Ashton Aged Maduro

[smokinhogrider]

If everyone can indulge me while I try my first review.......

I had read a VERY favorable review on this cigar so was very anxious to try one for myself. I went to my local cigar store and paid almost 3x's the price compared to what is available at various internet sites. But I fiqured, why not. I would hate to buy a box and be disappointed AND still have 24 left. It turns out, I'm glad I did.
I settled on the #15 (ring ga. 44). This is a DR cigar with a CT wrapper. Nice looking cigar, well constructed outwardly. The light up and draw was nice and easy. Flavor was a bit stronger than the 898's I usually smoke, but smooth nonetheless. Within the first couple of minutes, the burn began creeping up one side. After 10 minutes, the burn didn't even out, but continued to advance. I considered stopping and taking it back, but figured would smoke it to the end and see what happened.
The flavor remained very consistent all the way down with no noticable aftertaste towards the end. It was an enjoyable smoke, but after paying a premium price for the stick, I felt disappointed that the uneven burn persisted also to the end. Would I buy it again? From a flavor standpoint, Yes. Construction and smoke-ability, No, especially at that price. I hate putting a reputable good smoke such as this on my sh*t list, but first experience with this cigar was a disappointment.

 

[badhangover]

We do have high tax rates on tobacco here in CA. I'm a bit curious though. If I may ask, what price did you pay? Would you have enjoyed the cigar more if you paid a lower price point or did you just not like the cigar much at all?

 

[smokinhogrider]

We do have high tax rates on tobacco here in CA. I'm a bit curious though. If I may ask, what price did you pay? Would you have enjoyed the cigar more if you paid a lower price point or did you just not like the cigar much at all?

$14.95.....Price didn't influence me as I knew if I liked it, I would pay around $5 on the internet. It was just disappointing considering the hype I read. But like many things, it was my opinion.

 

[Brickhouse]

Nice first review bro.

I'd give this one another chance. The Aged Maddie is one of my favorites and I love the flavor profile. Just like with any 'gar, there could've been other reasons for the inconsistent burn that had nothing to do with the 'gar itself but rather it's storage prior to purchase.

You said poor construction, but I didn't read anything about actual construction, rather the burn of the cigar. My question is, was the 'gar actual constructed poorly? Could you see issues prior to light?

I don't like having to fix a burn issue throughout a cigar more than anyone I'm sure, but I don't think it affects the flavor of the cigar, just the "experience" due to having to mess with it all the time.

I'd encourage you to try another vitola if you can, the #40 is my favorite. I wouldn't write the whole line off because of some burn issues on your first one.

Good luck on the next!!!!

 

[smokinhogrider]

Nice first review bro.

I'd give this one another chance. The Aged Maddie is one of my favorites and I love the flavor profile. Just like with any 'gar, there could've been other reasons for the inconsistent burn that had nothing to do with the 'gar itself but rather it's storage prior to purchase.

You said poor construction, but I didn't read anything about actual construction, rather the burn of the cigar. My question is, was the 'gar actual constructed poorly? Could you see issues prior to light?

I don't like having to fix a burn issue throughout a cigar more than anyone I'm sure, but I don't think it affects the flavor of the cigar, just the "experience" due to having to mess with it all the time.

I'd encourage you to try another vitola if you can, the #40 is my favorite. I wouldn't write the whole line off because of some burn issues on your first one.

Good luck on the next!!!!

Thanks for the pointers and feedback. That will help me on future reviews.
Like I said, it wasn't that it was a bad smoke, just a frustrating one considering what I had read prior and paid for it. I realize this can happen with any cigar, any brand.

 

[Phlicker]

You might also want to consider letting any singles you buy sit in your humidor for a couple of months before you smoke them. I know it's tough to wait, but most cigars ship much wetter than 70% RH from the factory, in order to protect them from drier shipping/storage climates, and your local B&M goes to pains to make sure they aren't dry when you buy them either. An overly moist cigar is prone to burn issues like you described in your post, and can be corrected by resting for awhile at 65-70% RH. For me, 6 weeks is the bare minimum before I smoke something from the store. If you can afford it, pick up another couple sticks and let them sit for awhile. Let us know what you think then.

 

[Saxjazzman]

Thanks for the review. :thumbs:

 

[GMCCCGUY]

We do have high tax rates on tobacco here in CA. I'm a bit curious though. If I may ask, what price did you pay? Would you have enjoyed the cigar more if you paid a lower price point or did you just not like the cigar much at all?

$14.95.....Price didn't influence me as I knew if I liked it, I would pay around $5 on the internet. It was just disappointing considering the hype I read. But like many things, it was my opinion.

WOW! That makes me feel better about paying $12.99 for an Anejo Shark today at my B&M. Thanks for the review I've been wanting to try one.