Snagged a glass-tubed Ashton Classic Crystal No 1 - that 44 ring gauge lancero shape just begs to be smoked. At $14.85 per stick, this Dominican beauty comes ready-to-go in its protective crystal coffin. Let's see if the hype about thinner ring gauges amplifying wrapper flavors holds true.
Punched cap reveals perfect draw resistance. Cold draw serves hay with faint molasses. Initial puffs deliver that textbook Connecticut creaminess - think warm milk with almond biscotti. Burn line stays razor-straight without touching up.
At 1-inch ash drop, Dominican fillers reveal their character: dry cedar and baking spices emerge. Retrohale brings white pepper tingle without burn. The thin vitola actually keeps smoke temp cool despite slow draws.
Last third introduces roasted coffee beans and a mineral water crispness. Mild nic hit makes this an ideal morning smoke. Never turns bitter - just fades into sweet woodsmoke after 75 minutes.
That golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper hides serious craftsmanship. Tabacalera Fuente's rollers nail the delicate lancero format - no soft spots or tunneling. The 3-year aged Dominican leaves deliver complexity beyond typical mild cigars. Perfect for converting cigarette smokers to premium leaf.
