The Ashton Aged Maduro No 40 stands out with its box-pressed toro format measuring 6"x50. Priced at $306 for 25 sticks, this Dominican puro features oily Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrappers aged 5-8 years. I found medium-bodied smoke production with minimal nicotine punch during my morning session.
The initial third delivers baking spices and molasses sweetness, transitioning to walnut tones at the 1" burn mark. By mid-section, espresso bitterness balances the caramel undertones - expect visible oil rings near the band. Final third introduces earthy notes with slight pepper tingle on retrohale.
Morning coffee enhances the cigar's natural caramel tones, while aged rum amplifies its spice elements. Avoid overly sweet cocktails - the No 40's inherent molasses character becomes cloying with sugary drinks.
My 18-month cellared samples show developing leather notes but retain core sweetness. New production benefits from 60-90 days humidor rest to stabilize moisture levels in the thick wrapper.
