Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Cigar Review

Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Look & Feel

• Wrapper Hue: Dried Clay
• Rolling Consistency: Mostly Straight
• Spring: Firm
• Aromas: Cinnamon, Barnyard, Tonka Bean

This review was conducted using the 7 x 52 Double Corona. However, the blend is also available in robusto, gordo, Churchill, and belicoso vitolas. The cigar features dried clay-coloured wrapper and the body of the cigar generally has a nice, even role.

There may be the occasional soft spot, but it’s nothing disconcerting. And we have firm spring when the cigar is pinched. Meanwhile, the sheen that it delivers doesn’t reveal many oils although there is a slight glimmer. As for the veins, they are mostly on the refined side, but you can occasionally get some subtle ones.

As for the aromas on the foot, I’ve noted cinnamon, barnyard and a hint of tonka bean quite mild overall. Quite a classic combination as well.

Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Review

Like all the cigars we review, the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol was stored in a large Boveda acrylic humidor for a period of three weeks at 69% RH. They were monitored with a Boveda Butler.

Pre-Lighting Experience

• Draw: Ideal Airflow
• Aromas: Cinnamon, Buttercream, Terracotta

The draw is ideal with great airflow. The flavours are much richer than what I smell on the foot. We’re looking at a combination of buttercream, some cinnamon just as was detected on the nose of the foot and some terracotta. This note of dried clay is reminiscent of perhaps cigars from Cuba, although it’s definitely not a Cuban cigar.

1st Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Nutmeg, Charred Thyme, Terracotta

The burn line is perfectly straight at first, but it gets a little wavy after the first half-inch. Meanwhile, the ash is fantastic and holds well to showcase its off-white colour.

In terms of flavour profile, we’re looking at quite a pleasant and balanced bouquet of some nutmeg spice, charred thyme and then there’s a little hint of terracotta dried clay. As with the dry draw, it’s reminiscent of the renowned Cuban mustiness.

While not very overt, the note is certainly there and it adds a pleasant substance to the overall experience in the first third. The body is mild to medium so far and leaning more towards mild. The mouthfeel is light but smooth and velvety.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Cacao Nib, Bay Leaf, Molasses

It’s just around the halfway point that we start to experience an evolution in flavour. The terracotta, charred thyme and nutmeg elements have pretty much subsided. Instead, we have bay leaf, which retains the previous herbaceous aromatic quality.

We also have some cacao nib that adds depth to the overall bouquet as a gourmand property. And then a hint of molasses rounds out the flavours with some potency to the second third.

It’s evolved quite nicely, but we’re still in the mild to medium range. That being said, we’re starting to edge a little bit more towards medium. Overall, it’s very easy to smoke and has a pleasantly creamy mouthfeel.

Final Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Caramel, Rosewood, Cacao

The final third ventures further into the medium-bodied territory. Its flavours deliver a nice dose of caramel syrup and cacao. What was cacao nib before is now really much more chocolatey. Additionally, we have a woody component, which I would liken to rosewood. Unlike oak, it’s not heavy, but balanced and fragrant.

Overall, the cigar isn’t particularly complex in the sense that it is heavily nuanced. Indeed, it’s quite easy to smoke and very approachable with a spectrum of different aromas. The mouthfeel is very smooth and velvety. It starts off light and gets both creamier and heavier as you progress.

The astringence is perfect. You don’t have any over-salivation or dryness on your palate. That said, its stimulation does lean towards the front of the palate.

As for the lifecycle, it offers a nice evolution throughout the cigar. Meanwhile, the finish doesn’t linger too long on the palate. And as the residual scent in the room is both pleasant and very fragrant.

Overall Burn

• Ash Backbone: Mostly Strong
• Burn Angle: Mostly Straight
• Temperature: Cool
• Draw: Ideal Airflow
• Final Smoking Time: 100 Minutes

The draw was consistent throughout the whole smoke. The temperature remains very cool throughout. As for the backbone, I had some really nice ash several times on the cigar. The first third was excellent, but it did get a little bit weaker as I progressed, but still very good.

Regarding the burn line, it can get wavy after a while, but not much that requires any touching up.

Overall Experience

The Heritage Puro Sol features the classic Ashton band. If you’re familiar with the VSG and other ranges from Ashton, it follows the same regal, luxurious presentation.

Similarly, the box is a well-crafted wooden box with an Ashton band enlarged across the top. When you open it, it features ribbons, velvet, and a nice paper covering.

As for the value of the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol, you’re looking at about $13 for the Double Corona and then about $11 for the other vitolas. Interestingly, the Churchill is about $11.60 whereas the Robusto is just $11. Therefore, you’re only looking at a difference of 60 cents whereas the Double Corona is about $2 more.

If you’re looking to buy a box of 25 cigars, expect between $250 to $300 in total. Given the experience, it offers excellent value. It’s very luxurious with a premium feel. Furthermore, it’s a versatile cigar that can be used for a variety of different occasions.

For example, it would blend in well in an exclusive cigar lounge. Similarly, it can be enjoyed for a special occasion. Otherwise, it’s perfectly suitable for smoking with friends in a backyard or during a barbecue.

I’d say that it’s an afternoon cigar. It’s great as a digestif following lunch or even in the mid-afternoon as a little break. You could also consider it in the early evening as an apéritif before a dinner. Furthermore, it’s also a great cigar for beginners who are seeking to break away from mild cigars.

Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Pairings

If you’re considering to sample the Heritage as a digestif following lunch, consider including desserts like tiramisu or even chocolate chip cookies. Tiramisu would be ideal as even if the cigar doesn’t have any coffee notes, its creamy gourmand flavours will pair nicely with the dessert.

Alternatively, it can follow a savoury dish like a lamb shank or shoulder that’s been roasted with herbs.

As for beverages, I wouldn’t go for scotch whisky perhaps or even bourbon as these may be a bit heavy for this cigar. Consider perhaps Irish whiskey instead. Generally, it’s a bit more floral and playful in a way that would go quite well with the cigar’s properties.

Alternatively, if you’re quite fond of brandy, consider fine-champagne cognac, such as Hine Rare VSOP. While somewhat youthful and playful in character, it has the body, substance, and flavour to marry well with the Ashton Heritage.

Of course, one thing that I love having with cigars, which is always very challenging when living in France, is root beer. Rather than going for a coffee, which would still be fine with this cigar, consider instead root beer instead. Artisanally-crafted root beer will feature herbaceousness vanilla flavour that will contrast nicely with the cigar’s herbal qualities.

Closing Thoughts

Approachable and pleasant for the experienced cigar smoker, the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol is also adventurous and exciting for newcomers. It’s a worthwhile addition to anyone’s repertoire and will offer an undoubtedly pleasant experience!

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