Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) Torpedo

We have been having a ridiculous run of warm weather recently, especially for December. So when it came to be Friday night and the thermometer stood at 68 degrees F, even at 9PM, I knew I needed to take advantage of these decidedly un-Christmas temperatures. I grabbed this Ashton VSG, which is a stick I have never tried before, and headed out to the porch in a t-shirt. Not too shabby.

I paired this beautiful-looking cigar with a glass of Johnny Walker Green, which I was introduced to by Lawson at the beach last year. Hmm. Despite how that last sentence sounded, it was a thoroughly un-romantic encounter. Well, mostly.

In any case, the JW Green is a great 15-year blended scotch that has a nice smoky flavor balanced by a great smooth feel. I didn't know if it would pair well with the Ashton, but how can you go wrong with scotch?

The cigar started REALLY strong, to the point where I was worried it would be too strong for me. It was harsh and way too spicy. But it very quickly mellowed out, into a nice mix of coffee, leather, and cedar. The only problem is that after that initial hit of super-strong harshness, the normal flavors seemed pretty bland. But as my tastebuds adjusted I really liked it.

The draw was ridiculously loose, almost too much so. It just billowed smoke, and I could barely feel the smoke as I drew on it. I got used to it, but it was a bit too loose for me. The burn was not great at the beginning, I probably had to touch it up about 5 times. But after the first third it really got better.

As the cigar went on, it got sweeter, and less coffee-tasting. But at the end the spice came back (albeit less), and so did the coffee. And I could actually taste some root beer in there, strangely enough.

Overall, it was a good cigar. Very tasty, good draw, and incredibly well-constructed. The main sticking point is the price, averaging around $8-11 depending on the store. I liked the cigar, but not $10 worth.

So, while I enjoyed it, I have to bump it down a notch to a Boss Hogg.

Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) Torpedo
Size: Churchill (6.5" x 55 ring)
Taste: Medium-Full
Draw: Ridiculous
Burn: Bad at first, but got better
Flavors: coffee, earth, leather, spice
Overall Rating:
If this were a cheaper cigar it would rate higher, but for the price it Hoggs the wallet.

Rocky Patel Decade 10th Anniversary

This was actually a blind taste test, organized over at Something Awful. I recieved a bandless cigar in the mail, along with an envelope containing the band. The idea was to try the cigar without knowing what it was, then check the band at the end and see how your taste notes paired up with what people generally say about that stick.

Away we go!

I paired my cigar from forum user Restnesizzle with a delicious glass of Balvenie Doublewood 12yr single-malt. A delicious scotch.

The cigar was box-pressed and had a great feel, with a pre-light smell of cocoa and leather. The pre-light draw was great, but I have learned that doesn't always mean a good draw.

Luckily, this one had a great draw. Lots of smoke, easy pull, fantastic burn. At the beginning, it started off with some nice spice, and a little hay or grass flavor that reminded me of a Patel Edge. It was nice and smooth, and pretty strong.

It started to change about a third of the way in, and moved into an earthier flavor with less spice.



Near the halfway mark it started having a distinct cocoa taste, with more earth as it went. For the last third, it became a slightly harsher taste, with the main notes being a spicy sweetness over an earthy base.

Overall, a very enjoyable cigar. Checking the band....It was a Rocky Patel Decade 10th Anniversary! I have never had one of these, and I really enjoyed it. A nice Halloween cigar, full of SPOOKY SURPRISES! Well, it was tasty. Maybe not spooky.

Anyhow, for the nice flavors and changing tastes, along with a great construction, I give it a Hogg. Them Dukes, them Dukes!

Rocky Patel Decade 10th Anniversary
Size: Toro (6.5" x 52 ring)
Taste: Medium
Draw: Great
Burn: Even and consistent
Flavors: Spice, hay, earth, and a little cocoa.
Overall Rating:
Rosco Patel, you're in trouble now!