This beefy 6x56 gordo from Ashton comes dressed in oily Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, packing Dominican aged tobacco that smokes smoother than its dark appearance suggests. Priced around $14 per stick in 25-count boxes, the chunky parejo format delivers 90+ minutes of creamy smoke perfect with bourbon nightcaps. Let's dissect this maduro heavyweight's performance.
Cold draw offers raisin sweetness through perfect resistance. Initial light reveals baking spices - think nutmeg dusted on dark chocolate. Smoke output stays moderate, needing occasional touch-ups on the slightly uneven burn line. Retrohale brings roasted coffee beans without harshness.
Flavors deepen into leather-bound bookshelves territory. Earthiness emerges but stays balanced by residual molasses sweetness. Ash holds firm in 1-inch chunks. Watch for tar buildup near the cap - rotating the cigar helps prevent bitter notes.
Peppercorn spice finally surfaces at the 45-minute mark. Strength creeps up to medium territory with intensified cocoa powder texture. Last inch gets slightly acrid, common for maduros of this ring gauge. Cutting early preserves the pleasant aftertaste.
