Ashton ESG, a review

[aholsber]

Ashton ESG review:

Appearance and construction: 9/10

This stick was beautifully crafted, nice oily wrapper, very little veins, and silky smooth. Decided to use the punch instead of cutter. Cut well, pre-light draw was nice, peppery.

Flavor: 8/10

First taste I got from this cigar was a lot of pepper, very spicy at the start; this soon mellowed out and started reminding me of the FFOX. Powerful cigar, but not over powering. As I continued to smoke this, the flavors would start to develop, but then peter out. I detected some wood tones, and an over roasted coffee back taste.

Smoking characteristics: 9/10

Ash held tight, for about an inch, burn was even, which I hear is uncommon. Volumes of smoke, not unpleasant.

Price point 2/5

This one was a gift, but in my opinion, not worth the price tag. This would be a great $5-$8 stick, but not the asking price.


Based on the rating scale, this paned out to an 80%. Would I smoke another? Maybe. Would I go out of my way to, I don't think so.

Alan

 

[jrohrer]

great review...I agree with the price point.

I personally haven't smoked one, but while I was at my parents house over the holidays, a few B&M's hod only the churchill price...but they were asking $22-$24 a stick...I just couldn't pull the trigger and ended up with a few hemingways and DC's

 

[RX2010]

I traded for one, it's still resting... I'm waiting for a time when I can smoke it all at my leisure, but I can't bring myself to buy them at 18.50 a pop here at the B&M

 

[MichiganM]

Some of these cigars have gotten out of hand with the prices. I refuse to pay that much for a cigar, unless it's something out of this world.

Thanks for the review Alan!

:thumbsup:

 

[CWS]

Great review. This ones on my list to pick up but not in CA.

 

[RX2010]

18+ dollars for one cigar, needs to come with at least a 10 dollar rebate


although I still find myself tempted to buy the Davidoff Diademas Finas at over 20 a stick... maybe someday

 

[CWS]

18+ dollars for one cigar, needs to come with at least a 10 dollar rebate


although I still find myself tempted to buy the Davidoff Diademas Finas at over 20 a stick... maybe someday

Yeah. Been watching those too. Havent found anyone that tried em but they do look good.

 

[cvm4]

Nice review Randy :thumbsup: Definitely not an everday cigar by any means.

 

[Wasch_24]

There are a few stores in the Omaha area with these but, like others, I could not justify the price tag of $22 to $24.

 

[pharmgator]

I think they are worth the price, but they are not ready to smoke yet. I think Ashton/Carlito pushed these out to soon. I paid $22 / stick on that box I purchased, because I think this time next year they will be fabulous (the guy wouldn't give me a box discount either). I bought a handful of them about 3 months ago or so, and they still tasted of ammonia. I will probably crack this box when the next vitola is released later this year, and I got a couple of you on my radar when I do.

 

[Boppa-Wasch]

Nice review, thanks.

 

[Headbanger]

When I smoke something expensive, it better knock my socks off or have some pretty damn good complexity/tastes. Most times like you Alan, it is a letdown or just not worth the money. Thanks for the review.

 

[avid toker]

I've got one of these. Christ, it's sitting on the bottom of my humi next to my Casa Fuente smokes and I completely forgot about it. I really have no interest in smoking it truth be told because I'm sure they'll be like every other high-priced stick.....overpriced and overhyped. But I'm sure I'll light it someday so I can say that at least I've tried one.

 

[jwintosh]

... because I think this time next year they will be fabulous ...

haven't tried it yet, but it sounds like it needs some resting time.

thanks for the review!!

jeff

 

[AZsteelman]

nice review Alan...I also have trouble paying that much for a smoke. If I do, it has to be one for a special occasion and it better be excellent!

 

[cvm4]

Nice review Randy :thumbsup: Definitely not an everday cigar by any means.

Hah...I thought it was Randy The avatars are very similar!

 

[Electric Sheep]

I've smoked a couple of ESGs, and to be perfectly honest I really do like the cigar--I just *HATE* the price tag.

In comparison, another overpriced 2006 cigar release was the NC Partagas 160, which is in the same price range ($20-ish/stick)...the key difference is that I didn't like the 160.

If you're gonna blow $20+ a stick, at least the ESG is a likeable cigar!

 

[AZsteelman]

Hah...I thought it was Randy The avatars are very similar!

yeah, we stole them from the same guy...mine is nicer!

 

[aholsber]

I think they are worth the price, but they are not ready to smoke yet. I think Ashton/Carlito pushed these out to soon. I paid $22 / stick on that box I purchased, because I think this time next year they will be fabulous (the guy wouldn't give me a box discount either). I bought a handful of them about 3 months ago or so, and they still tasted of ammonia. I will probably crack this box when the next vitola is released later this year, and I got a couple of you on my radar when I do.

Pharmgator,

These were released 4 years late from what I understand. But if you enjoy 'em, I won't buy any, so there will be enough for you. :yes: :yes:

Alan

 

[aholsber]

yeah, we stole them from the same guy...mine is nicer!

Yeah, but not only is mine an avatar, it's the background on my cellphone!

Alan