Ashton Symmetry Belicoso is a luxurious blend that rightfully earned a 94 rating. This proprietary blend features rare Dominican tobacco blended with Nicaraguan tobaccos, a first for the Ashton brand. The wrapper is a gorgeous Ecuadorian Habano Rosado leaf that is adorned with a luxurious band. The result is a full bodied smoke brimming with notes of dried fruit, coffee beans, figs and cinnamon. Ashton Symmetry Belicoso is 5 1/4 x 52 and available in ornate boxes of 25.
Gazing at my Prestige I feel kinda nostalgic. I know, I know, it's not a Robusto. I wanted something with a bit more stretch. The wrapper is an even mid-brown with impeccable seams. It actually took a bit of time to find one. The cigar feels a tad light though. This is usually a disheartening characteristic; especially when it's a high-end stick. Don't judge, high-end for me begins in the neighborhood of $10 a pop. I mean, if I am going to spend $10 on a single cigar, it better be worth it. Reason being, it's a diverse market with lots of incredible smokes for half this price. Value is important. Whoops! Almost descended into a rant there.
Back to the review. The shaft emits barnyard aromas with subtle leather. Cold draw introduces a plethora of notes including cedar, earth, baking spices, and a whole lot of sweetness. Draw is just perfect, not airy at all.
First Third
My Ashton Symmetry begins with a rush of pepper. Its all over my palate except the back of my throat. There, a light cedar note begins to take shape. As the pepper subsides or did my senses adjust to the level- not sure. All I know is a great balance begins to materialize. Cedar gains stamina while a musty leather note creeps in. Before my palate reconciles these flavors, a creamy coffee nuance ties the entire experience together.
At this point, the cigar is a wholly satisfying exploit (there's that pirate again). The strength is a strong medium. Burn and smoke output is beyond reproach.
Mid Third
A savory citrus note introduces the mid third. It's fortified by a leather note. Somewhere in the perfect balance is a chocolate nuance I just can't pin down. Beneath it all is a rich creamy base that releases surprising flavors at will. For instance, there's a whiff of fruit here and there. Coffee is mostly apparent in the Retrohale along with the cream and some earthiness.
Again, the overall profile is complex and extremely balanced. So far, I have no issues with the burn or any other construction issues. The strength is gradually inching towards a medium to full.
Final Third
Truthfully, the final third came and nearly went as I zoned out. I was awakened by a coy cinnamon note that brought me back to the land of the living. It's closely followed by a myriad of spices, fruity notes, and backloads of sweetness. The combination of flavors at this point reminds me of a spicy dessert.
As my Ashton Symmetry closes, I'm glad that yet again it was well worth it. Strength closed at a strong medium but not yet up to full yet. Although I must mention some may deem the strength to be full; I guess it depends on you.
Final Thought
There is no reason at all not to have this cigar aging in your humidor as we speak. It's a great stick to have any time of the day (mornings are my favorite). I continue to be mesmerized as to why the stick is so light yet has the perfect balance of filler and smokes like a champ.
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