Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Illusion

Ashton VSG Illusion 6.5 X 44

As many of you know I posted a less than pleasant review of an Ashton VSG Wizard recently, owing my underwhelming experience to the ring guage of the stoie. The thig 56 ring guage of the cigar lead to an overwhelmingly strong smoke that blocked out all the nuance to the smoke. Well smoking this Illusion pretty well reaffirmed my point. But anyway, on to the Review.

Appearance: Like most VSGs this cigar looked beautiful, smooth and rich looking dark wrapper leaf without veins or blemishes. Luscious is the word that comes to mind, rich like chocolate. God enough to eat. This cigar also clipped cleanly.

Pre-Light: The draw was just perfect. Due to the smaller guage of this stogie, Pre light draw seemed a little more restrictive than the Wizard, and this is a good thing! Could already taste the cocoa and mocha notes, before lighting.

Construction: Exemplar as always, just the right amount of resistance on the draw, produced a good amount, if not too much smoke, focused on the palate just the right way. the burn was straight the whole way down, and after lighting I did not have to think anout tmaintanance of this stogie anymore.

Flavor: Fabulous, this is the VSGs I remember, know an love. Starts creamy and sweet, chocolatey at the beginning ang builds steam as it goes. About a third of the was its more mocha/coffee, and notes of leather and sweet pipe tobacco. Two thiurds of the way more strong spices, cinnamon, then almost peppery, with a cedar note creeping in and that nic strong black coffee base. Jusst delicious. Strong but not too much. Full bodied but not overwhelming. A Joy to smoke.

As you can see, this stogie was far better than the wizard IMHO. lending creedance to a feeling that has been gaining with me for a while: The size and shape of the vitolas can drastically effect your opinion of a certain brand/ blend (another example with me is I like the Chiselitos of the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Line way more than any other of the shapes). All this said, I can heartily RECOMMEND this cigar.

TomC