Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
good
Draw
slightly tight
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Paradiso By Ashton Monumento, a Churchill from Nicaragua, stands out with its elegant appearance and deep brown wrapper. In hand, its texture is pleasant, with subtle veins that reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Its overall appearance is enticing, promising a refined experience.
At first olfactory contact, the pre-light aromas reveal hints of chocolate and coffee, with a slightly woody touch. Once lit, the initial smoke envelops the palate with notes of wood and nuts, accompanied by a delicate sweetness. This blend intensifies as the cigar evolves, making the tasting experience enjoyable and inviting.
On the palate, the Paradiso offers a rich aromatic progression across three thirds. In the first third, the flavors of wood and walnut dominate, softening later in favor of notes of chocolate and coffee. The texture becomes creamy and complex, and towards the end, a slight bitterness mingles with the sweetness for a captivating balance.
The finish is marked by a beautiful persistence, blending residual sweetness with slightly bitter sensations. The length is medium, providing a continuously enjoyable experience that embodies the harmony between strength and delicacy. The construction of this cigar makes it a reliable and flavorful choice here as well.
For an ideal tasting, reserve this Paradiso for a moment of relaxation after a hearty meal, paired with a glass of sweet port or quality coffee, to enhance its rich and engaging aromas.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight its balance of flavors, between notes of wood, chocolate, and coffee. Although its draw is a bit challenging, the experience remains enjoyable thanks to its aromatic complexity. Some note its finish and the quality of its construction, making it an interesting choice for smokers seeking a medium experience that appeals to both novices and more experienced aficionados.
How to taste: Paradiso By Ashton Monumento (Churchill)
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1.The Visual Examination
The Paradiso By Ashton Monumento features a deep brown wrapper with a slightly textured surface that catches the eye. With a length of 184.2 mm (7¼") and a ring gauge of 49, this cigar stands out with its straight format, typical of the Paco vitola.
Observing the appearance is essential for assessing the quality of the tobacco and anticipating the aromatic richness. Poor construction can also raise concerns about future burn.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, it is interesting to perceive the aromas that emanate from it. One can discern notes of wood and chocolate, accompanied by a hint of nuts.
This step allows one to appreciate the raw nature of the tobaccos; the aromas experienced at this stage can influence your focus during the tasting, as they provide a glimpse of the flavors to come.
3.The Cut
Make a standard straight cut just below the cap, ensuring it is clean and precise. This guarantees the integrity of the cigar and optimizes the draw.
A proper cut is crucial for ensuring a pleasant smoking experience. An imprecise cut can lead to draw difficulties or uneven burn.
4.Cold Draw
At the time of the cold draw, the resistance should be evaluated, with a slightly difficult sensation noted here. This may indicate a potential construction issue.
This test allows for the detection of manufacturing defects before lighting, providing the opportunity to adjust the cut if necessary for a smoother tasting experience.
5.Lighting
When lighting, be sure to toast the foot of the cigar evenly, taking care not to create hot spots.
An even lighting prevents burn issues, such as canoeing, which can detract from the smoking experience by introducing imbalances.
6.First Third
The first third of the cigar reveals a medium strength with dominant aromas of wood and chocolate, accompanied by a medium volume of smoke.
This initial phase often indicates the strength and complexity of the tobaccos used, offering a first glimpse of the mouthfeel balance that can be expected.
7.Second Third
During the second third, secondary aromas such as coffee and damp earth begin to manifest, enriching the tasting experience while maintaining a good balance.
It is at this stage that the complexity of the blend reveals itself, inviting appreciation of the nuances and evolution of flavors, crucial for an in-depth tasting.
8.The Finish
The ashes of the Paradiso By Ashton Monumento are gray and indicate a consistent burn. On the palate, the finish is smooth, slightly bitter, and persistent.
The color of the ashes and the finish are indicators of the quality of the blend and the drying of the leaves, providing insights into the overall richness and complexity of the cigar.