AshMap
Overview
The Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona is the quiet aristocrat of the humidor — a cigar that doesn't shout for attention but rewards it with a poise that few short-format smokes can match. Introduced in the late 1980s as Ashton's flagship blend, Symmetry was designed to showcase the house's Dominican-Connecticut style at its most refined, and this 4.5 x 44 vitola distills that intent into a compact, elegant experience. It is not a cigar that seeks to overwhelm; it seeks to seduce, and it does so with a measured, deliberate grace.
The pre-light ritual sets the tone: a cold draw of sweet cream and light cedar, clean and inviting. Upon lighting, the first third unfolds like a slow morning — toasted almonds and vanilla custard swirl together, lifted by delicate floral notes and a gentle creaminess that is unmistakably Ashton. There is no pepper here, no rough edge; just a soft, enveloping texture that coats the palate without weight. The finish is short and sweet, leaving a faint impression of almond skin and honey.
As the burn progresses into the second third, the blend finds its spine. White pepper emerges — subtle, never sharp — layered over sweet oak and a whisper of hay. The retrohale carries a soft caramel sweetness, and a faint nuttiness threads through the smoke like a seam of gold. The body remains medium, but the flavors gain definition, and the ash — firm and chalk-white — holds well past the inch mark, a testament to the construction. The draw is effortless, the burn line razor-even, and the smoke production generous without being heavy.
The final third sees a modest uptick in pepper, but it never threatens the cigar's inherent elegance. Instead, it adds a gentle warmth, a creamy, slightly earthy finish with notes of roasted cashews and light baking spice. The strength remains controlled — never harsh, never aggressive — finishing clean and dry on the palate. It is a cigar that knows exactly what it is and never tries to be more. The Symmetry Petit Corona is a benchmark for those who value refinement over power, a smoke that offers pleasure and consistency in equal measure. It is the cigar you reach for when you want to remember why you love cigars in the first place.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged long-fillers from the Cibao Valley |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar's La Romana facility |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 5 years before rolling; finished cigars receive additional rest before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cream and light cedar. Upon lighting, the first third delivers a delicate interplay of toasted almonds, vanilla custard, and light floral notes with a gentle creaminess that defines Ashton's Connecticut signature.
Second Third
The blend settles into a smooth, medium-bodied core of white pepper, sweet oak, and a whisper of hay. A soft caramel sweetness lingers on the retrohale, with very subtle nuttiness threading throughout.
Final Third
The final third sees a modest uptick in pepper and a creamy, slightly earthy finish with notes of roasted cashews and light baking spice. Strength remains controlled — never harsh, never aggressive — finishing clean and dry on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Ashton's quality control at General Cigar is among the best in the Dominican Republic; the Petit Corona draws effortlessly with a razor-even burn line and produces a firm, chalk-white ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Highland single malt Scotch (Glenmorangie 10 or Dalmore 12) or a gentle aged rum such as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — both complement the vanilla and cedar without overwhelming the delicate blend.
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy (e.g., Mâcon-Villages) or a dry Spanish Manzanilla Sherry — the nutty, briny qualities of the sherry are a classic match for Dominican Connecticut blends.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over with natural sweetness, or a classic Earl Grey tea — the bergamot mirrors the floral lift in the wrapper.
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a seasoned aficionado on a quiet Sunday morning, coffee in hand, the house still asleep. He's smoked his share of full-bodied Nicaraguans and complex Cubans, but today he wants something gentler — a cigar that won't demand his full attention but will reward it nonetheless. He's tried the Symmetry line before, perhaps in a larger vitola, and appreciates its consistency. This Petit Corona is his reset button: a 45-minute ritual that delivers toasted almonds, vanilla custard, and a whisper of white pepper without ever overwhelming. It's also an ideal choice for the newer smoker who wants to understand what a well-made Connecticut-wrapped cigar can be — approachable, refined, and never harsh. Whether you're a veteran seeking a moment of calm or a novice looking for a gentle introduction, this cigar meets you where you are.
Bottom Line
The Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona is a masterclass in restraint — a mild-to-medium smoke that delivers layered flavors with impeccable construction. It may not be the most complex cigar in your humidor, but it is one of the most reliable and pleasurable. Buy a box; you'll reach for it more often than you think.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Ashton Symmetry cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona a strong cigar?
No. It is rated Mild-Medium (2/5), meaning it delivers flavor without significant nicotine strength. You'll feel satisfied but not overwhelmed, making it suitable for morning or early afternoon smoking.
What does Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona taste like?
It opens with sweet cream, toasted almonds, vanilla custard, and light floral notes. The second third adds white pepper, sweet oak, hay, and a caramel sweetness on the retrohale. The final third brings roasted cashews, light baking spice, and a creamy, slightly earthy finish.
How long does Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona take to smoke?
Given its Petit Corona size (4.5 x 44), expect a smoking time of roughly 45 to 55 minutes, depending on your pace and the environment.
What is the best pairing for Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona?
A Highland single malt Scotch such as Glenmorangie 10 or Dalmore 12 complements the vanilla and cedar notes. For wine, a lightly oaked Burgundy Chardonnay or a dry Manzanilla Sherry works beautifully — the sherry's nutty, briny qualities mirror the cigar's almond and cream profile.
Is Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona good for beginners?
Yes. Its Mild-Medium strength, effortless draw, and approachable flavor profile make it an excellent choice for newer smokers. At $9–$13 per cigar, it's also an affordable way to experience a premium Dominican-Connecticut blend.
Where can I buy Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona?
Ashton cigars are sold at premium tobacconists, authorized online retailers, and many cigar lounges. Look for retailers that specialize in premium hand-rolled cigars to ensure proper storage and authenticity.
What is the price of Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona?
The Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona typically retails between $9 and $13 per cigar, depending on the retailer and taxes. Boxes of 25 offer a slight per-cigar savings.
Is Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona worth aging?
It is already aged: the tobaccos are aged a minimum of five years before rolling, and the finished cigars receive additional rest. Further aging can soften the white pepper and enhance the creaminess, but it is not necessary — this cigar is ready to smoke now.
What wrapper does Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which contributes a silky texture, a light golden-tan color, and the cigar's signature creamy, nutty, and subtly floral character.
Where is Ashton Symmetry Petit Corona made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar's La Romana facility, using Dominican binder and aged long-fillers from the Cibao Valley.