dates, etc..
Posts: 606 | Location: Alabama | Registered: November 09, 2006
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