Benchmade by Ashton
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sumatra-Seed
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Made In: Nicaragua
Size: Robusto – 5×50
Price: About $3-$4 per stick.
A Little Background: This cigar is made by Don Pepin Garcia for Ashton Cigars. This is a mix filler cigar which means there are long leaf fillers and short fillers that make up this cigar. Short fillers are trimmings from other long filler leaves. The cigar is bound by to binders to keep the ash from falling off frequently which is typical of mixed filler cigars.
Construction & Appearance: At first glance this cigar looks to be well made. After a little inspection I noticed some stretching on the wrapper and the cigar is slightly spongy when (gently) pressed. The pigtail cap, which is done to save money, looks very nice and a simple band states the name and is loose on the cigar. I hate when the band is glued to the stick, not the case with this cigar.
Smoking Characteristics: The draw is nice and easy, the burn is slightly wavy, and despite the mixed filler, the ash stayed on for over an inch. The body of the cigar is medium to full but gave me a full belly feel after smoking it.
Flavors: Wow, the first few puffs of this cigar are spicy and it left my lips tingling. A lot of people view this negatively but I have come to love that about Pepin made cigars. Deep rich flavors of sweet wood and coffee fill the palate while the spice fades into the backdrop. Not much complexity to this cigar but for
Final Thoughts: This cigar is a winner in my book. The flavors are nice and with the economy in the shitter, you can’t beat the price on this cigar. Some people have said that because of the short filler in this cigar that the cigar is different from one to the next however my expeince has generally been the same with the hand full of these I have had. Regardless, a Pepin cigar for under $4.00, this cigar is the epitome of value.
Worth a Shot: Yes
Buy Again: Yes, Box-worthy
Enjoyablity: High
Similar Cigars: Cubao, Ambos Mundos Sumatra, Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic.
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Great review! I don’t think that Don Pepin Garcia or Ashton makes a cigar I don’t like, so I will definitely be checking this one out. I too am a big fan of the peppery taste, so I look forward to it! Thanks
Nice review man, nice to see a great cigar at a good price. Will have to pick a few up