Aromatic Tobacco » Ashton Gold Rush Tobacco Reviews

A very natural tasting ribbon cut Va.

Ashton Gold Rush is a ribbon cut straight Virginia blend that, I suppose, is technically considered an aromatic; but I do not detect anything artificial about the flavorings or additives that may be in the blend. If I had to rely solely on my palate for guidance, I'd say this was an all-natural blend with a lemon finish not unknown in many Virginia varieties. It has a natural straight Va taste with an earthy, slightly grassy or malty tin note that you can also detect while smoking.

There are no packing, lighting, or burning issues, and it produces a nice volume of very natural tasting tobacco smoke. Its burn is dry and cool, without bite, gurgle, goop or dottle. Despite the tin description's claim, I don't detect any honey taste -- though it is more sweet than savory. The lemon flavor of this blend is most noticeable in the finish. I would call it an indefinite citrus taste more than actual lemon.

Gold Rush has good body: a nice deep Virginia character without the sharp, sassy, or hot burning characteristics that one often encounters in, for example, Va. flakes. It has a mild-to-medium nicotine strength, and a delicious natural Virginia tobacco flavor. In all a very smooth and satisfying smoke that can claim a prominent place in any smoker's rotation.