Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
excellent
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Ashton VSG Illusion is a cigar with a captivating Ecuador wrapper, characterized by its oily and dark dressing. In hand, its texture is pleasant, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship. With dimensions of 165.1 mm (6½") in length and 17.5 mm (¾") in diameter, it makes an excellent choice for a rich experience, offering both comfort and visual pleasure.
Upon first contact, your senses awaken with pre-light aromas of coffee and wood, which evolve upon lighting to reveal subtle spice notes. The bouquet quickly becomes complex, with each puff bringing additional layers of aromas. As the cigar progresses, it reveals a beautiful harmony, with a rich and nuanced development.
On the palate, this cigar proves to be very expressive. The first third evokes flavors of nuts and chocolate, while the second third increases in intensity with the addition of a citrus freshness that enhances the experience. The finish is dominated by earthy and spicy aromas, revealing the depth of this perfectly balanced blend. The overall construction is elegant, demonstrating a harmony between strength and smoothness.
The final sensation in the mouth is marked by a pleasant finish, where the sweetness of the woody aromas lingers long after the last puff. Its medium length and the balance of its flavors make it a unique cigar to savor. You will be captivated by its complexity, which is sure to awaken your curiosity and palate.
To fully appreciate the Ashton VSG Illusion, a moment of relaxation after a good meal would be ideal, perhaps accompanied by a bourbon or an espresso coffee to harmonize with the aromatic richness found in this exceptional cigar.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its remarkably complex balance and its expressiveness throughout the tasting. The layers of flavors, ranging from coffee to spices, provide a rich and satisfying experience. The easy draw and the quality of construction add to the already impressive value of this cigar. A favored choice for those seeking nuanced pre-light aromas on the palate.
How to taste: Ashton VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) Illusion (Palma)
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1.The Visual Examination
The wrapper of the Ashton VSG Illusion presents a natural, light brown to golden appearance, with a silky texture to the touch. Its beautiful construction reflects the particular care taken in its manufacture. With a length of 165.1 mm (6½") and a ring gauge of 44, this Palma format is both elegant and practical.
This initial step allows one to become familiar with the aesthetics of the cigar, which can influence our expectations regarding the tasting experience. A good construction generally indicates a uniform burn.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the cigar emits captivating aromas of coffee and spices, enriched with hints of chocolate, citrus, and nuts. These scents enhance the richness of the tobaccos used in its creation.
This step reveals the raw nature of the tobacco that will compose your tasting. Anticipating these aromas allows for a better appreciation of their evolution once the cigar is lit.
3.The Cut
Making a standard straight cut below the cap is essential to prepare the draw. A clean cut ensures that the top of the cigar is clear for a pleasant smoking experience.
A precise cut guarantees a consistent draw throughout the tasting, thus avoiding inconveniences such as uneven combustion that could detract from the experience.
4.Cold Draw
By performing a cold draw, you will find that the resistance is easy, which is a good sign for what’s to come. This preliminary test is crucial to ensure that the cigar has no manufacturing defects.
An easy draw indicates a smooth smoking experience. If the draw is blocked, it may be necessary to adjust the cut to avoid difficulties when lighting.
5.Lighting
Once lit, be sure to toast the foot of the cigar evenly. This creates a solid base for a uniform burn from the start.
Careful lighting prevents canoeing issues, where one part burns faster than the other. This attention from the beginning ensures a smooth tasting experience.
6.First Third
During this first third, you will perceive a medium strength with dominant aromas of coffee and spices. The volume of smoke is also medium, balancing everything out.
This initial segment is often the most intense, and by taking the time to appreciate these flavors, you allow the cigar to thermally balance and avoid overstimulation of the palate.
7.Second Third
As you progress through the tasting, secondary aromas of chocolate, citrus, and nuts begin to assert themselves. The overall balance of the blend strengthens, offering increasing complexity.
This stage of revealing secondary aromas is essential to appreciate the full richness of the blend. A good balance ensures a harmonious experience, without dominant notes that could mask certain subtleties.
8.The Finish
At the end, the gray color of the ash indicates a quality burn. You will feel a gentle finish, accentuated by woody notes and a medium length.
Analyzing the finish and the retention of the ash provides insight into the complexity of the blend and the quality of the drying of the leaves, thus revealing the care taken in the manufacture of the cigar.