AshMap
Overview
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum is not a cigar that announces itself with a flourish. It arrives with the quiet confidence of a seasoned professional who knows exactly what it is and what it is capable of. In a portfolio where the VSG name has long been synonymous with a certain Dominican bravado, this 60-ring gordo is the outlier that redefines the format. It doesn't stretch the blend thin across a wide canvas; instead, it compresses the aged Cibao Valley fillers and the distinctive Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf into a dense, concentrated core of flavor that demands your attention without ever raising its voice. This is the VSG blend at its most introspective and powerful, a study in controlled intensity that rewards the smoker who understands that a wide ring gauge is not a license for haste, but an invitation to slow down and listen.
From the first cold draw, there is a promise of something substantial — a deep, earthy sweetness that hints at the dark caramel and raw cocoa that will define the opening. The light is a slow, deliberate bloom, and the first true puffs deliver a bold but measured blast of dark espresso and roasted cedar. The leather is not a mere undertone; it is the structural backbone, a savory, earthy thread that runs through the entire experience, speaking directly to the age of the Dominican filler. On the retrohale, a subtle molasses sweetness emerges, a counterpoint that keeps the full-bodied strength from ever feeling harsh or one-dimensional. It is a masterclass in balance, a controlled burn that sets the stage for the journey ahead.
As the ash column grows, the Double Magnum shifts into a richer, more complex register. The initial espresso deepens, and a distinct dark cherry note emerges, weaving through a landscape of charred oak. The creaminess that develops is not a soft, milky addition, but a textural element that rounds off the sharp edges of the pepper, which now asserts itself with a black pepper crackle on the retrohale. The generous 60-ring format begins to pay its dividends here, allowing the tobacco to open fully and release notes of dried fig and date — a sweet, fruity complexity that is the hallmark of well-aged leaf. This is the heart of the cigar, a period of profound satisfaction where the power and the finesse are in perfect equilibrium.
The final third is a descent into a darker, more savory territory. The espresso becomes a double-shot intensity, and the dark chocolate turns bittersweet, dominating alongside the persistent leather. A surprising, welcome meaty note emerges, adding a new dimension of umami that is both primal and refined. The early sweetness retreats, replaced by a long, complex finish of charred walnut and dried herbs. The strength builds noticeably, a final reminder of the cigar's full-bodied nature, but it remains in control, never tipping into harshness. The construction at La Canela is impeccable; the burn line is even, the draw is slightly firm but produces voluminous, dense smoke, and the ash holds in firm columns. This is a cigar that ends with a firm handshake, leaving a lasting impression of power, depth, and quiet mastery.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sumatra (San Andres seed) — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic aged long-leaf tobaccos, predominantly from the Cibao Valley |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar / La Canela factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Gordo / Gigante |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $22–$28 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged a minimum of five years before rolling; finished cigars receive additional box aging |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The first third opens with a bold but controlled blast of dark espresso, roasted cedar, and raw cocoa. Leather underpins everything with a leathery earthiness that speaks directly to the aged Dominican filler. There is a subtle sweetness on the retrohale — dark caramel or molasses — that balances the strength.
Second Third
The middle third transitions into richer territory: dark cherry, charred oak, and a developing creaminess that softens the edges of the full-bodied delivery. Black pepper asserts itself on the retrohale, while notes of dried fruit — dates and fig — emerge as the tobacco opens fully in the generous 60-ring format. The wide ring gauge rewards patience here.
Final Third
The final third deepens considerably — espresso becomes double-shot intensity, dark chocolate and leather dominate, and a savory meaty note emerges. The sweetness that characterized the early draw retreats, replaced by a long, complex finish of charred walnut and dried herbs. Strength builds noticeably but remains in control for a cigar of this gauge.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The Double Magnum's 60-ring gauge demands a slow pace, and construction at La Canela delivers consistently — the burn line is even with minor attention required, the draw is slightly firm but produces voluminous, dense smoke, and the ash holds in firm half-inch to inch columns with a salt-and-pepper appearance.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically a 15-year Barbancourt or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — or a single malt Scotch from Speyside such as Glenfarclas 15 Year. Bourbon enthusiasts should reach for Buffalo Trace Single Oak or Blanton's Original.
Wine
A structured Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis or Jordan — or a Priorat from Spain with its mineral darkness complements the cigar's earthy depth.
Non-Alcoholic
A double-shot cortado or a Guatemalan single-origin pour-over with dark roast notes; alternatively, a strong unsweetened cold brew with a hint of chicory.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has moved past the need for spectacle. The one who has a dedicated humidor and a collection of rare finds, but who finds themselves returning to the same few blends for their reliability and depth. Picture a man or woman on a Sunday evening, the week's obligations behind them, settling into a leather chair on a quiet patio with a glass of aged rum. They are not looking for a new experience, but for a familiar one that will reward their full attention. They appreciate the quiet power of a well-aged Dominican, the complexity that comes from time and patience, not from a parade of novelty. They have smoked OpusX and enjoyed the show, but tonight they want the substance of the VSG Double Magnum — a cigar that asks for 90 minutes of their time and gives back a masterclass in balance and depth.
Bottom Line
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum is a definitive statement on what a wide-ring gordo can be: a vessel for profound, aged complexity rather than a hollow delivery system for nicotine. It is a quiet powerhouse, an essential smoke for the serious aficionado who values depth and control over sheer spectacle. This is a cigar that earns its prestige with every slow, deliberate puff.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Ashton VSG cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashton VSG Double Magnum a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) in strength. This is not a nicotine bomb, but a substantial, full-bodied experience. The strength builds progressively, becoming most pronounced in the final third, and is always balanced by the cigar's rich flavors. It will leave a satisfying, lingering presence, but it is never harsh or overpowering, even in the 60-ring format.
What does Ashton VSG Double Magnum taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with dark espresso, roasted cedar, raw cocoa, and a leathery earthiness with a subtle molasses sweetness on the retrohale. The middle third introduces dark cherry, charred oak, black pepper, and notes of dried fig and date. The final third deepens into double-shot espresso, bittersweet dark chocolate, a savory meaty note, and a finish of charred walnut and dried herbs.
How long does Ashton VSG Double Magnum take to smoke?
Given its Gordo/Gigante vitola and 6.0 x 60 size, you should allocate at least 90 minutes to two hours for a full, unhurried session. The dense construction and wide ring gauge require a slow, deliberate pace to prevent overheating and to fully appreciate the evolving flavors. This is not a cigar to be rushed.
What is the best pairing for Ashton VSG Double Magnum?
A 15-year aged rum, such as Barbancourt or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, is an ideal companion. The rum's inherent sweetness and rich, oaky notes mirror and complement the cigar's dark caramel and charred oak flavors, while its warmth stands up to the cigar's full body without overpowering it. The combination creates a harmonious, deeply satisfying experience.
Is Ashton VSG Double Magnum good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. With a Full strength rating and a price point of $22–$28 per cigar, it is an investment intended for the seasoned smoker. Its powerful profile and demanding 90+ minute smoke time require an experienced palate to fully appreciate its complexity and to handle its nicotine delivery. A novice would be better served starting with milder, shorter vitolas.
Where can I buy Ashton VSG Double Magnum?
As a prestige-tier cigar, the Ashton VSG Double Magnum is best sourced from authorized brick-and-mortar tobacconists with a dedicated premium walk-in humidor, or from reputable online retailers that specialize in high-end cigars. Given its price point, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and always verify the retailer's authenticity and storage practices.
What is the price of Ashton VSG Double Magnum?
The expected retail price for a single Ashton VSG Double Magnum is between $22 and $28. This price reflects the use of aged tobaccos, the hand-rolled construction at the La Canela factory, and its position within the brand's prestige tier. It is an investment in a premium, long-form smoking experience.
Is Ashton VSG Double Magnum worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of five years before rolling, and the finished cigars receive additional box aging, the VSG Double Magnum can benefit from further rest. Additional humidor time of 1-3 years can allow the bold flavors to further integrate and the strength to mellow slightly, potentially revealing more subtle nuances. However, it is also highly enjoyable upon release, so aging is a matter of preference, not necessity.
What wrapper does Ashton VSG Double Magnum use?
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper grown from San Andres seed. This leaf is a key component of the blend, providing a deep, toasted brown color and a leathery texture. It contributes a distinctive earthy, slightly sweet character and a robust structure that is essential for supporting the cigar's full-bodied profile and 60-ring gauge.
Where is Ashton VSG Double Magnum made?
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum is hand-rolled at General Cigar's La Canela factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This facility is renowned for its precise construction, which is evident in the cigar's even burn and excellent draw. The blend was created in 1999 by Robert Levin of Ashton and Carlos Toraño, and this vitola was introduced later to meet demand for wide-ring offerings.