Gift Review - Ashton VSG Robusto

A new feature here on The Cohiba Club blog will be an occasional review of cigars given to us as gifts. First out of the gate is the Ashton VSG Robusto, given to me by my brother-in-law back in August of '07.

Created by Carlito Fuente, it features a dark, rich looking Ecuadorian-grown wrapper and measures 5 1/2 inches long with a ring guage of 50. The current Cigar Aficionado rating for it is 91.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a Smithwicks Irish Ale in honor of St. Patrick's Day (when I conducted this tasting).

With a slight box press, it appeared well-constructed, though I did notice a minor cosmetic flaw in the wrapper. As for roll quality, my initial impression was that it felt kind of light (in weight) as if it were rolled loosely. Ultimately, it drew and burned perfectly, so clearly roll quality was right on. This wonderful cigar produced lots of rich smoke and left a stable, white ash.

Flavors consisted of a dark cocoa bean, a hint of spice, and something nutty, perhaps like black walnut. I found it to be of medium strength through the first third. It sure was easy smokin'! Through the second third, I enjoyed it so much that wanted to smoke it too fast. An outstanding cigar to say the least!

My rating for the Ashton VSG Robusto is 90.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 25 pts (100% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

Photo credit to Ashton Cigars

Herf #11 - Return to the Scene

March 2nd, 2008 - Tulalip, WA

In attendance were Fernand, John, Robert, and John.

This herf marked a return to the ‘scene of the crime’ as it were, back to where it all began at Herf #1 – the Tulalip Casino. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

Initially, we’d planned to eat at Scuttlebutt Brewery in Everett, but once it was discovered that they would be closed on this Sunday evening, it was an easy choice to proceed to Tulalip Bay, the steakhouse inside the Tulalip Casino. There was no hesitation on our part in ordering steaks all around, and they were very good too! Paired with a great wine, it was a superb meal to enjoy with the anticipation of a good cigar to follow.
Next stop; the smoking lounge. Just a few minute drive back to the South, we arrived at Sassy’s Bar & Grill complete with smoking section (because the Tulalip Best Western sits on Tribal land).

Our selection for this Herf was the 601 Habano Robusto. A beautiful robusto from the ‘red label’ series measuring 5 inches long with a ring guage of 50. This 601 was Cigar of the Week back on October 22nd, 2007 which received a 90 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of ‘tasters’.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the 601 Habano Robusto is 90. An outstanding cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 15 pts (100% of the points possible)

II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)

III. Smoking Characteristics: 23 pts (92% of the points possible)

IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

Clearly, Pepin’s high quality construction is exemplified in this cigar. We just couldn’t find anything wrong with them. During the pre-light inspection, we each detected that classic ‘barnyard’ aroma (a product of fermentation) . The draw was almost too easy, initially, but it corrected so quickly upon lighting that not another thought was given to it. Perfect.

The flavor was one of just good, clean tobacco, perhaps a slight leather, a little grassy maybe, but not too rich and never any harshness or bitterness. A good example of a quality, medium-to-full bodied smoke. We were very pleased to have made this selection and would not hesitate to recommend it.