Ashton Symmetry Staff Review
Ashton Symmetry is a cigar that will always be near and dear to my heart. Not only is it one of my personal favorites to enjoy with coffee in the morning, but it is also the first new Ashton to hit the market (launched in 2014) since I started smoking cigars 12 years ago. Founded in 1985, Ashton isn’t a brand known for rushing half-baked products to market, or pumping out new cigars by the dozen. Quite the contrary. In the 32 years they’ve been in business, Ashton has only released 7 brands under the Ashton umbrella. Due to the sheer rarity of the occasion, when Ashton releases a new cigar you know it’s going to be something special. Ashton Symmetry is also special for another reason. Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic in the legendary Fuente factory, Symmetry is the first cigar manufactured by Fuente to feature Nicaraguan tobacco in the blend.
With about an hour to kill, I decide to grab a Symmetry Robusto from my humidor and head out back for a smoke.
The first thing that catches my eye is the stunning cigar band. Regal, colorful, elegant and pristine. The oily Ecuador Habano wrapper is a lovely graham cracker shade of brown. Blended by the great Carlito Fuente, Symmetry offers a unique blend of rich Dominican tobaccos fortified by potent leaves harvested in Estelí, Nicaragua. Unlit, I get aromas of leather and pepper while the cold draw is full of coffee and earth tones.
The first few puffs are loaded with pepper, which definitely percolates my taste buds. Soon after that, there is a pleasant cedar note that complements the pepper, balancing the profile. After about a half-inch, a strong dose of black coffee comes through to round out a wonderfully creamy profile. One of my favorite aspects of Symmetry is that for the first inch, several prominent flavors keep me on my toes.
As I progress to the second leg, there is a powerful leather note that almost completely subdues the black coffee. The peppery spice becomes somewhat muted by the overall earthiness of the profile. As I let the cigar cool, I am greeted with a light stone fruit undertone around the halfway point.
The final third of the cigar is perfect. There are some cinnamon-like notes that come through, adding an extra layer of sweetness. Floral and earthy nuances mingle nicely with hints of fruit. Overall, the balance between sweet and spicy is extraordinary.
One of the hallmarks of cigars produced at the Fuente factory is exceptional quality which is on full display with Ashton Symmetry. Precision blending and immaculate construction deliver a razor-sharp burn that required zero touch ups. The body is significant. For me, it clocked in at 8 out of 10 on the strength scale and this is coming from a bona fide full-bodied hound. In bold conclusion, I cannot recommend this cigar enough. Come one, come all. If you are yet to try Ashton Symmetry, do yourself a favor and order ‘em now!
