Ashton ESG Review

[Lance]

I had one sitting in my humi for 10 days....hated it.


There are another two that will sit for at least 6 months, and a year.

[68TriShield]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

I suspect you've given in and smoked maybe one by now? A comment or two?

(hint hint. nudge nudge. say no more. say no more.)

(puff puff.)

Ummmm,please?

[Tapewormboy]

Originally Posted by onlyonerm

I hope you did not think by my review that I was comparing the flavor of the ESG to the VSG I was only saying that with so many fans of the VSG that perhaps people were looking for something they liked as much or that was similar.

As to Overhyped/Overpriced, well we sit around talking about this cigar for a year waiting for the release it is almost impossible for it not to be overhyped. Overpriced I suppose few cigars are really worth 20-25/stick but I try not to think of the price when I review, I either like it or not, knowing full well their are great sticks at all price ranges.

Oh no, I was just saying that it tasted more like an OpusX to me despite the information that the ESG blend is a VSG blend variation.

[RenoB]

After all the mixed reviews, I was a little apprehensive about this stick. It is well constructed if not a little veiny. It smelled terrific as I pulled it from the cellophane and after a swift cut with my trusty CS Havana cutter, the pre-light draw was perfect – with hints of what was to come.

First light rewarded with a copious amount of creamy smoke and a chocolaty sweetness. It stayed consistent for the first half and kept hinting at something that never quite rose to the top. The second half picked up some strength - I noticed a spicy, coffee overtaking the chocolate and it wound up nicely balanced.

The back flavors never fully presented themselves but I’m guessing some age may change that. Glad I’ve got a few more to lay down. I thoroughly enjoyed this smoke, giving it a solid 4+ on my scale of 1 to 5.

[stormin]

Interesting conversation folks.

I haven't tried the ESG yet. I have always liked the VSG although I haven't smoked one in about a year. I smoked a Heritage Puro Sol this summer and thought it was aweful. Now I wonder, is the VSG that much better or have my tastes changed that much? Sounds like a similar story with the ESG.


I think I'm going to smoke a VSG tonight.

[Stogiefanatic182]

I personally dont think I would every spend over 20 bucks for a stick, one because Im on a college budget and two because my rents would kill me. The highest Ive spent was 19 bucks for two opus xs and thats only because I had never even seem them before and really really wanted the stick. After the mixed reviews of the ESG I cant see myself buying one even if I could find it. Anyone else not going to buy one for that price?

[Teninx]

If I walked into my local shop and saw them in the humidor, I would pass. First off, I'd be resentful of Ashton for advising retailers to sell only two at a time (my guy says he will never set any limit). Secondly, I know I'll get a couple in trades eventually. And yeah, the price does factor into it. My local guy has boxes of VSGs...sells Wizards for <$12.00...bought a box of Tres Mystiques for $170.00. I'll buy those.

[Baric]

I can never pull the trigger on these-just too much for a controversial cigar imo. good review though!

[TU09]

Originally Posted by Baric

I can never pull the trigger on these-just too much for a controversial cigar imo. good review though!

I agree entirely. My B&M got two boxes and are charging $20 each for them which seems a bit excessive for an unproven blend. I would honestly rather buy a handful of AF sun growns for the price.

[12stones]

My local B&M is selling them for $23.50. Let's just say that I had to pass the last time I was in there. He sells them pretty quickly though. When I asked him how they were, he said that they'd be worth the price after about a year in the humi. I said that if he keeps one in there for me for a year, I'll buy one.

[opus]

fpkjr generously gifted one of these to me along with some other premium cigars on the condition that I do a review. Well after sitting in my humidor for 3 weeks I decided it was high time I fired that bad boy up.

After hearing varied reviews from one end of the spectrum to the other I did not know what to expect. Being a Fuente whore I thought I might like this one. My routine for evaluating a cigar is to smoke it in the afternoon. I find most cigars are very strong in the morning and they all taste great after dinner. Don't want the review to be swayed by circumstances.

Pulling the cigar out of the cello I was impressed by the silky smooth wrapper and firm but not dry feel in my hand. A pass under the nose revealed a somewhat typical Fuente fresh tobacco aroma, and the construction appeared to be perfect as usual for a high end Fuente. I snipped the head with my modified Palio and was rewarded with a perfect cut.

Pre light draw was damn near too perfect for such a heavy stick. The first draw after toasting and lighting was identical to the fresh cigar smell when I first pulled it from the cello, good fresh cigar flavor, but nothing special. It immediately developed a somewhat bitter taste, but this only lasted a couple of puffs and then she settled down.

I was struck by the smoothness of this cigar which I seldom find in an NC. It didn't taste Cuban, but was every bit as smooth. I find this to be a significant reason for my love of Cubans, they are smooth whether strong or mild, with no hotness or harshness. This cigar was neither harsh nor hot from first puff to last.

A very pleasant leather flavor quickly came to the fore and stayed for the entire length with floral undertones throughout. There were times when the flavor changed but I can't describe the changes other than fantastic. I would put this under a VSG in strength, but just under, and certainly smoother and more refined.

The burn was razor sharp and the ash was tenacious, not wanting to leave the cigar. This was an honest 2 hour cigar and the time seemed to pass too soon. I nubed this one. The finish was even exceptional and lasted a long while.

I would have to say that this is one of the top 5 NCs I have ever smoked. I want to sincerely thank fpkjr for allowing me to try this stick. I probably would not have purchased one for quite some time. Is it overpriced, probably, but many others I like are overpriced as well, it's all relative. The bottom line is this is a great cigar that may be even better with age, but I don't know how it could be much better than this one was.

In closing, I only have one thing to say. Anybody know where I can get some more of these at MSRP?

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by opusxox

The bottom line is this is a great cigar that may be even better with age, but I don't know how it could be much better than this one was.

In closing, I only have one thing to say. Anybody know where I can get some more of these at MSRP?

Very interesting; I smoked one when new and found it as you described, except underwhelming. Maybe they're toning up. Good news review - but still worth $14 in your opinion? Same as two good, smaller $7.00 cigars?

[fpkjr]

Originally Posted by opusxox

fpkjr generously gifted one of these to me along with some other premium cigars on the condition that I do a review. Well after sitting in my humidor for 3 weeks I decided it was high time I fired that bad boy up.

After hearing varied reviews from one end of the spectrum to the other I did not know what to expect. Being a Fuente whore I thought I might like this one. My routine for evaluating a cigar is to smoke it in the afternoon. I find most cigars are very strong in the morning and they all taste great after dinner. Don't want the review to be swayed by circumstances.

Pulling the cigar out of the cello I was impressed by the silky smooth wrapper and firm but not dry feel in my hand. A pass under the nose revealed a somewhat typical Fuente fresh tobacco aroma, and the construction appeared to be perfect as usual for a high end Fuente. I snipped the head with my modified Palio and was rewarded with a perfect cut.

Pre light draw was damn near too perfect for such a heavy stick. The first draw after toasting and lighting was identical to the fresh cigar smell when I first pulled it from the cello, good fresh cigar flavor, but nothing special. It immediately developed a somewhat bitter taste, but this only lasted a couple of puffs and then she settled down.

I was struck by the smoothness of this cigar which I seldom find in an NC. It didn't taste Cuban, but was every bit as smooth. I find this to be a significant reason for my love of Cubans, they are smooth whether strong or mild, with no hotness or harshness. This cigar was neither harsh nor hot from first puff to last.

A very pleasant leather flavor quickly came to the fore and stayed for the entire length with floral undertones throughout. There were times when the flavor changed but I can't describe the changes other than fantastic. I would put this under a VSG in strength, but just under, and certainly smoother and more refined.

The burn was razor sharp and the ash was tenacious, not wanting to leave the cigar. This was an honest 2 hour cigar and the time seemed to pass too soon. I nubed this one. The finish was even exceptional and lasted a long while.

I would have to say that this is one of the top 5 NCs I have ever smoked. I want to sincerely thank fpkjr for allowing me to try this stick. I probably would not have purchased one for quite some time. Is it overpriced, probably, but many others I like are overpriced as well, it's all relative. The bottom line is this is a great cigar that may be even better with age, but I don't know how it could be much better than this one was.

In closing, I only have one thing to say. Anybody know where I can get some more of these at MSRP?

Skip,
With all the varying reviews surrounding this stick I thought your input would be welcomed. Well done.
As a VSG whore myself I thought the ESG wasn't even close until I hit the 1/2 way mark then it opened up. However, it wasn't the first stick I smoked that day.. As everyone is aware reviews are subjective.
I value you input and you honoring your word.
You are a true Brother Of The Leaf.
Frank

[opus]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Very interesting; I smoked one when new and found it as you described, except underwhelming. Maybe they're toning up. Good news review - but still worth $14 in your opinion? Same as two good, smaller $7.00 cigars?

I can see where if this one was wet it might not be as good. My humi runs about 64%, maybe this helped. I was very impressed with this cigar. Worth $14?....I think so. I wouldn't smoke them every day though and I wouldn't give up the $7 sticks either, just another very good cigar to have on hand.