Burn. Compare. Discuss. Advance.
The final opening-round contest is Partagas Black Label Crystal versus Don Tomás Clásico Robusto. Matchup 8 completes the field of sixteen and determines the last cigar moving into the next stage of the Ashology Cigar Bracket.
Partagas Black Label Crystal
With Partagas Black Label Crystal, slow the evaluation down. Note the draw before lighting and pay attention to how the cigar responds to your smoking pace. Track flavor definition, burn, balance and the quality of the finish. If intensity changes, decide whether the cigar remains controlled as it develops.
Don Tomás Clásico Robusto
For Don Tomás Clásico Robusto, repeat the same process from the beginning. Give equal weight to construction and flavor. A cigar that performs cleanly across the full session may outscore one that has a few dramatic moments, so use your written notes instead of memory alone.
What to Watch
- Which cigar stays more complete from first light to finish?
- Which one earns the better balance score?
- Which cigar deserves the final opening-round spot in the next bracket?
Which One Advances?
Eight matchups began with sixteen cigars. After this test, the opening round is complete—and the next stage of the Ashology Cigar Bracket is set.
Follow the matchup and join the evaluation on the Ashology Cigar Bracket.
