Overview of Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Cigars
The Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) series marks a distinctive departure from the classic Ashton cigars lineup. Renowned for their unique wrapper, these cigars feature a sun-grown Ecuadorian leaf, which is cultivated openly, eschewing the traditional "tapado" or cheesecloth shading. This farming technique yields a wrapper with a remarkable aromatic range and a rich, oily texture.
Sourced from the Oliva family's farms, these wrappers undergo a meticulous fermentation and re-fermentation process designed to unlock their aromatic potential. This provides a solid foundation for Carlos Fuente's creativity in blending the cigars' filler, which includes tobaccos from the esteemed Chateau de la Fuente. The maturity of the flavors is ensured by a minimum of 6 months of aging before the cigars are exported.
The Wrapper: Sun-Grown in Ecuador
Ecuador's unique climate conditions lend the Ashton VSG cigars their distinctive wrapper, a feature that significantly influences the flavor profile. Sun-grown without 'tapado' coverings, the leaves capture the full intensity of the sun, resulting in a robust and flavorful wrapper that stands as a defining characteristic of these cigars.
The Binder and Filler: Dominican Mastery
Continuing the high standards, the binder and the filler tobaccos are sourced from the Dominican Republic, with a particular focus on those from the Chateau de la Fuente. This selection aligns with the potent character of the wrapper, ensuring a consistency in strength and complexity throughout the cigar's composition.
Flavor Profile and Aromatic Range
We can expect a broad spectrum of aromas from the Ashton VSG series, with the potential for notes that are both rich and nuanced. While each size and shape in this line may offer a slightly different experience, they all share the same foundational flavor profile, characterized by depth and harmony. The 'Spellbound' format, in particular, is noted for its expansive flavor profile.
Quality and Value: The Sorcerer's Offering
Among the various formats offered in the VSG series, the 'Sorcerer' stands out for its particularly favorable quality-to-price ratio. It offers aficionados a balanced and accessible entry point into the rich aromatic world of Ashton's sun-grown offerings.
A History of Cigar Culture
Cigars, like those from the Ashton VSG series, embody the evolving heritage of tobacco cultivation and cigar manufacturing. The partnership between the Oliva family and Carlos Fuente for the production of these cigars is a testament to the ongoing collaboration and innovation that characterizes the industry. This lineage and the commitment to craftsmanship continue to impact global cigar culture, reflecting both tradition and contemporary trends.
