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Cigar name: Ashton VSG cigars
Wrapper: Ecuadorian "cloud grown"
Binder: ?? unknown (Dominican)
Filler: VSG blend (Dominican)
Released: November, 1999
(Effective June 1st, 2009 there was a price increase of $1.00 per cigar for all VSG vitolas, in response to the SCHIP tax on cigars).
Notes: From left to right:
1. Spellbound (7 ½" x 54) ........... MSRP = $13.80 x 24 per box = $331.20
2. Sorcerer (7" x 49) ................... MSRP = $10.60 x 24 per box = $254.40
3. Torpedo (6 ½" x 55) ............... MSRP = $12.05 x 24 per box = $289.20
4. Illusion (6 ½" x 44) ................ MSRP = $9.80 x 24 per box = $235.20
5. Wizard (6" x 56) ..................... MSRP = $12.80 x 37 per box = $473.60
6. Corona Gorda (5 ¾" x 46) ....... MSRP = $9.80 x 24 per box = $235.20
7. Robusto (5 ½" x 50) ............... MSRP = $10.05 x 24 per box = $241.20
8. Belicoso No.1 (5 ¼" x 52) ........ MSRP = $10.05 x 24 per box = $241.20
9. Tres Mystique (4 3/8" x 44) ..... MSRP = $8.80 x 24 per box = $211.20
10. Enchantment (4 3/8" x 60) ..... MSRP = $11.80 x 22 per box = $259.60
MSRP does not include state sales tax, nor state tobacco tax, the latter of which can be quite significant.
"VSG" is an acronym for "Virgin Sun Grown", which is a reference to the first priming wrapper that adorns the cigars. Introduced to the public in late 1999, the VSG is by far the most popular line of cigars that Ashton sells.
All VSGs feature a Sumatran-seed sun grown wrapper (jokingly referred to as "cloud grown" because of the altitude they are grown at) cut from the upper-primings of the plant, grown by the Oliva family in Ecuador.
The "Wizard" vitola was added in 2006, and is the only VSG vitola in the line that is not box pressed.
If you look carefully, you will notice that the bands on the above pictured cigars are not identical. Ashton began switching over to a modified VSG band in 2006 that eliminates the word Cabinet from the band, and makes the VSG moniker more prominent. The cigars are identical, this is just a branding change.
VSG "Round" cigars
From top to bottom:
1. Belicoso No.1 (5 ¼" x 52) ........ MSRP = $8.50 x 50 per box = $425.00
2. Robusto (5 ½" x 50) ............... MSRP = $8.75 x 50 per box = $437.50
3. Corona Gorda (5 ¾" x 46) ....... MSRP = $8.25 x 50 per box = $412.50
4. Illusion (6 ½" x 44) ................ MSRP = $8.50 x 50 per box = $425.00
5. Sorcerer (7" x 49) ................... MSRP = $9.25 x 50 per box = $462.50
6. Spellbound (7 ½" x 54) ........... MSRP = $12.50 x 50 per box = $625.00
N.B.: Because of their age and rarity, VSG "Rounds" are rarely found at MSRP
VSG "Rounds" are the oldest VSGs in existence. They were created in 1997, but were not released until 1999, when they were sold (and continue to be, on occasion) in limited quantities in cabinets of 50.
"Regular release" VSGs are box-pressed, and the VSG "Rounds" have more tobacco in them than regular VSGs, because of the lack of the box press, which results in a unique taste from regular production VSG cigars.
Other VSG cigars
There are other non-regular production VSG cigars, such as VSG Estate Reserve cigars, Ashton ESG cigars, as well as other other rare VSGs.
History of VSG cigars
As told by Robbie Levin
The Ashton VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) was unveiled in November 1999 and was the most successful product introduction in Ashton's history. The Ashton VSG was crafted with an unforgettable richness and potency. Its full-bodied flavor provides balance to the entire Ashton line of premium cigars. The VSG was an instant success and the Cigar Insider, a leading industry newsletter published by Cigar Aficionado, stated "...connoisseurs are seeking out the new Ashton Virgin Sun Grown with a fervor not seen in the industry for years..." It further reported a demand for the VSG "unequaled since the end of the cigar boom" several years ago and, after it conducted a taste test, the publication awarded the VSG with a 93 rating making it one of the highest ratings ever for a non-Cuban brand.
To create this great cigar, Ashton called on Carlos Fuente, Jr. of Tabacalera A. Fuente who worked with us for two years to develop the VSG's incredible strength while keeping within the Ashton standards of excellence in taste, flavor and construction. When introducing the VSG, the Company knew it would be a success but never anticipated the demand and recognition it would give the Ashton name.
