Yea, I really like them. If they were cheaper and more plentiful, I would smoke them much more often. There's no question in my mind of the quality of the ESGs in terms of flavor and complexity. Watch out for bad ones though. I've seen a few of them with rough caps and patched up wrappers.
I posted a review over on another thread and also on top25cigar.com.
:::START REVIEW:::
Smoked one last night after a steak dinner. Very nice. First inch was very similar to an OpusX Double Corona. Some spiciness, but not overly so. Well-balanced. After that, it changed suddenly to a more Don Carlos-type flavor. Very nice and flavorful finish. The ESG is supposed to be a variation on the Ashton VSG blend, but I just don't taste it. In my opinion, it's much closer to the flavor profile of an OpusX than a VSG, especially the first 1-1.5 inches (With less of the "pruny/fruity" flavor of an OpusX). After that, it's rich and creamy like the DC. Never had the VSG ER so I can't compare it to that unfortunately.
Some minor burn problems, but they self-corrected. Flaky ash which was a little disappointing. Good looking wrapper for being sungrown, but there are ones with some imperfections (veins, holes etc). Best part of the cigar was definitely after the first inch when it got warmed up. Strength isn't any more than a VSG or OpusX of comparable size. Not so "in-your-face" like a OpusX Petit Lancero or #5.
Worth the $18? That's debatable. If it's just a limited edition, $18 is OK for special occasions. But for a regular line cigar, it's a bit much. Don't care about price? They're top notch, and will be even better with time.
:::END REVIEW:::
