Ashe Churchill

The Ashe Cigar line, produced by the Vista Real Cigar Co., is produced in the town of Tamboril, Dominican Republic. Their fillers and binders are blends of tobaccos grown in the Dominican’s Cibao Valley and San Victor Moca. In fact, Ashe Cigars are made from the same tobaccos supplied to Tabacos Dominicanos, S.A., makers of Davidoff, Avo and other more widely recognizable premium brands. All Ashe cigars are a blend of Cubano Piloto in both Lijero and Seco as well as Olor Dominicano used as the trippa or filler. The capote or binders on are also Dominican and the line’s wrapper is primarily offered in the finest grade 3 yr. old Connecticut Shade. Each cigar spends forty-five days on the shelf in the factory in Tamboril before being packed and shipped. The word Ashe (pronounced "aah-chey") originated in the African Yoruba language and was assimilated into Cuban culture centuries ago. Ashe means personal power, the luck and energy that one carries from birth and cultivated with maturity and the gaining of knowledge and wisdom. In Cuba, if you have Ashe, you have what it takes; the gods are with you, charging you with strength and spirit and luck. Our panel really felt that the Ashe line has what it takes. Each cigar sampled was perfectly constructed and packed with flavor. The Petite Perfecto featured is an extremely difficult and expensive cigar to roll as is it’s larger Torpedo brother. A pair of seasoned rollers can only produce roughly 200 of either shape per day relative to the 5-600 that they could roll in most other shapes. The line is produced in only four shapes and we liked them all so much, it was difficult to choose only three to share with you. The fourth shape produced, not featured, is a robusto.

We really like this cigar line. All four shapes evaluated were expertly crafted. Aesthetically, look for a very appealing cigar, substantial in your hand, no soft spots and an inviting oily sheen highlighting a beautiful wrapper. Note an even burn and easy draw. We found the aroma very pleasing, offering traces of spiciness. The flavor is full and the single most prominent characteristic is a classic Dominican spiciness. Overall, a creamy, rich, flavorful mild smoke. Perfect with a light dessert. Try pairing it with your favorite port or hoppy pale ale.