DED # 2 was a big black Churchill (6 3/4 x 48). It was the dry (not smooth and oily) type of maduro wrapper that had an almost burnt color. This is the kind of wrapper, that you just know with enough nap time will plume out in beautiful white crystals. It was a bit musty smelling (but in a good cigar way).

Construction and burn were solid, but not stellar. I immediately had a glowing red cherry on the tip when I fired her up. The ash held together much longer than I expected and was quite dense despite looking rather flaky. It was very dark gray-black in color. It also sparkled, snapped and hissed as if some of the wrapper oils were volatilizing as it burned. I tapped it at just over two inches, since I was wearing nice clothes and didn't want to risk it since I seem to lose "ash chicken" pretty regularly.

This cigar had lots of the classic maduro flavors I was expecting to taste: subtleties of coffee, cocoa, wood, leather and a slight bit of pepper. It also had a faint aroma of ammonia which may belie it needing more humidor time. By the midway point much of the complexity had dissipated, but a solid "maduro" tobacco flavor remained consistent throughout.

I was working on some papers while smoking this (hey, it was a big churchill and I get distracted easily), but I turned my attention to the cigar every couple of minutes asking "has this thing changed since I began?" It hadn't, but that was okay. With an expensive cigar I feel guilty if I'm not constantly paying attention for fear of missing something. With this one I had the pleasure of smoking while directing most of my limited mental capacity to other pursuits.

The final two inches burned hot, but temporarily gave a very pleasurable full taste just before becoming harsh and I snubbed it out.

This didn't strike me as an expensive cigar, but it is definitely one I could enjoy. It complemented both the coffee and dark ale, but would be a better evening smoke for me based on the time it took to finish - just under 2 hours. I'm guessing this is the bargain cigar and I think with continued humidor time this beauty could really fulfill its potential as a great deal. Am I close?

wer,
Maybe not too close on the price but your review was honest and from the hip and that is what we are needing. I really believe we all are affected too much by the name on the bands sometimes. I have not tried this one myself so don't know if I would have the same notes or not. I paid about $10.50 each for these.

This was the Ashton Aged Maduro #50

Interesting. I've never had the aged maduro. I think the VSG is very good (albeit expensive), but I think the regular line (light wrapper) is overpriced and bland.