Ashton VSG Enchantment
Size - 4-3/4 x 60 (figurado)
Filler - Dominican ("Made Carlito's Way" according to the website)
Wrapper - Ecuadorian
Overall construction - 10
Taste - 10
Burn - 8

Prelight impression - Just got some of these beautys in and smoked one right out of the bag (Thanks to Ian for supplying these!). I was immediately impressed by the quality of the wrapper - very well constructed, no large veins, wrapped well. The aroma was "pure VSG" in my limited description ability. (so far a few sticks have their own unique prelight aroma to me, ISOMs notwithstanding - please bear with me). Firmness was consistent all the way down the stick, not too soft, not as firm as other VSG's I've had, but spot-on. I clipped the cap, and tested the draw which was on the loose side.

After a toasting of the foot, the first draw was perfect - no harshness, just a smooth first taste of espresso/dark chocolate that I've come to expect from the VSG line. Smooth was the order of the day, as I sometimes have a tendency to "hotbox", but at no time did I get any hot smoke during the first 2/3. Flavor was exquisite - espresso with hints of dark chocolate and nuts. The finish was smooth and long. Once I reached the final third, I detected hints of raisin as well. There were copious amounts of smoke during the whole experience, and once I approached the nub (yep - nubbed that sucka!), it finally got a bit hot, but no big deal.

Burn was excellent for the first third, but tunneled slightly for the second third. A slight touchup was required, but I had to do it twice. Ash was tight with a good gray coloring and hints of light brown. It held on till I knocked it off at the 2/3 mark. I enjoyed this with a fellow BOTL at the end of the day at my shop (this is becoming a ritual that I enjoy!), and the stick lasted me a good hour or so (didn't keep track). The tunneling burn kept me from giving this a perfect score, but it was a minor issue. Another stick to keep on hand.

Robert