Quick Smoke: Ashton VSG (CRA Exclusive)

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

As far as I can tell, this 6.5-inch Ashton, which came in the sampler that’s available only to CRA members, is identical to the regular VSG Illusion. But I hardly have buyer’s remorse. While it would have been nice to try a new twist on the VSG, this blend of four- to five-year-old Dominican tobacco and an Ecuadorian wrapper is a box-pressed treat. The smooth, medium-bodied flavor includes notes of nuts, dry wood, sweet chocolate, and some pepper spice on the finish. The only flaw in this memorable 90-minute smoke is its slightly stiff draw.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys