The VSGs are one of my favorites, but a lot of the time I forego buying them to try out other cigars.
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VSG -good; ESG - I don't like
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The 2 VSG's I smoked were unremarkable. Never had an ESG. The Heritage was a much better smoke IMO.
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Now its been a while, but this is what I remember and my notes confirm this: In my opinion the Ashton VSG, Diamond Crown Maximus and San Cristobel are pretty much the same smoking experience except for some small differences. Given that I'd say buy the San Cristobel first given it is (or was at some point) the cheaper of the three.
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agree completely. you can look at the bands and see the much older ones. they do not have the words cabinet on them for the newer releases. if you can find the older ones that say cabinet you will have a different experience.
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I'm with you on the ESG's, but I like the VSG's as well. The ESG is way more interesting though.
:-)
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The VSGs are very good smokes. A bit pricey, but perfect
for special occasions. Actually all of the Ashtons are very
good cigars, IMHO.

I haven't smoked any ESGs, because I can't justify the price.
But, last fall I picked up a couple in trades, and am waiting
for the right occasion to smoke one.

Technically the San Cristobal is an Ashton, but it is a different
beast. The quality and reliability is there, but the taste is
different, due to the source of the tobacco. I go for San
Cristobal more often than VSGs or regular Ashtons now, but
that won't always be the case. The SCs just fit my taste,
lately.

Chemyst :-)
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i'd agree there as well but i really think it depends on the size of the ESG. i was not impressed by them until i smoked the torpedo. it was smooth but one dimensional but i still liked it. wont buy them unless they are on sale.
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I used to love the VSG...one of my favorites a few years ago when I first started out. I had one more recently and enjoyed it but not as much as I remember...I was just coming down with a cold though. The flavor that I remember picking up from them was "black cherry". :-)
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I do love a nice VSG Illusion! :-)

As for the ESG, I haven't tried it due to the price...

I may have to break down and try one on a special occasion.
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After a few years of rest I like the VSG's. I also agree with ScottishSmoker. Not a fan of the ESG at all.
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VSG's are fantastic...there is not one cigar out there that tastes like it...very unique.
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If they do not smoke VSG's in heaven, then I shall not go.

-ME
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The VSG are very consistent and good . Peppery . I've only had 1 ESG and on the advice of a friend I waited a year to smoke it after I bought it , the original release version , was an excellent cigar , flawless construction and burn the whole way through . Flavor was excellent but the price is what has kept me away from the ESG . Worth a try if you've not had one .
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Having smoked both, I can't think of a single reason to ever purchase another ESG, given the price point.

If someone handed me either stick for FREE, I'd still probably take the VSG. While neither stick has the complexity of a Nic puro, I like the blend of the VSG a bit more.

http://www.ashtoncigar.com/Ashton-VSG.jsp
http://www.ashtoncigar.com/Ashton-ESG.jsp

I also echo Addiction's opinion... The San Cristobal is probably their best stick, and usually a few bucks cheaper than the VSG. DEFINITELY dollars cheaper than the ESG
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