I'm still checking in with my local shops to remind them to push for some ESG's, then to put a few aside for me. I sure hope they live up to the advance notice.
I will be hitting Holt's distribution next week, but don't know if they'll have any supply for themselves.
Posts: 818 | Location: Central New Jersey | Registered: March 15, 2005
I just finished my first Ashton ESG. A bit underwhelming given the long wait for their release and all the hype. It is a gorgeous looking cigar. The band is worth the price. I paid $21 each. It has similar tasting notes as the OpusX but with a smoother profile. I just wasn't unique. Good but I have had much better.
Given the hype and the price, certain smokes in the Opux line are cheaper and better, and to me, the VSG line is more worth the money if you have a good vendor that doesn't overcharge.
I don't know where they came up with the selling price for this, but it seems more dealers are doubling the price or adding an exorbitant amount to what they are supposed to. My dealer has a one cigar a day limit, but he is only charging $14 for the cigar. Still overpriced, but better than what most are having to pay. I'll take an Ashton VSG robusto for under $8 thank you very much
Mike
"Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man's enjoyment of his cigar." Mark Twain
I bought 2 at $23 each (ouch). I'm letting them sit for a little while, but I hear that they aren't as strong as the VSG but they have a similar flavor profile. We'll see.
--- AC
Posts: 69 | Location: Georgia | Registered: August 28, 2006
I had to have gotten a bad apple from the bunch, because there is no way that cigar should be that bland. I picked one up at my local shop for the absurd price of 24 bucks because I knew they'd be pretty hard to find and I wanted to see if they lived up to the hype. The ESG was nowhere near as complex and flavorful as the OpusX and VSG, in fact it was pretty bland and mediocre. Even if I had gotten the cigar for 8 bucks, I still would've been disappointed. As was said earlier, the construction was great, burn was very even, and draw was also good, but aside from aesthetics it was not a good cigar at all. The only thing about this cigar I can say lived up to that price and hype was the band; a work of art if I must say so myself. My advice, save your money...
Opus X and VSG's aren't bad per se, but they are by no means worth buying from a place that jacks up their prices. Even at MSRP they can sometimes be a bit steep for what you're getting. Not that I've tried an ESG but I'm assuming it's no better than either of the above mentioned. Also, the limited edition Opus X stuff which is commonly auctioned off for over $40 a cigar should come with little cameras so that when the person opens it the camera takes their picture and sends it to www.bigfool.com... I guess if you're buying them for collectable sake then it's a bargain.
I have now had three of these. The first resulted in a review that was not full of praise. But now after having three of them, I must say that these will be, if not already, a unique smoke. The last one I had was full of good, complex tabacco flavors. The aroma is just as good. Smoke it slow and enjoy! Good to the last puff. I would characterize the flavors as being a bit more mellow than the OpusX with a subtle complexity that is very satisfying. A beautiful looking cigar. The band is worth the price.
Doc I can't say, since I haven't purchased one. I can say that the last VSG's I purchased about 2 years ago did not seem as good as previous ones. Thus I don't smoke them anymore. Life is too short to smoke less than satisfying cigars unless they are gifted, then I will try one. Same applies to liquor, 'cept I drink the liquor.
When all things are said and done, more things will be said than done!
Currently the Ashton ESG is one of three favorites here. I occasionally purchase them as a Saturday Night smoke at two different locations here, both charge $30. Yep, that’s California for you. Oh, and Tuesday’s ballot provides the opportunity to vote a tax increase to 135%! California’s radical socialism is always biting at your heels.
After a modest take at the Breeder’s Cup yesterday I am contemplating buying a box as one of my local dealers has an Arizona location. Still yet, avoiding the 47% in California they will probably go at $20 x 25 = $500. Pricey yet savings over time, you got to love this hobby.
Second Choice: Davidoff Special “R” at about $325 by mail order (not a local dealer), hmm . . .
---------------------------- "I would like to electrocute everyone who uses the word "fair" in connection with income tax policies."
