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
- medium
- Ash color
- light gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Tasting notes
The Ashton Benchmade Robusto, impressive with its size of 127 mm in length and 19.8 mm in diameter, captivates at first glance. Its wrapper is a beautiful brown hue, revealing a slightly shiny texture and a meticulous finish. The overall presentation reflects artisanal craftsmanship, worthy of the great Nicaraguan references.
Upon lighting, you will be greeted by a rich and spicy first olfactory contact. The aromas of wood and cocoa blend to create an enchanting experience. Pre-light aromas reveal scents of herbs and toasted notes, which intensify in the first third. The aromatic development unfolds with hints of pepper and cream, adding depth to each puff.
On the palate, this Ashton reveals a harmonious development throughout the three thirds. The first third presents woody flavors enhanced by cocoa and almond. Complexity strengthens in the second third, where creamy nuances emerge, making this experience even more dynamic. Finally, the last third slightly intensifies the spicy character, giving way to notes of toasted caramel, offering a delightful consistency throughout the tasting.
The finish is marked by a mouthfeel that combines pleasant bitterness and creamy texture. The balance between strength and sweetness is particularly successful, making this cigar unique for its accessible and flavorful character, while remaining true to the expectations of aficionados.
To fully enjoy this pleasure, an ideal moment could be a sunny late afternoon, accompanied by a glass of rum or a strong black coffee, thus enhancing the complex and rich aromas of this Ashton Benchmade Robusto, a must-have for premium cigar enthusiasts.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar stands out for its excellent value for money. Its woody and chocolatey pre-light aromas, along with its easy draw, create a friendly and enjoyable experience. Despite some critiques regarding its construction, its complexity and creamy texture have captivated many aficionados. A wonderful discovery for those seeking rich flavors without compromise.
How to taste: Ashton Benchmade Robusto
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1.The Visual Examination
The Robusto format of the Ashton Benchmade measures 127.0 mm with a ring gauge of 50, offering a robust and appealing presentation. Its wrapper, a rich brown with a slight texture, reflects excellent construction, perfect for a refined tasting experience.
Observing the color and texture allows for an assessment of the fermentation quality and the care taken in crafting the cigar — a well-maintained appearance generally predicts a rich aromatic profile.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the cigar emits distinct aromas of wood, chocolate, and pepper, subtly mingling with notes of almond, cream, and herbal. These fragrances are indicative of the tobacco blend used.
This step allows one to anticipate the flavors that will emerge during the burn and to refine their attention to better appreciate the evolution of the aromas.
3.The Cut
The standard cut under the cap should be performed carefully to ensure an optimal draw. With its beautiful construction, the Ashton Benchmade Robusto lends itself to a clean and precise cut.
A meticulous cut is essential for an optimal draw — a poorly executed cut can lead to imbalances during the tasting, affecting the overall experience.
4.The Cold Draw
The cold draw is very easy, indicating a good level of humidity and careful craftsmanship. This sensation promises a good airflow during lighting and throughout the tasting.
Testing the cold draw helps identify any potential construction flaws before lighting the cigar, thus avoiding discomfort during the tasting.
5.Lighting
An even lighting is crucial to avoid canoeing. Heat should be applied gently to the foot to ensure a consistent burn from the start.
Ensuring a careful lighting helps avoid necessary corrections during the tasting, thus providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.
6.First Third
From the outset, the strength is medium, with dominant aromas of wood, chocolate, and pepper revealing themselves on the palate. The smoke volume is also medium, allowing for a beautiful release of flavors.
This first contact with the cigar is often the most powerful — it serves to soak in the initial flavors and prepare the palate for the forthcoming evolution.
7.Second Third
As it progresses, secondary aromas of almond, cream, and herbal begin to emerge, adding an additional dimension to the tasting. The balance is very good, allowing for a beautiful harmony between the flavors.
This phase is crucial for appreciating the complexity of the blend — the aromatic evolutions enrich the experience and reveal the mastery of the assembly.
8.The Finish
At the end, the light gray ash indicates a good burn. The finish presents a slightly bitter persistence, with a creamy texture that leaves a pleasant sensation.
Observing the color of the ash and the finish offers clues about the quality of the tobacco and the drying of the leaves — a beautiful finish is often synonymous with finesse and complexity.