Product Summary
The Ashton ESG 21 Year Salute, with its 5 1/4 × 52 Robusto silhouette, continues the glorious chapter of Ashton's 21-year collaboration with the Fuente family. The Dominican Chateau de la Fuente's exclusive Sun Grown wrapper boasts a deep red, glossy sheen, encasing the estate's finest Dominican filler. Its meticulous structure and exceptional complexity make it the most powerful and balanced representative of the Estate Sun Grown (ESG) series, suitable for discerning connoisseurs seeking high-end Dominican puro.
Main Specifications
Dimensions: 5 1/4 × 52 (Robusto)
Waistband: Sun Grown, Dominican Republic (Exclusive to Chateau de la Fuente)
Cigarette Tube: Dominican Republic
Eggplant Fillet: Dominican Republic (Chateau de la Fuente)
Flavor characteristics
The opening section features a strong aroma of cedar, red pepper and black cherry, with the Sun Grown wrapper bringing the signature spice and licorice. The middle section gradually unfolds with rich layers of roasted almond, dark chocolate and leather, with caramel and ebony intertwining. The finish is complete with rich cocoa, roasted toffee and delicate white pepper, resulting in a smooth transition and a long, powerful finish.
Origin and wrapper information
Rolled exclusively by the Arturo Fuente family at the Chateau de la Fuente estate in the Dominican Republic. The wrapper is grown only in specific microclimate plots on the estate, undergoing rigorous selection and years of natural aging after harvest to ensure ample oil content and even burning. Both the filler and binder are made from the estate's finest Dominican leaves. This Robusto size is a classic proportion, achieving the perfect balance between flavor intensity and elegance.
ESG Series Tips
Launched in 2005 by Robert Levin and Carlos Fuente Sr., the Estate Sun Grown (ESG) series aims to showcase the ultimate potential of the Chateau de la Fuente Sun Grown wrapper. Production is strictly controlled, with cigars only made when the wrapper reaches perfect ripeness, resulting in consistently high demand and limited supply. The 21 Year Salute is the most full-bodied of the series, symbolizing the 21st anniversary of Ashton's collaboration with Fuente. Continuing the classic recipe of the 20 Year Salute, it presents the full depth of ESG with a powerful yet balanced palate.
Reasons for recommendation
Cigar Aficionado has repeatedly awarded the ESG series high scores of 93–95 points, and in 2011 ranked it in the Top 25 (8th place), commenting that "the layers of red pepper, cedar, and dark chocolate brought by the Sun Grown wrapper are a textbook example of Dominican puro." Halfwheel commented: "A straight burn and snow-white ash are the perfect interpretation of the Fuente Estate Sun Grown wrapper." The Ashton ESG 21 Year Salute is the most robust size in the series, suitable for formal occasions or long periods of enjoyment, and is also an indispensable classic in the collector's collection.