Ashton Classic – Corona (5.5 x 44)
The Particulars
| wdt_created_by | cigarkey | brand | cigarname | vitola | strength | wrapper | binder | filler | infused | sweettip | origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mcclossm | Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44) | Ashton | Classic | Corona - 5.50" x 44 | Mellow | Connecticut Shade, Natural | Dominican Republic | Dominican Republic | No | No | Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia, Dominican Republic |
| COMPANY / BRAND: | Ashton |
| CIGAR: | Classic |
| VITOLA: | Corona - 5.50" x 44 |
| STRENGTH: | Mellow |
| WRAPPER: | Connecticut Shade, Natural |
| BINDER: | Dominican Republic |
| FILLER: | Dominican Republic |
| INFUSED: | No |
| SWEET TIP: | No |
| ORIGIN: | Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia, Dominican Republic |
Prolegomenon and Other Random Thoughts
Coronas and Connecticut Shade aren’t my go-to, but I still have a couple Ashton Classic Coronas that are remainders from some early purchases so they have over 2.5 years of age at this point. I haven’t smoked one of these since November of last year, which is before I started my current form of journaling. And since it’s high 70’s and beautiful here in Southern Louisiana this morning, this seemed like the perfect option for a quick, light morning smoke while I hang out in the backyard with the dogs and the wife sleeps in 🔥
Cigar Journal Scores
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Date | Cigar | Appearance | Draw | Burn | Flavors | Overall | Buy Again? | Rating | C_App | C_Drw | C_Brn | C_Flv | C_Ovr | C_Buy | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6805 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2020-01-01 | ZZZ Brand Demo Cigar (Da Chub) - Robusto (Box Press) (4 x 60) | Terrible | Poor | Average | Good | Great | Without a doubt (box worthy) | 2.50 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5.00 | 6.67 |
| 6806 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-06 | Oliva Nub Habano (460) - Short Gordo (4 x 60) | Reply hazy, try again (just ok, the juice isn't worth the squeeze) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
| 6807 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-07 | Boneshaker Boneyard (Mace) - Robusto (5 x 52) | Outlook not so good (skip it) | 2.00 | 1.00 | 3.33 | ||||||||||
| 6808 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-07 | Boneshaker (Morning Star) - Torpedo (5 x 56) | Outlook not so good (skip it) | 2.00 | 1.00 | 3.33 | ||||||||||
| 6809 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-08 | Romeo y Julieta 1875 (No. 3) - Toro (6 x 50) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6810 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-08 | Oliva Serie G Maduro - Churchill (7 x 50) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6811 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-08 | Oliva Serie G - Churchill (7 x 50) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6812 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-08 | Montecristo Classic - Toro (6 x 52) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6813 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-09 | Drew Estate Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro - Toro (6 x 52) | Signs point to yes (recommended) | 4.00 | 4.25 | 8.17 | ||||||||||
| 6814 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-11 | Drew Estate Deadwood Leather Rose - Torpedo (5 x 54) | Signs point to yes (recommended) | 5.00 | 4.25 | 9.50 | ||||||||||
| 6815 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-12 | Drew Estate Deadwood Girl With No Name Connecticut - Robusto (5 x 50) | Signs point to yes (recommended) | 4.00 | 4.25 | 8.17 | ||||||||||
| 6816 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-13 | Romeo y Julieta Romeo by Romeo y Julieta - Robusto (5 x 54) | Don't count on it (hot garbage) | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.33 | ||||||||||
| 6817 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-16 | Montecristo White Series (Rothchilde) - Robusto (5 x 52) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6818 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-16 | Boneshaker Full Body Cast (Morning Star) - Torpedo (5 x 56) | Outlook not so good (skip it) | 2.00 | 1.00 | 3.33 | ||||||||||
| 6819 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-17 | Oliva Nub Cameroon (460) - Short Gordo (4 x 60) | Reply hazy, try again (just ok, the juice isn't worth the squeeze) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
| 6820 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-18 | Oliva Nub Connecticut (460) - Short Gordo (4 x 60) | Reply hazy, try again (just ok, the juice isn't worth the squeeze) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
| 6821 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-19 | Drew Estate NightShade - Robusto (5 x 52) | Reply hazy, try again (just ok, the juice isn't worth the squeeze) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
| 6822 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-20 | Drew Estate Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty - Robusto (5 x 54) | Without a doubt (box worthy) | 5.00 | 5.00 | 10.00 | ||||||||||
| 6823 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-22 | Drew Estate Nica Rustica Adobe - Toro (6 x 52) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6824 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-23 | Drew Estate Herrera Esteli Habano - Toro (6 x 52) | Signs point to yes (recommended) | 5.00 | 4.25 | 9.50 | ||||||||||
| 6825 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-24 | Oliva Cain Daytona (550) - Robusto (5 x 50) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| 6826 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-25 | AJ Fernandez Samurai - Robusto (Box Press) (4.25 x 54) | Reply hazy, try again (just ok, the juice isn't worth the squeeze) | 4.00 | 3.00 | 7.33 | ||||||||||
| 6827 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-26 | Oracle - Robusto (5 x 50) | Reply hazy, try again (just ok, the juice isn't worth the squeeze) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
| 6828 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-27 | Oliva Cain Habano (550) - Toro (5.75 x 50) | Signs point to yes (recommended) | 4.00 | 4.25 | 8.17 | ||||||||||
| 6829 | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | mcclossm | 2026-02-14 02:35 AM | 2024-06-28 | Drew Estate ACID Purple Extra Ordinary Larry - Gordo (6 x 60) | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 4.00 | 3.50 | 7.67 | ||||||||||
| Date | Cigar | Appearance | Draw | Burn | Flavors | Overall | Buy Again? | Rating | C_App | C_Drw | C_Brn | C_Flv | C_Ovr | C_Buy | Score |
The Review
This review for the Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44) is based on the journal entry dated 2025-06-01
Appearance & Construction (0-3): Average (2)
Light cardboard tan with a good sheen and decent mottling. This one came straight out of the cellophane but has a couple tears at the edges of the wrapper that happened during the roll. No binder exposed, just missing sections of wrapper, which knocked the rating down on this one. 🤔 This one is a little lumpy but the veins are small and thin. All the seams are tight and the triple cap is perfect.
Draw (0-3) & Burn (0-4): Good (3) / Great (4)
The draw has a little extra resistance but it’s good and the burn starts nicely. The ash is a light to medium gray with a lot of cracks and striations, but it doesn’t feather and holds well. The burn goes between dead even and just the slightest wave the entire time.
Flavor Profile (0-5): Great (4)
Cedar wood, light hay and pepper spice, with a lot nuttiness and medium saltiness. It’s a roasted cashew type of nutty flavor because it’s buttery, savory and sweet. There’s a bit of additional honey or caramel sweetness on the top and a hint of citrus zest. The finish is super creamy and buttery smooth. There’s a slight hint of espresso that I’m getting as the smoke continues. This is a straight shooter that doesn’t transition or vary throughout the burn, so it’s consistent from start to finish. No bitterness or harshness at all. 🔥
Overall Experience (0-5): Great (4)
It’s a simpler profile, but it’s quite good and enjoyable for a mellow cigar. I always say I’m not big on Connecticut Shade but always have to remind myself that it’s Ecuadorian grown Connecticut seed that I’m less fond of. The true Connecticut grown leaf that Fuente uses is always flavorful and really satisfying. Whether it’s the Ashton Classic, L.J. Peretti 125, or a Fuente, I’ve really enjoyed all of those mellow Connecticuts coming out of the Fuente factory.
Review Base Rating (0-5):
4.25
Would I Buy It Again?
Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal)
Review Final Score (0-10):
8.00
Postscript
2025-12-27: After smoking the last of these cigars, I can still say the Ashton Classic is a great mellow Connecticut, but the Corona is not the vitola for me. My preferences definitely run more towards the 8-9-8 Lonsdale or the Churchill!
Overall Score and Individual Journal Entries
While the review is based off one instance of journaling this cigar; there’s a number of reasons you can have different experiences smoking the same cigar multiple times. A blend can evolve with age (for better or worse), palates evolves, preferences change, and sometimes you just get a bad example! This section captures the ratings from each journal entry and the related journal photo. Below you’ll find an aggregate score based on every time the cigar has been journaled. Unless it was a gift or on-off smoke, this section will be updated every time I journal this cigar!
| Times Journaled | Base Rating | Buy Again? | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.63 | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 8.50 |
| Journaling Date | Cigar | Appearance | Draw | Burn | Flavors | Overall Experience | Base Rating | Buy Again? | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-05 | Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44) | 5.00 | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 9.00 | |||||
| 2025-01-26 | Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44) | Good | Good | Great | Great | Great | 4.50 | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 8.33 |
| 2025-06-01 | Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44) | Average | Good | Great | Great | Great | 4.25 | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 8.00 |
| 2025-12-27 | Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44) | Good | Good | Great | Excellent | Great | 4.75 | Most likely (good stick, but look for a deal) | 8.67 |
Journaling Photos
The Flavor Wheel
| Category | Strength |
|---|---|
| Baking Spice | 1.33 |
| Pepper | 1.00 |
| Coffee / Espresso | 1.00 |
| Anise / Licorice | 0.00 |
| Sweet | 2.00 |
| Chocolate | 0.33 |
| Bready / Toasty | 2.33 |
| Woody / Charred | 2.33 |
| Grass / Hay | 1.00 |
| Earth | 0.00 |
| Leather | 0.00 |
| Floral / Aromatic | 0.33 |
| Fruity | 1.00 |
| Nutty | 2.67 |
| Salty / Mineral | 1.67 |
| Creamy | 3.00 |
| Musty / Barnyard | 0.00 |
| Bitter | 0.33 |
| Smooth | 3.00 |
| Harsh | 0.00 |
With every cigar I journal, I capture simple ratings of the basic flavor categories that I experience. These are more generalized than what you would see in a review, but a distinct profile can still be built out. When multiple instances of the same cigar have been journaled, the scores are averaged out in an attempt to build a reliable flavor profile based on my palate.
The values entered for the strength of each flavor range from 0 to 3.
- 0: No flavor detected
- 1: Mild flavor
- 2: Medium flavor
- 3: Strong flavor
Note: desktop / large screens will see a flavor wheel while mobile / small screens will see a bar chart.
With every cigar I journal, I capture simple ratings of the basic flavor categories that I experience. These are more generalized than what you would see in a review, but a distinct profile can still be built out. When multiple instances of the same cigar have been journaled, the scores are averaged out in an attempt to build a reliable flavor profile based on my palate.
The values entered for the strength of each flavor range from 0 to 3.
- 0: No flavor detected
- 1: Mild flavor
- 2: Medium flavor
- 3: Strong flavor
Note: desktop / large screens will see a flavor wheel while mobile / small screens will see a bar chart.
| Category | Strength |
|---|---|
| Baking Spice | 1.33 |
| Pepper | 1.00 |
| Coffee / Espresso | 1.00 |
| Anise / Licorice | 0.00 |
| Sweet | 2.00 |
| Chocolate | 0.33 |
| Bready / Toasty | 2.33 |
| Woody / Charred | 2.33 |
| Grass / Hay | 1.00 |
| Earth | 0.00 |
| Leather | 0.00 |
| Floral / Aromatic | 0.33 |
| Fruity | 1.00 |
| Nutty | 2.67 |
| Salty / Mineral | 1.67 |
| Creamy | 3.00 |
| Musty / Barnyard | 0.00 |
| Bitter | 0.33 |
| Smooth | 3.00 |
| Harsh | 0.00 |
Questions on how the ratings work?
Check out the detailed explanation here.
Want to Comment?
Leave a comment on the source IG post
