The Stogie Guys

Like many cigar enthusiasts, over time I’ve found my preferences moving towards more full-flavored cigars. Still, from time to time I enjoy a mild-flavored cigar, and I had high hopes for the Ashton Classic Sovereign Torpedo.

The Sovereign was introduced at the 2005 RTDA and it is the first torpedo in the Ashton Classic line. Measuring in at 6 and 3/4 inches by 55 ring gauge, it is a large, missile-shaped cigar.

Right off the bat, the flawless silky golden Connecticut shade wrapper stood out. After a snip with my double guillotine, I noticed pre-light flavors of sweet grass and honey.

Once lit, I was treated to abundant aromatic smoke and a complex flavor profile. While the predominant tastes were mild and creamy, there were hints of cinnamon, honey and coffee that gave the Sovereign a rich, balanced flavor.

The only major complaint I had with this mild Ashton torpedo was that the draw was noticeably firm through the first two thirds of the cigar until the problem finally worked itself out.

Still, despite that drawback, the Ashton Classic Sovereign is a great mild stogie – the kind that makes those inclined to stronger, fuller-flavored smokes enjoy the delicate complexity that can be found in mild cigars. And for those of you already inclined towards mild cigars, well it goes without saying that this cigar is a must try.

For such an impressive performance, the Ashton Classic Sovereign earns four and 1/2 out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick S

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

I recently smoked a Macanudo Natural for the first time in awhile. The Robusto-shaped Lords featured the same mild flavors and solid construction you’d expect, but it wasn’t as balanced as other Macanudos I’ve enjoyed. While the Macanudo Lords certainly isn’t a bad smoke, I’d suggest you go with Hyde Park or Rothschild size instead.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

Tags: cigars