Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Tasting notes
The Ashton Aged Maduro No. 40 Toro, an iconic cigar from the United States, presents itself with an almost black wrapper, highlighted by a careful cut and a slightly oily appearance. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper has a pleasant texture in hand, and its flawless look inevitably draws the eye. With a length of 152.4 mm and a diameter of 19.8 mm, this cigar boasts a perfect stature.
At the first olfactory contact, the pre-light aromas reveal an intriguing complexity, blending earthy and vegetal notes with a slightly sweet undertone. Upon lighting, the flavors of black pepper and coffee burst forth powerfully, followed by hints of dark chocolate. The aromatic evolution from the very first puffs shows a beautiful depth, incorporating touches of hazelnut and wood.
On the palate, the experience unfolds in three thirds. The beginning is characterized by a beautiful intensity where spicy flavors harmonize with nuances of cocoa. Gradually, sweetness takes over, developing a pleasant creaminess in the middle of the smoke. From the two-thirds mark, naked notes join the dance, adding more depth and balance to this already very enjoyable cigar. The aromas persist until the end, offering a rich and pleasant smoke.
The finish of the Ashton Aged Maduro is of impressive length, leaving a finish in the mouth that underscores the quality of its compositions. The balance between strength and sweetness makes each puff delightful. This cigar stands out for its harmony, and its thoughtful character makes for a memorable experience.
Ideally, you can enjoy it during a quiet evening, accompanied by an eloquent black coffee or a glass of peaty whisky. This pairing enriches the already present flavors, creating a unique and refined tasting moment.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its remarkable balance between notes of chocolate and coffee, an explosion of spicy flavors, and a pleasant sweetness. The Ashton Aged Maduro No. 40 Toro is unanimously praised for its impeccable construction and satisfying smoke volume. A safe choice for cigar lovers seeking a rich and aromatic experience.
How to taste: Ashton Aged Maduro No. 40 Toro
▼
1.The Visual Examination
The Ashton Aged Maduro No. 40 Toro stands out with its very dark brown to black maduro wrapper, which features a velvety and oily texture. Its construction is exquisite, and the Robusto Gordo format is pleasant to hold, measuring 152.4 mm with a ring gauge of 50.
The overall appearance of the cigar is a primary indicator of its quality and aromatic potential — a well-constructed wrapper can offer a richer and more uniform experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, inhaling the pre-light aromas reveals notes of chocolate, coffee, and pepper. These powerful aromas, typical of maduro, suggest a rich tasting experience ahead.
Analyzing the pre-light aromas allows one to become familiar with the natural flavors of the tobacco — this step prepares the palate and enriches the tasting experience.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut made under the cap allows the cigar to be opened without compromising its integrity. This simple action facilitates an optimal draw from the very first puffs.
A precise cut promotes a consistent draw, essential for an even burn — a flaw at this stage could detract from the experience by causing blockages.
4.Cold Draw
The draw is easy, offering a pleasant resistance that prepares the smoker for a delightful experience. This ease indicates that the cigar has been well-rolled.
Testing the cold draw allows one to anticipate the smoothness of the smoke — a correct draw signals a hassle-free tasting experience and ensures a smooth burn.
5.Lighting
During lighting, a uniformly toasted foot ensures balanced combustion. Taking the time to light the cigar properly is crucial to avoid the inconveniences of asymmetric burning.
A good lighting is essential to ensure that the aromas develop correctly — neglecting this moment can lead to undesirable changes in flavors.
6.First Third
In the first third, the cigar reveals its medium strength while presenting dominant aromas of chocolate, coffee, and pepper. The smoke volume is also medium, offering a nice richness.
This first third is often intense in flavors — appreciating these aromas establishes a solid foundation for the rest of the tasting.
7.Second Third
During the second third, the cigar begins to evolve, integrating secondary aromas of hazelnut, wood, and cream. The balance remains very good, enriching the overall experience.
Observing this evolution is crucial to appreciate the complexity of the blend — this is a phase where the cigar refines itself and reveals its full aromatic richness.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the gray ash is a sign of good combustion. The finish offers a beautiful aromatic persistence with a slight residual sweetness.
A long finish indicates a superior quality of the blend — it allows one to assess the complexity of the aromas and the craftsmanship of the cigar.