Sippin' with Stogies
December 2021
“IF YOU DESERVE IT, GO GET IT."
—Conor McGregor
Ashton VSG
Vitola: Robusto 5.5x50
Origin/Filler: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian “virgin sun grown”
Age (if known): Filler is 4--5 years old
Price: $14
What Makes it Special
Ashton VSG cigars are made in the Dominican Republic and are one of the most prized non-Cuban cigars. The blend is robust with a flavorful smoking experience, even for seasoned cigar aficionados
with achieved palates.
Visual / Pre-light Draw
A subtle amount of oil on the dark brown veiny and bumpy wrapper. Exterior aroma of fresh farm hay. Gold and red
wrapper with a crown, displaying two foo dogs on each side, representative or symbolic of royalty.
The Dry Draw gives a big burst of berries, medium pull, with lingering oat notes in the background. Gauge size seems a bit smaller than desired.
First Third
The initial arrival is robust and meaty with a very noticeable berry note. The cigar flavor is full of oats and robust fig notes. There is also a hint of espresso bean. Nice, even burn, and the ash is holding well.
Second Third
The ash is still holding well and then fell off with dignity. There are darker cherry notes present, followed by robust oats. This is a very enjoyable cigar, with subtle hints of spice, and tons of foot smoke aroma. The cigar draws beautifully.
Final Third
The burn slows down and extends this beautiful medium to full bodied cigar experience. Sit back, relax, and slow your roll. Enjoy the fresh tobacco notes, which are followed by a nice hint of vanilla. The ash still holds extremely well; I never put this cigar down. Absolutely delicious!
The Pairing:
Getting your hands on a bottle of Mitchell & Son’s Blue Spot
Irish Whiskey is a must! The triple distilled whiskey is aged in
bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and madeira casks. The nose on
this seven year old Cask Strength 58.7% ABV whiskey is
intense: “a light mix of pineapple, kiwi, green banana, and lime
zest followed by Pot Still spices, apple, hazelnut and toasted
wood”. This pairing is like settling down with a bowl of Captain
Crunch Berry cereal, with a side of buttery biscuits, sugary
churros, or even cinnamon glazed fried dough. INDULGING!!!
The sherry butt and madeira cask influence meshes perfectly
with the berry notes of this cigar. The high proof whiskey is
mellowed with “a subtle mix of fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon”,
remaining on level with the cigar. FIND THIS PAIRING and treat
yourself right, you deserve it!
Merry Christmas WBSE!
Acknowledgement
Thank you Binny’s Spirits Consultant and whisk(e)y enthusiast,
Joe McEwan, for recommending the Blue Spot! Thank you
Binny’s Customer Service Manager Damien Stewart for leading
me to this amazing Ashton stick. Amazing pairing! You guys
rock!
