Review # 996 - Ashton Benchmade Robusto

3.1 years old; Medium Body; $5
Rating 4.2 out of 5

Nicaraguan Sumatran Wrapper; Nicaraguan Binder y Filler

Construction - Lumpy veiny oily wrapper. 

Pre-light aroma was hay

Pre-light draw was Sweet hay

Drink - Coffee with Brandy

1/3 - Very Good - Sweet and spicy wood with a bittersweet coffee finish. Raggedy burn - not surprised with the wind; Sweet RH; Good draw & spicy paper aroma.

2/3 - Very Good to Almost Great (How's that for waffling?) - A nice mix of molasses sweet wood with bitter coffee. A few touch ups required to keep the burn in line. RH'S have same flavors and are spicy to boot.

3/3 - Great to Very Good - The sweet and bitter contradiction rolls on intriguing my palate, lips and olfactory sensors (Is that too much information?)  Really nice finish and aromas - still some spiciness as well.  Touch ups required. 

Bittersweet finish

Easy band removal

Buy Again? I thought no with the first one because it had a hard draw making for a bitter stick. Now I think yes. Will pick them up if I see them and keep on aging them.

Future Aging?  None.

Smoke Time 1 hr. 25 min.

Early AM stick while the sun is shining on my emaciated body on a cold winters day.  Down another pound this week- woo hoo!! 

Happy Smoking

Don Ricardo