Ashton ESG ~ 22yr Salute (torpedo)

[badwhale]

Smoke: Ashton ESG ~ 22yr Salute (torpedo)
Drink: Rogue Brewing ~ Dead Guy Ale
Tunes: QOTSA ~ Rated R

Wrapper: Dominican
Binder: ???
Filler: Dominican and others?
Draw: light to medium
Burn: good
Misc: Didn’t record the run time, but probably about an hour.

Pre-light: Torpedo shape. I know the band ultimately means nothing, but I’ve always been mesmerized by this one. It’s pretty glamorous. Colorado maduro shade wrapper. Lightly veiny and excellent construction. Musky leathery scent (from a good 2” away) Sweet tobacco and a little spicy intensity of the cut prelight taste.



Light: Went fuckin’ all out with a cedar split to light. Easy, and a light to medium draw.

1st 3rd: Woodsy, floral, nice sweet leathery tobacco with a slight zing to it. Very mellow and complex flavors. Excellent sofar.



Ash: Well structured and stacked. Ash bubbles and a slight light gray color. Holds on for about an inch.



2nd 3rd: Sweet, but with a balance of bitter oil now. Good balance, woodsy, nutty. Smmmmmmoooooootttthhhhh. Excellent blend. Medium body and full flavors.



3rd 3rd: Great light to medium draw. Sweet and bitter mix with sweet tobacco prevailing. Nutty woodsy, smooth. Pretty great smoke. Honestly, while I sit here on the last 3rd, there are many flavors I can’t put my finger on.



Overall impression: It’s like a VSG on 'roids. This is explained by it’s blend, which I read is VSG with an Opus wrapper. It’s probably worth the price as long as you reserve it for very special occasions (like this random Thursday night )

Thanks Daigz!

Will

[buzz]

Thanks for the review, BTW I think those are Dominican puros.

[badwhale]

yeah, I was looking on Ashton's site, and it didn't really say about the binder. Neither did vitolas. I did see in Holt's catalog that they are.

Will

[mail man]

Damn, you are making me drool. This sounds like one for my bucket list.

[logan37]

Nice review Will. I like these smokes very much.

[Mizicke5273]

Hmm, I have a robusto from late '07 just sittin' in my humidor. I think you might have inspired me here. It might be time to spark it.

[TachyCoventry]

Glad that you liked the smoke! When I saw it on your wishlist I used it as an excuse to try one myself!!! I loved that stick but you're right, with the cost of it for me it would be a special occasion smoke!

[Mizicke5273]

Well I smoked a 21yr Salute on Friday, but not the one I have from 07. This was from 09 I think. Either way it was just as good a smoke as you made it out to be badwhale.

[denver24]

Great reaview and a great looking smoke! I still haven't tried the ESG but a shop by my house carries them so I might need to drop in and pick a few up.

[mail man]

Hot Damn, that sure is a nice sig tag Mizicke.