Ashton VSG Illusion Cigar Review “World’s premier luxury cigar brands”
Brand History:
Ashton is one of the world’s premier luxury cigar brands. Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, Ashton cigars are made to the highest quality standards using only the finest aged tobaccos. With an infinite commitment to quality, consistency and excellence, Ashton is celebrated worldwide for the very finest in premium cigars.
Founded in 1985 by Robert Levin, Ashton Distributors, Inc. is family-owned and operated with headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Ashton tradition is rooted in the company’s unparalleled commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction. Handmade in the Dominican Republic in the legendary Tabacalera A. Fuente factory, Ashton cigars utilize only the finest, most exceptional, aged tobaccos. Every detail, from meticulous wrapper selection to the complex processes of aging and blending, receives the utmost accommodation in the manufacture of each cigar. Ashton has received numerous awards and accolades through the years and is a perennial “Top 5” brand in the U.S. market, as well as an international favorite with distribution in over 60 countries around the world.
Following decades of success with the Fuente family, Ashton expanded its portfolio in the early 2000s by partnering with rising cigar-maker, Jose “Pepin” Garcia, to develop two new brands in Nicaragua. Renowned today as two of the fastest-growing cigar brands in the world, La Aroma de Cuba and San Cristobal continue to garner unrivaled critical acclaim and commendation. Partnership with the Garcia family exemplifies Ashton’s immense devotion to quality by collaborating with only the world’s most prolific cigar manufacturers.
In addition to Ashton, La Aroma de Cuba and San Cristobal cigars, Ashton Distributors, Inc. is the proprietor of Savoy Humidors & Accessories, as well as the official U.S. distributor of Peterson Pipes & Pipe Tobacco.
In 2004 Robert’s son, Sathya, joined the company on a full-time basis. Today, the Levin father and son team endeavors with passion to continue building Ashton’s reputation for creating the finest, most exquisite collection of premium cigars in the world
In 1999, Ashton launches the legendary Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG). One of the first full-bodied cigars to hit the market, Ashton VSG is greeted with immediate and overwhelming success. To this day, Ashton VSG continues its 15-year reign as one of the “Top 5” most sought-after cigars in the world.
Appearance:
The Ashton VSG Illusion has a very nice dark brown wrapper that was smooth to the touch. There is a little tooth that is noticeable right away and its pre-light smell offered light spices at the foot.
Journey Profile:
1st quarter: A very smooth draw delivered rich flavored smoke in the first few puffs. Once lit there was some spices with a hint of sweetness. The slightest resistance gave full flavors from the start. 2nd quarter: The burn was great and even, holding onto a 2 inch white and dark ash. Some creaminess developed along with a peppery spice on the finish. Plenty of full-bodied smoke filled the surrounding air. 3rd quarter: Some toasty texture is introduced along with cedar undertones. Its aroma and characters continued to develop and intensify, delivering more rich and full flavors. There were also cocoa notes that lingered on the palate. 4th quarter: The cigar blossomed into a full body with a touch of creamy, butter-like texture. More great cedar came through along with a bit of toastiness and additional hints of cocoa. Its boldness was well balanced throughout the end of the smoke.
Final Thoughts:
The Ashton VSG Illusion offered great balance despite its complexity and is very impressive in the power it packs. It developed evenly and produced great characters all the way to the end. The cigar has a flavorfully long and light peppery finish. It is a very well made cigar that had flavors bursting throughout the entire profile.
Myron Gooch Sr.
Reviewed at: Lavender Blue Lounge.
Time Smoked: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cost: $12.30
Wrapper: Ecuadorian.
Binder: Dominican.
Filler: Dominican.
Size: 61/2” x 44.
Rating: 90
Categories
The Average Joe's Cigar Media View All
The mission of The Average Joe’s Cigar blog is to provide trusted, high quality and unbiased reviews of everything related to the world of cigars. You can count on us to be authentic and unbiased in our assessments. We are committed to providing our readers with the best information to learn and to grow in their understanding of cigar smoking. At The Average Joe’s Cigar, we welcome feedback and input from our readers so that it is a mutually beneficial relationship that will allow this blog to continue its expansion.