Do cigars with dark wrappers catch your eye? If so, we have two today to review. We will begin with the smallish Ashton Classic Esquire Maduro and finish with the full-bodied Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Robusto.

Ashton Classic Esquire Maduro

Looking for a quick smoke that is not too strong? If so, the Ashton Classic Esquire Maduro could be just what you are looking for. Although the line comes in many sizes, this small stick is perfect for a cigar smoking quickie. It's also been created so that both beginners and experienced smokers can enjoy it.

Ashton Classic's Esquire Maduro size measures 4 1/4x 32. The Classic line is also offered in a plethora of other sizes sure to fit many smokers needs: the 4 1/4x 32 Esquire, the 5 x 30 Cordial, the 5 x 50 Magnum, the 5 1/2x 44 Corona, the 5 1/2x 44 Imperial, the 6 x 49 Belicoso, the 6 x 50 Monarch, the 6 x 36 Panetela, the 6 x 50 Double Magnum Cedar Aged, the 6 x 56 Majesty, the 6 1/2x 44 Crystal #1, the 6 1/2x 44 8-9-8, the 6 3/4x 55 Sovereign, the 6 7/8x 48 Prime Minister, and the 7 1/2x 52 Churchill. The cigar's filler is a blend of Dominican tobaccos that have been aged for three to four years. The binder is also Dominican, and the cigar is completed with a Connecticut Shade wrapper, although some of the sizes come in a Maduro wrapper. As far as strength is concerned, the Classic line falls in the medium-bodied category.

Let's get this out of the way first: if you like large cigars, the Esquire Maduro will not suffice. It's quite diminutive with its 4 1/4x 32 size, so you should choose another one of the Classic's sizes if that is an issue. Unlike its regular brethren wrapped in Connecticut Shade leaves, the Esquire Maduro has a darker color. It has somewhat of an oily sheen, and there are a few small veins that are noticeable. Near the head of the cigar is a decorative band in gold, black, and white. It features the Ashton name as well as the labels of “Imported” and “Made by Hand.” The band is not too flashy and adds a nice aesthetic touch. The cigar feels as if it is well-packed and has a scent and cold taste of mild tobacco prior to lighting.

When finally lit, the Esquire Maduro performs solidly. The draw is just right, and some solid white ash is formed. It never goes out on its own, and does not need any maintenance in the way of touch-ups, which is always nice.