Ashton VSG Belicoso No1 review

[moki]

I've long heard good things about the Ashton VSG's, and today was my day to find out what all of the buzz was about. The Ashton VSG Belicoso No1 is a gorgeous looking cigar, with an oily wrapper that has a very interesting "mottled" look to it that reminded me of fine suede. Alas, I was stuck without a proper cutter, and my punch wouldn't work too terribly well on a cigar of this shape, so I resorted to a sharp Swiss Army blade to make my cut.

As a tribute to the both the knife and the construction of the cigar, it all came off cleanly. Sniffing the end of the Ashton VSG reminded me a bit of the smell of the Opus. Enough foreplay, let's get down to business and spark this bad boy up.

The first few puffs made it fairly clear that although it smells a bit like an Opus, the taste is quite different. Instead of a "kick you in the teeth" punch (which isn't a bad thing, necessarily), my first draws tasted earthy/leathery, and yet surprisingly mellow and smooth.

Both the smell of the smoke, and the aftertaste left in your mouth is quite pleasant; leaves you smacking your lips waiting for the next draw. The cigar burned evenly, and maintained a nice greyish ash throughout, and as with many cigars, started to earn is keep about halfway through.

That's when the more interesting flavors started coming out, continuing to be earthy and slightly nutty, though I did find this cigar a bit on the bitter side; perhaps it needs a bit of aging. The strange thing is that although the draw is a bit bitter, the aftertaste isn't -- it's slightly sweet., and rather pleasant.

At present, I can't say I'm a convert to the VSG enthusiast category. Though I found it a tasty cigar that is well-constructed in every way, it's just a bit too much on the bitter side of things for me. I'm certainly going to revisit this position in half a year or so, after they've been given a chance to age a bit, and mellow out/develop.

I can tell there's a great cigar in here; I just think it needs a little more time to come out. Caveat: this is the first "virgin sun grown" cigar I've ever had, so perhaps I'm just not acclimatized to that particular taste.

 

[blair]

God, I love your reviews. Thanks for another great one. I'm still working on VSG's myself. I know that there is something great in there but I'm having some difficulty acclimating (is that the word I'm looking for? maybe) to them.

 

[Bat_Chief]

Excellent review Moki. I also recently tried the exact same ceegar and came up with a very similar opinion.

Back to the coolidor they go to do some aging!

 

[Ludwig]

Another great review. I really like the VSG's, try a Tres Mystique, nice little spicey guy. I have found that I like my VSG's wet.

 

[Big100HD]

Moki, you have a way of making love to a cigar....great review. I hope you don't mind but I just had one tonight and wanted to do a review myself, but you've said it better than I ever could....excellent.

I've smoked a VSG before, and fell in love with it, It is one of my Top five...As I grow and appreciate cigars and thier unique charisteristics....this cigar deserves the the respect of royalty.

I wanted a little quiet time and enjoy a nice cigar with some friends, so I grabbed a Gurka centurian which I got from a trade and headed to my local shop. They greated me with a display of the latest new arrivals. One of which, was the the VSG, Belicoso No 1. There in the case a brand new box seal still intact. (Gurka what Gurka) I asked him to let me do the honors. He handed me the box and the knife and I slowly cut the seals, I smelled the rich aromatic flavors coming from the box which you only get when you open a new box. Each cigar glistening with it's silky wrap, almost looking as if they were still moist. I pulled the first cigar out with the tiny satin sleeve, the firm stick popped out of it's case. I couldn't resist the temptation to pick it up and smell the aroma....sliding it into my mouth (at this point I bought it.) I tasted the oils on my lips and new this is my cigar for the night.

As far as the smoke, Moki has described it perfectly, I cannot add anything more than what has already been said about the smoke, It puts you into a calm state of Euphoria...the lasting after taste made me feel warm and tingly. It was a very good night after that.

There was a box with one VSG torpedo left in the case...(I'm a sucker for boxes) of course that had to make it's way home along with a box of VSG Sorcerer ($199.80) for long term storage. I think I'll treat myself to a box or 3 a year...of these fine smokes.

Thanks again moki for letting me drop in.

 

[vewyphishy]

My friend smoked this same cigar when I was smoking my Davidoff. He said the same things you did. It's a good cigar, but nothing to be ecstatic about. He was just happy it didn't taste like ass as his first one did.

Personally, I like the VSG taste. I've only had a few, but they were gooooooood. Maybe its just my kind of flavor.

 

[lucasbuck]

Yet another fine review Andrew :thumbs: I just can't say enough about these cigars. I have a feeling I'll be smoking these long after I've given up on most other domestics. Having had a few young ones and a few older ones I believe they are a different and much improved smoke with 2+ years on them.

If anyone knows where I can get my hands on some ESTATESI would greatly appreciate you sending me the info. Thanks.

 

[cigah_smoka]

Nice review Andrew! They always are! I too love these VSG's. My favs are the Enchantment! :love: