Ashton VSG Sorcerer
The Ashton Virgin Sun Grown first reached the market in 1999 as a full strength offering from Ashton and the Fuente family. The name points to its signature Ecuadorian sun grown Sumatra seed wrapper, grown under natural cloud cover and fermented to a dark oily finish. Beneath it sits a Dominican binder and filler aged four to five years. The line remains a regular production staple made in the Dominican Republic and is offered in a range of sizes.
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Review
First Third
The Ashton ESG Virgin Sun Grown opens with dark chocolate and earth on the light. A touch of sweet molasses appears on the finish, though the finish itself stays short at this stage. Leather begins to show through as well. Cedar and dark cherry arrive as the first third develops. Coffee and nutmeg follow, bringing back memories of a favorite coffee from years ago. Halfway through the first third the cedar and dark cherry notes continue, joined by a mild savory spice on the finish. The spice remains minimal. Black coffee takes over the finish and the length moves to medium. Near the end of the first third, savory notes grow stronger. The aroma stays sweet tobacco. The draw tightens a bit from the start and a little more pepper shows on the finish. The first third closes with savory salted peanuts, leather, black coffee, and a light pepper note.
Second Third
The second third brings noticeably more pepper while leather remains present, along with hints of unsweetened dark chocolate. Leather and earth dominate and the profile feels bold. The leather sweetens slightly and more cedar joins the mix. A faint citrus note appears on the finish while the core stays with leather, cedar, and black coffee. Strength begins to climb. The draw remains on the tight side and pepper continues to build on the finish. Toward the end of the second third, cinnamon emerges along with a strong wave of dark chocolate and a bit more spice. The finish lengthens compared with the beginning.
Final Third
The final third opens with a clear increase in pepper on the palate. Leather and baking spices stay in the mix, with occasional cinnamon. Leather remains the main note as the third progresses, alternating with varying levels of pepper on a still-long finish. The draw finally opens up. Dark cherry and a dark fruit note become more prominent, still supported by leather and spice. Past the halfway point of the final third the profile settles into leather, earth, dark cherry, and a possible hickory note. Some burn-line issues appear in this stage. Leather and earthy notes largely define the final third, with light cedar still present. Hints of cocoa arrive near the end, though leather and cedar remain the primary flavors.Overall the Ashton ESG Virgin Sun Grown delivers a leather-forward profile that builds in strength and complexity, moving from chocolate and coffee early on into richer earth, spice, and dark fruit by the close.
Score
93/100