Ashton VSG Robusto Review

[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

[mhillsing23]

Great review. It was a good read. I have never had a VSG Robusto, but the VSG Torpedo is great...you should definitely try one if you get a chance.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

First of all, an excellent review. YOu gave us enough description to get a feel for your experience.

I have smoked Ashton VSG's both young and old and several different sizes. Today I smoked a Robusto that had about 6 years age on it and it was wonderful, with bittersweet chocolate and coffee bean flavors. I have also smoked younger ones that were also great. The only problems I have had were burn problems with a couple of Churchill sized VSGs, but everything else has been stellar.

Your experience could be attributable to the cigar/alcohol match up. Never know. If you have a bunch, smoke another one soon, I would be interested to see if you have the same experience. If not, chalk it up to the wonder and unpredictability of a handmade product.

Doc

[clampdown]

I had the VSG Sorcerer, and I thought it tasted like an ashtray.

[qwerty1500]

Nice review.

VSGs are among my favorite sticks. I have had some burn problems with a few but have always enjoyed the flavor.

Unless a cigar is an absolute dog rocket, I try to give them a second chance before I walk away. Try another one sometime, then decide. Everyone's tastes are different ... that is part of the fun of cigars.

[fl0at]

Originally Posted by Dr. Stogie Fresh

Today I smoked a Robusto that had about 6 years age on it and it was wonderful, with bittersweet chocolate and coffee bean flavors.

I'm going to try and track down a few here (it was purchased in Memphis, TN while home on vacation) and smoke one and put the rest away til at least Christmas. That way I can have a comparason of yesterday's smoke, my next smoke, and my future smoke with this cigar.

Originally Posted by qwerty1500

Unless a cigar is an absolute dog rocket, I try to give them a second chance before I walk away. Try another one sometime, then decide. Everyone's tastes are different ... that is part of the fun of cigars.

I agree with that, 100%.

Thanks all!

Kelso

[NCRadioMan]

Also, try the draw before you light it. If too tight, let it sit a few weeks.

NCRM

[JohnnyFlake]

Very nice story and review!

JohnnyFlake

[Mister Moo]

Damn, man! Le Jeune isn't like I remember it. Ashtons, merlot and Crown Royal? All I saw was Bud and bologna sandwiches. Things are looking up.

I guess there have to be some weird VSGs out there but I mostly find them to have that special VSG aroma and a taste to savor. Like Doc said, it might have been the alcohol (mis)match; maybe a too-damp cigar?

The Tres Mystique always knocks me out. Hope you'll try one if the chance arises.

Great review, by the way. Very well done.

[fl0at]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Damn, man! Le Jeune isn't like I remember it. Ashtons, merlot and Crown Royal? All I saw was Bud and bologna sandwiches. Things are looking up.

Haha, yea, well, there's definately still some Bud and bologna sandwiches around here.. don't tell anyone about the Crown, they tend to get angry.

I picked up three more today at the local B&M, and put 'em in my desktop. I'm going to sit on them for a few months and then try it again.

I liked the way it went with the Crown, so... either way, I'm not going to give up on it, not after only one of these puppies.

Kelso

[PuffDaddy]

I had a Corona Gorda last weekend and it was FANTASTIC! It burned very well, had a great draw, and full complex flavor. It was without a doubt the stick that gave me the most coffee bean flavor. It only lasted a while in the middle of the stick, but for my developing tastbuds it was a real treat. The flavor was so well defined that I didn't have to try to search for what it was. I would give other sizes/ages a chance also.
Thanks for a very nice review.

[WetExit]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Also, try the draw before you light it. If too tight, let it sit a few weeks.

NCRM

NCRadio, just curious- why or how does the extra few weeks of age help to open up the draw?

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by fl0at

Haha, yea, well, there's definately still some Bud and bologna sandwiches around here.. don't tell anyone about the Crown, they tend to get angry...
Kelso

Hey - I just drink coffee that I've stirred with fat cigars. Don't know nothin' about any Camp LeJeune.

[yoshi94564]

VSGs, opus and anejo are my favorite non cubans. I've actually had a few robos that had a loose draw. Much looser than I care for, but the flavor was there. Definite espresso like flavors. I find myself gravitating more and more to the illusions and treys. I appreciate the greater wrapper:filler ratio.

[steve471]

Nice review. VSG's are one of my all time favorites, I would give them another try after letting those new ones rest awhile and then see what you think.