Never had Ashton VSG or ESG

[quantim0]

I had a VSG a few weeks back and really enjoyed it.

The local b&m owner told me you need to smoke the ESG very slowly and with no distractions. Apparently he didn't do that for the first one he got and told the Ashton rep that it was not great and the rep gave him another and told him to smoke it slow. He said the complexity is hard to pick up if you aren't giving it your full attention, but if you put the work it, it's a fantastic stick.

ashton "proper" sucks, across the board. spend your money on san cristobal. sorry rex, you're a great guy!

[eber]

my limited experience with the VSG is that they are good cigars with great construction but IMHO not worth the price tag, I found them a little one dimensional but an enjoyable smoke none the less. That being said I have not been fond of the fuentes that I have smoked including different hemingways nat and mad, opus and a queen B SG. I just picked up an Anejo 50 maduro that I am letting rest. fingers crossed. just my

About 6 years ago, the VSG was nothing but pure power and spice...very full-bodied. Honestly, today, I would invest my money elsewhere...the VSG still has a good flavor, great construction, and beautiful burn...but nowhere near the strength and spice of years past....I miss the really good VSGs...

Originally Posted by ScottishSmoker

About 6 years ago, the VSG was nothing but pure power and spice...very full-bodied. Honestly, today, I would invest my money elsewhere...the VSG still has a good flavor, great construction, and beautiful burn...but nowhere near the strength and spice of years past....I miss the really good VSGs...

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.

[Goldie]

I prefer any of the VSG's over the ESG's. I only had one of the ESG's so maybe I just had a bad one. but that's just my opinion.

[Kreth]

I picked up a VSG Illusion last spring when Taboo had a sale on premium singles. It was pretty tasty. A bit pricy for my budget, but I'd grab another for a treat.
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[webjunkie]

The VSGs are one of my favorites, but a lot of the time I forego buying them to try out other cigars.

[gnukfu]

VSG -good; ESG - I don't like

[Dunkel]

The 2 VSG's I smoked were unremarkable. Never had an ESG. The Heritage was a much better smoke IMO.

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.

[Chemyst]

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

[NCRadioMan]

After a few years of rest I like the VSG's. I also agree with ScottishSmoker. Not a fan of the ESG at all.

[e-man67]

VSG's are fantastic...there is not one cigar out there that tastes like it...very unique.

[Commander Quan]

If they do not smoke VSG's in heaven, then I shall not go.

-ME