Due to the wrapper that covers it, the Ashton Aged Maduro is a limited production cigar. This dark maduro leaf originates from the best of Ashtonβs supply, tobacco that is never rushed, and all naturally aged. Good afternoon Steemers, now I toast this Aged Maduro, and write up a review.
Prelight
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: 5.5x 44
Price: $8
The color of the maduro wrapper is splotchy and un-uniform, varying in shade from a deep tan to a dark oily brown. I wonder if this is the result of such a natural aging process.
The texture is rough to the touch, with an overall rustic look. The wrapper leaf with such Large veins and toothy bumps seems to be intentionally overlooked, hopefully this means it is too tasty to not finish a cigar in.
The Ashton is very firm when squeezed. Once clipped, the draw is plenty open, a relief for a tightly packed smaller ring gauge cigar.
Flavor and Smoke
After a quick and easy toast and light, wonderful notes of sweet nuts, chocolate, and a small amount of cedar make up the forefront flavors. A spice on the finish is a light cinnamon, just enough to satisfy. The retro-hale is easy, and recommended for this flavor profile.
The Ashton Aged Maduro has a wonderful balance, just the right amount of sweet, spice, savory, and overall luxurious tasting tobacco.
After the first third, I am noticing a slight transition. The notes of nuts darken into more of a deep roast Brazil nut, and the sweetness turns up a notch hanging mostly on the finish, all in all, quite delightful.
Smoke output is in the medium range, not too little, and yet not cloudy. I usually smoke in my lounge, I am currently enjoying this lovely stick in my backyard on this lovely 85 degree summer afternoon here in Portland.
As the burn line makes itβs way past the halfway point, the nutty notes take the primary spot on my palate without being overpowering. The remaining flavors swiftly deepen and seem to meld together.
I would say the body of this Ashton is medium to full. After expelling each puff I am left with a creamy, sweet texture that lingers on my palate. The finish is extremely long for the darker notes. Normally I prefer a short crisp finish to each cigar puff, but this is a nice change, and all pleasant nuances.
Nearing the band, the burn-line is beginning to have trouble keeping uniform. My puff-rate may have been on the slow side for the previous while.
Sweet notes dissipate as more bitter espresso notes burst to the forefront. The dominant nutty nuance is transitioning into a more cedar-like quality.
As I near the final portion of my Ashton Aged Maduro, it seems to be having trouble holding on to the fantastic flavor qualities I have been previously enjoying. All flavors darken and meld together more quickly than I was hoping, yet I am still able to identify cedar and a faint amount of sweetness. Long gone is the wonderful nuts, chocolate, and cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
The Ashton Aged Maduro is a fantastic cigar with qualities unavailable in most of the Ashton line. I now see why the rustic and veiny wrapper was used, regardless of the lack of refined beauty. The flavor profile is simply scrumptious with perfect balance.
While this wonderful profile ends all too quickly, it will delight you for over half of the length, and after never get putrid or bitter.
The price point is worth every penny, if you enjoy Ashton Cigars, you will indeed enjoy The Aged Maduro.
My emoji rating: π
(π€’πβΉοΈππππππ€π)
Smoke time: One hour
Cigar paired with: Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte
Price opinion: ππ»
Recommend/buy again? Most definitely
Thank you for the up-votes, follows, and resteems, now time to tend to my marinated chicken legs on the grill.