It's a nice day out and I figured I needed to get out of the house, so instead of running errands, I ended up at my local B&M. Here is my story...

I didn't know what to grab so I just grabbed whatever was near me, and it happened to be the Ashton ESG Estate Sun Grown.

Appearance
This is is beaut. from the wrapper to the label. Had little veins, very smooth looking stick, with light oily wrapper. After I decided to punch the thing, I did took a pre-light draw... this is going to be a good smoke.

The smoke

After lighting this beaut up, I found this stick to be a bit more mellow and a hint of cream to it. I didn't find it to be as peppery/spicy as I thought. After smoking the first half of this stick, I detected a leathery taste, something that I expected from this stick. Toward the half way mark on this stick, I was surprisingly hit with many flavors. I'm getting flavors such as: nuts, cinnamon, and a little pepper. What a great blend! The complexity of this stick is something to smoke for, though it's turning to be a bit on the mild-med bodied, something I'm not use to.

Conclusion

Even though this smoke is suppose to be their top of the line cigar, I thought the VSG is just as equally the same. If you are looking to smoke something that will knock you off your feet, this is not the stick for you. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this cigar and I'd smoke it again but this is a little out of the norm for me to smoke something mild-med. For the price, you can find something else either just as good or better. Hope you enjoyed this review. Cheers.

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Very nice pics... and a great review!!!
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Nice pic and great review.
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Which B&M did you go to?
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nice review and a great stick but for half the price I'll grab the VSG anyday.
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I have always wondered about this cigar as well. I smoked my 1st VSG about a month ago and loved it. I really couldn't see a cigar that was about $10 more from the same company being that much better (considering the price point of the VSG already) and it seems that this may be the case. Thx for the review and pictures! :-)
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Yeah I agree, but nothing wrong with trying the ESG out... but yeah I do agree with you on going with the VSG
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I was at Tobacco Republic out in Loomis. Which one do you usually go to?
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When this cigar came out, I was obsessed with getting my hands on one. I went to 3 different B&Ms and couldnt get a hold of one for the life of me. Then I kind of gave up cigar smoking for a while and never got a chance to try one.

I'll have to go pick one up (now that they're not so rare). Thanks for the review.
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Thanks for the review.
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Nice review. I had one ESG so far and absolutely loved it. The flavor did it for me. I need to revisit the VSG soon to see how they stack up.
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this is one of my favorite cigars, but yeah, the price point is a bit high
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Bought a box of the OR churchills when they first came out and split them with another CA member. I still have a few left, and may have to revisit them when I have the time to devote to one. :-)
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I had a churchill recently and enjoyed it very much. It was not as strong as I expected, but it was very tasty and flavorful!
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I'm a big fan of these. especially the churchill.
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Smoked one of these recently that I received in a NC MAW/PIF from hotreds. Really enjoyed it .( Thanks Hugh :-)) As Huy said not a strong cigar but great flavors and nice complexity. By the way Huy, thanks for the review!:-)
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That's actually surprising as they had been given the nickname the Velvet Hammer. So smooth you don't realize how strong they are until you stand up.
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I haven't been to any yet actually. I've heard good things about TR.

Brad
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Definately smooth, but the hammer did not make an appearance.
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They have events there just about every weekend. Lots of people show up.:-)
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