This box-pressed parejo from Ashton Cigars measures 6 3/4" with a 49 ring gauge, packing medium-strength flavors in its Connecticut Shade wrapper. Priced at $24.75 per stick (25-count box), the ESG 20-Year Salute features a distinctive square press that fits snugly between fingers. The initial draws reveal why this 94-rated smoke earns its reputation among experienced smokers.
The first inch delivers toasted almond and cream through dense smoke output. Box-pressed construction ensures slower combustion, letting cedar wood notes develop fully. Watch for flaky salt-and-pepper ash that holds surprisingly well.
Caramel sweetness transitions to baking spices - think cinnamon stick dipped in honeycomb. Dominican filler tobacco emerges with white pepper tingle on retrohale, though never overwhelming. Perfect burn line maintains 1.5" ash consistently.
Dark chocolate bitterness balances residual sweetness, while earthier undertones signal approaching nub territory. Stop at 1.5" remaining to avoid tar buildup. Total smoking time clocks 85-95 minutes with proper pacing.
The ESG's magic lies in its dual-origin construction: Connecticut's caramelized wrapper sweetness tempers Dominican filler spice. While not the most powerful in Ashton's lineup, its precise balance rewards patient smokers. Try pairing with single-origin coffee or añejo tequila.
