Let's talk about the Ashton Classic Crystal Belicoso - a torpedo-shaped Dominican stogie wrapped in golden Connecticut Shade leaf. Packaged in sleek glass tubes, this 6x49 figurado sells for $153 per box of 10. The thinner ring gauge makes it burn cooler than fatter vitolas, letting that creamy wrapper shine through.
The cold draw serves up sweet hay and vanilla. Initial puffs bring whipped cream textures with toasted almond flavors. I get faint honey drizzle on the retrohale - classic Connecticut Shade characteristics. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the tapered head.
Earthiness develops as Dominican fillers wake up. Roasted coffee beans emerge alongside cedar planks. There's mineral tang reminiscent of wet stones, balancing the sweetness. Smoke output remains medium-low - no cloud chasing here.
White pepper tickles the throat without harshness. The last inch introduces baking spices and faint cocoa powder. No tar buildup despite the narrow ring gauge. I nub it down to 1/2" with zero bitterness.
