The Ashton ESG (Estate Sun Grown) line was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ashton brand. Robert Levin, the founder of the brand, worked together with non-other than Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr. to create this blend. The blend is made up of only Dominican tobaccos, and the wrapper comes from the famous Chateau de la Fuente farm.
The ESG line was launched in 2005 with one size, and up until 2009, Ashton yearly added one new size.
The wrapper has a matt Colorado color and is quite rustic to the touch. Construction is flawless with a generous filling. The draw is perfect.
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Size: 52 x 133 mm (5.25″)
- Wrapper: Dominican Republic
- Binder: Dominican Republic
- Filler: Dominican Republic
- Price: $20 – € 22.5
Ashton ESG 21 Year Salute: aromas of hay, cellulose, and wood are present in the cold draw. Once lit, the cigar opens with a mix of wood and nuts. There is also a very light peppery component present.
Further into the first third, the wood is the dominant flavor, followed by walnut. A light note of white pepper is present in the retro-hale. The smoke is rather dry. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
The second third continues with wood and walnut. The white pepper has disappeared, and the smoke remains on the dry side of things. Strength is unchanged.
Wood and walnut remain the main flavors also in the last third. A herbal component has appeared as well. The strength level doesn’t change.
Overall, the Ashton ESG 21 Year Salute is rather a one-dimensional smoke. It takes until the last third for things to change, albeit only slightly. The dryness in the first two-thirds doesn’t help its case either and makes for an unbalanced smoke.