Ashton VSG Robusto Review

[fl0at]

I just put 3 more in the humi so... I'm not giving up on them.

[txmatt]

#1) Great Review!!

#2) Altough 15%-20% more than the other sizes, the VSG Enchantment figurado is the best vitola in this line.. I am a perfecto whore (besides a Pepin whore), and will frequently reach for the figurado first on the cigar store shelf, however I have gone through 2 of the VSG samplers, and the Enchantment is a clear favorite. Last Summer I was having problems with wrapper splits on them, but they seem to have fixed the problem as they aren't doing that anymore.

The Tres Mystique vitola is my second favorite in the line, it seems the strongest, I don't know if that is because it burns hotter with the smaller gauge, or if the blend has a bit higher percentage of liger.

I think you should give the cigar another chance; they are a long time favorite of mine..

-Matt-

Originally Posted by fl0at

This is my first review, so please... constructive criticism is much needed.

The Ashton VSG Cabinet Robusto almost made my knees week when I took a whiff of it after taking it out of my humi. I was talking to a friend and told him "Hey man, I gotta light this sucker up."

I poured a glass of Aussie's bottom shelf Merlot that I've had sitting in my room for a few weeks, grabbed a book by my favorite author and stepped outside for what was to be an enjoyable evening.

I lit her up and immediately noticed that it was a tough pull. The smoke I got was thick and the thickness made my eyes water a hair, but hey, a strong smoke tends to do that to the contact impaired.. or at least me.

I found some light and sat down to read my book. I got about two pages in when low and behold, my friend, former teammate in Iraq and local peer drinker stepped outside of his room with a bottle of Crown Royal and a smile on his face. I put the book down.

I couldn't, however, put the smoke down. After a few deeper pulls on the cigar, noticing the strong-ness of the smoke and the, then, apparent lack of flavor, I was a little discouraged. However, about half way through, it started to kick in. I was disappointed at first, but the smoke slowly grew on me.

Derrick threw on some O.A.R and we toasted a few shots of Crown to his leaving the military for bigger and better things, and when he took a pull on my lovely, he almost chocked, responding "Man, this thing has some kick." I had to agree with him.

The first taste I had, though, reminded me of the day after. And by "day after" I mean, the day after a night out and the taste of great cigar's past. I was heartbroken.

After finishing it, and boy, I finished it.. down to the nub, I was at mixed feelings. It didn't accentuate the wine, but it went well with the Crown, which came into play about half way through.

I jumped on Top25 and checked out the reviews and found many fans and a few of the disheartened. Many of the negative remarks were the same as I experienced. Hard pull, lack of taste, and slow to kick in.

However, it held a great ash, and it smoked great slowly, which is what I enjoy while reading, After ashing, it held a perfect cherry, it is just the lack of flavor that disappointed me.

It was the first I have tried, and I picked it up upon recommendation from a very tanned and very knowledgeable rep at my local B&M.

I was wondering, mostly, if maybe I didn't let it age enough, and therefore smoked it a little too young... or if this was common.

If anyone has had any better luck with this cigar, please let me know, and I'll go grab another and let her sit quietly for however long is recommended.

I enjoyed it, like I said, about half way through, but I don't know if that was the liquor and laughs provided by my friend, or if that is how that particular smoke plays out.

In my young, and very humble opinion, it was definitely a second half cigar that I wouldn't mind smoking again, if only I could forget the taste from the first half.

I would hate to be unjust to this cigar, especially after the reviews I've read from CS members, and Top25, so I have to think that I just smoked it a little too early....

Thanks for reading!

Kelso

[Cheo Malanga]

I had a vsg last night, right after an Oliveros Gran Reserva (african cameroon wrapper), which is becoming one of my favorite smokes.

I admit not having smoked many VSGs (about 5 or 6), but all the ones I've had (numerous sizes) have been very consistent in flavor and burn, with an excellent draw.

I say give it another try, because if you don't you will be missing the joy of one of the best smokes out there.

[mason]

A VSG Torpedo was my epiphany cigar. I had smoked on and off for a few years and knew there was something to cigars, but never dove in.

I had one of these while on vaca on the deck of a casita overlooking the sea of cortez in Baja last year and was blown away. I felt like I finally "got it" and started smoking 1-2 stogies/week instead of 1-2 /year trying anything I can fine.