Celebrating a Decade of Craftsmanship
Anniversary cigars carry a certain expectation. They are intended to celebrate a milestone while showcasing the philosophy and craftsmanship of the company behind the blend. To mark its tenth anniversary, Hiram & Solomon Cigars introduced the Ashlar 10th Anniversary Toro, a limited-production release inspired by the Masonic symbol of the ashlar—a carefully shaped stone that represents refinement and the continual pursuit of self-improvement.
Fouad Kashouty, Founder and CEO of Hiram & Solomon Cigars states:
“Our Ashlar 10th Anniversary cigar line is a tribute to the foundation we’ve laid and the future we’re building. Ashlar symbolizes the transformation from rough to refined, a perfect reflection of our journey and the craftsmanship that defines us. This is more than a product launch. It’s a celebration of who we are and what we stand for.”
The company describes the blend as:
- Wrapper: Hybrid Premium Connecticut
- Binder: Indonesian
- Filler: HVA Seco, HVA Ligero, Broadleaf
The Ashlar is expressed in a (6 x 52) toro vitola and is offered in a limited production of just 1,000 ten-count boxes, carrying an MSRP of $32.00 per cigar. With tobaccos aged for a minimum of five years and rolled by an experienced master torcedor with 20 years of experience, the Ashlar is certainly positioned as a premium offering intended to celebrate the company’s first decade. It should be noted that the original torcedor that was rolling these, passed away and the company trained a new one to craft the cigar. I am not sure if I got the original or the new but either way it is very well crafted.
For this review, I sampled 3 of these cigars which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
First off, I have to say the overall presentation of the cigars in the box is simple stunning. The box is presented in black lacquer gloss while the inside presents each cigar inside an individual cedar slot.
The presentation reflects that theme from the moment the cigar is removed from the box. A black primary band accented with metallic gold artwork and lettering wraps the cigar. Masonic-inspired design elements are incorporated tastefully throughout the artwork, while a secondary anniversary band reinforces the significance of this commemorative release.
As for the cigar itself, the The Hiram & Solomon Ashlar 10th Anniversary Toro is wrapped in a silky-smooth medium tan leaf that exhibits a matte finish as opposed to an oily sheen. The wrapper is clean in appearance with very minimal veins visible, and the cigar feels firmly packed from head to foot. Finishing the presentation is a well-applied fantail cap that adds a nice touch to the overall construction.
The barrel offers very little aroma, but bringing the foot to the nose reveals notes of earth and damp forest floor. I know that might be a weird note but if you have ever walked in a forest in the early morning as the sun is rising and the trees and plants are covered in morning dew, that is the aroma I got off the foot.
After opening the cap with my double-blade cutter, the cold draw offered just the right amount of resistance. The cold draw flavors centered on earth with a subtle underlying sweetness, providing an inviting preview of what was to come.
Cigar Review Notes
After an even toast and light, the Ashlar opens with a natural tobacco sweetness complemented by a sprinkle of black pepper. The profile is balanced from the outset, with neither flavor taking control of the experience.
A light gray ash quickly forms in a classic “stacking dimes” fashion atop a thin, even char line. As the first third progresses, a mild nutty character begins to emerge. Midway through the first third, the nutty note becomes more noticeable on the aroma while a subtle tea-like quality joins the flavor profile, adding another layer without disrupting the cigar’s balance. The ash continued to grow through the first third and eventually dropped in a solid chunk, revealing a well-formed and centered burn cone.
The second third settles into a comfortable rhythm. Mild spice notes begin to evolve while cedar works its way into the profile alongside the cigar’s natural tobacco sweetness. A faint hint of dry fruit rounds out the experience, adding a touch of complexity that complements rather than competes with the core flavors. Construction continues to impress with an even burn, consistent smoke production, and a draw that remains comfortably resistant throughout.
The final third maintains the balanced character established earlier in the smoke. Cedar and natural sweetness continue to anchor the profile while the spice lingers through the finish. The dry fruit nuance remains subtle but noticeable, and a bit of dark chocolate contributes to a refined conclusion.
Total smoking time was roughly 90 minutes and the cigar hit the strength meter at medium, making it a very approachable cigar for both new and experienced cigar enthusiasts. I would say the Ashlar emphasized balance and flavor definition over raw strength. It is a fine cigar to start or end the day with.
Final Analysis
The Hiram & Solomon Ashlar 10th Anniversary Toro succeeds by embracing refinement instead of intensity. Natural tobacco sweetness serves as the foundation while pepper, nutty notes, dark chocolate, cedar, subtle tea characteristics, and hints of dry fruit gradually weave through the profile. The transitions are measured rather than dramatic, creating a cigar that rewards a relaxed smoking pace.
Construction is equally noteworthy. The draw remained consistent throughout, the burn required no attention, and the cigar delivered excellent smoke production while maintaining an attractive ash and centered burn cone.
At $32.00, the Ashlar firmly occupies the ultra-premium segment. Smokers seeking bold strength or frequent flavor shifts may find it reserved, but those who appreciate balance, craftsmanship, and subtle complexity will likely find it a fitting tribute to Hiram & Solomon’s first ten years. It is a cigar that celebrates consistency as much as it celebrates the milestone it was created to honor.
