Benchmade robusto Review

[jitzy]

Well, today I was able to sit and enjoy a Benchmade by Ashton (made by Pepin) for all those who haven't tried them I would highly recommend it. These are one of the best cheap in price cigars since the Flor de oliva. If I had to compare it to another cigar I would say the white labeled Tat's. It's a very smokey flavorful medium bodied short-filler cigar.

on appearance I'm going to give it a 7 out of 10
construction 8 out of 10
draw 10 out of 10
taste 36 out of 40
complexity 26 out of 30

For a final score of 87

[g8trbone]

I'm still trying to get my hands on some. My local Ashton hookup called yesterday and they are on backorder. I have to hit up a couple of my other locals to see if they got any in.

[Doogie]

nice review Joe.

[dj5213]

that doesnt sound to bad at all!! very nice!

[BeerAdvocate-cl]

I ordered some from seriouscigars.com and have been letting them sit for a week. I think its time to break one out tomorrow after reading all the rave reviews!

[tmoney]

Nice review jitzy, I have been wanting to try these...gotta see if any of the local B&M's have any.

[happy1]

Nice review....NOW I want one

[stlcards]

I had one today also, great smoke.

[Webmeister]

Just posted my review of the Benchmade Robusto - but can't seem to find it now, so here you go.

Cigar: Ashton Benchmade

Environment: About 10:00am, upper 70's, and calm. Cigar has been stored at 65-67% rh for the past three days and dropped off by the Ashton rep prior to that.

Prelight:
Appearance: Well shaped robusto with a short pigtail. Wrapper is mottled medium-to-dark brown with a very fine veins running the length of the cigar.
Feel: Firm overall with no hard or soft spots.
Wrapper scent: Little bit of barnyard
Scent @ foot: Same as the wrapper, much fainter.
Prep: V-cut dead center
Tongue: no tingle
Flavor on draw: Caramel. Draw was just fine.

Smoke:
Light: Toasted the foot evenly. Medium gray smoke. Mild woody taste initially.

First third - Medium body. Woody, earthy taste with a faint sweetness (caramel?) - nothing over-powering about this stick. Light gray, flakey ash. Mascara line is somewhat wide and black.
At one point, it was burning a little fast on one side, so I set it down for a bit and it self-corrected. Darn tasty so far with a good amount of smoke and great draw. At times, the flavor profile reminds me a bit of the RP Edge Missile, but not as strong. Ash dropped at about 1.5" - not bad for a short filler.

Second third - More of the same. Medium body/strength (not what I am used to from Pepin), good burn, lots of smoke, same flakey ash. Haven't picked up on any spice/pepper. Still a goodly volume of smoke and great burn.

Final third - Draw is still fine, as is the smoke. No bite and the smoke/stick remains cool. Very consistent smoke front to back.

I like this cigar, and plan to pick up a few - great box price. Would recommend for a medium morning smoke - or to anyone who enjoys a medium cigar.

Webmeister scale:
0 - Really did not like this one.
1 - Not bad, but not memorable
2 - Maybe, but I'd like to try another stick
X 3 - Pretty darn good - I think I'll buy a fiver
4 - This is a keeper - gimme a box for bombing!
5 - A great stick - buying a box to keep for myself!

On the "official" scale, I am going to be generous when I give this an 8 overall. For me, that is high praise for a short filler. Another job well done by Don Pepin!

8 for construction
8 for draw, ash, and volume of smoke
8 for taste and complexity

[LkyLindy]

hmmmmmmmmmm-

something else to buy

[Ceedee]

Great reviews from Jitzy and Webby! Thanks gents, I just might have to find some of these myself!

CD

[Wingfan13-cl]

Originally Posted by Ceedee

Great reviews from Jitzy and Webby! Thanks gents, I just might have to find some of these myself!

CD

I'll send you one.....some others may also make the trip.