AshMap
Overview
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum represents a masterclass in restraint—a full-bodied Dominican cigar that refuses the temptation to overwhelm. Introduced within the VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) portfolio that emerged from the collaborative vision of Robert Levin and Carlos Toraño in 1999, this 6.0 x 60 vitola has quietly become one of the most intelligent wide-ring offerings in the premium market. Where many 60-ring cigars devolve into loose, flabby constructions, the Double Magnum maintains architectural integrity through tobacco pedigree: Dominican long-leaf fillers aged a minimum of five years before rolling, sourced predominantly from the legendary Cibao Valley, paired with a San Andres-seed Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper in deep Colorado Maduro. The result is a cigar with genuine backbone—one that fills its generous format without sacrificing complexity or refinement.
Smoked deliberately, the Double Magnum unfolds across ninety minutes or more with the kind of narrative arc that separates serious tobacco from commodity product. The opening announces itself boldly: dark espresso, roasted cedar, and raw cocoa, anchored by an earthy leather that only decades-old Dominican leaf can deliver. By the middle third, a sophisticated transition emerges—dark cherry and charred oak emerge alongside a developing creaminess, while the retrohale delivers black pepper and notes of dates and figs. The final third intensifies without losing thread: espresso sharpens, dark chocolate and leather converge, and a savory meaty undertone surfaces, culminating in a long finish of charred walnut and dried herbs. Strength builds noticeably but never careens beyond control, a hallmark of disciplined blending.
La Canela's hand-rolling produces consistent construction that rewards the patient smoker: an even burn line, a slightly firm draw that yields voluminous smoke, and ash that holds in firm, salt-and-pepper columns. At $22–$28 per cigar, the Double Magnum occupies the prestige tier without pretension. It is neither the Dominican showman—that crown belongs elsewhere—nor the entry-level ambassador. It is the quiet professional, built for the aficionado who values complexity served with power, not power masquerading as complexity.
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 cigar is built for the experienced smoker with patience and time. The Double Magnum demands a leisurely 90-minute commitment and a palate accustomed to full-bodied tobacco with layered complexity. It is ideal for weekend evenings, post-dinner occasions, or any extended leisure session where rushing is not an option. Beginners or those seeking a quick smoke should look elsewhere. Aficionados seeking Dominican depth without theatrical grandeur—those who appreciate the VSG line's understated intelligence—will find this vitola particularly rewarding. Best suited for smokers who already understand the language of aged Dominican leaf and value restraint alongside strength.
Bottom Line
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum is an underrated classic that proves wide-ring cigars need not sacrifice sophistication for size. It is complex, beautifully constructed, and worth every minute of the ninety minutes it demands—a quiet masterpiece for the discerning palate.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Ashton VSG cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ashton VSG Double Magnum a strong cigar?
Yes. The Double Magnum carries a full strength profile (4/5), powered by aged Dominican fillers from the Cibao Valley. However, strength is balanced by complexity; this is not a one-dimensional power delivery. The full body builds gradually and remains controlled through the finish.
What does the Ashton VSG Double Magnum taste like?
The first third opens with dark espresso, roasted cedar, and raw cocoa, with a leathery earthiness and subtle dark caramel sweetness on the retrohale. The middle third evolves into dark cherry, charred oak, and creaminess, with black pepper and dried fruit notes. The final third deepens into double-shot espresso intensity, dark chocolate, leather, and savory meaty notes, finishing with charred walnut and dried herbs.
How long does the Ashton VSG Double Magnum take to smoke?
Plan for 90 minutes or more. The 6.0 x 60 format and the cigar's complexity reward a slow, deliberate pace. This is not a quick smoke and should not be rushed.
What is the best pairing for the Ashton VSG Double Magnum?
Spirits: aged rum such as Barbancourt 15-year or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; Speyside single malts like Glenfarclas 15 Year; or bourbon such as Buffalo Trace Single Oak. Wine: structured Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Spanish Priorat. Non-alcoholic: a double-shot cortado, Guatemalan single-origin dark roast, or strong unsweetened cold brew with chicory.
Is the Ashton VSG Double Magnum good for beginners?
No. The full strength, layered complexity, and 90-minute commitment make this a cigar for experienced aficionados. Beginners should explore milder, shorter vitolas before attempting the Double Magnum.
Where can I buy the Ashton VSG Double Magnum?
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum is available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in prestige cigars. Consult AshMap's cigar locator or contact established purveyors in your region.
What is the price of the Ashton VSG Double Magnum?
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum retails for $22–$28 per cigar, positioning it in the prestige tier—a significant investment that reflects its construction, aging, and hand-rolling at La Canela.
Is the Ashton VSG Double Magnum worth aging?
Yes. Tobaccos are aged a minimum of five years before rolling, and finished cigars receive additional box aging. The Double Magnum will continue to evolve and deepen with further aging in a properly humidified environment, rewarding collectors with patience.
What wrapper does the Ashton VSG Double Magnum use?
The wrapper is Ecuadorian Sumatra (San Andres seed) in Colorado Maduro—a deep toasted brown with a slightly oily surface and leathery texture. This wrapper provides the structure necessary to support the 60-ring gauge without loss of integrity.
Where is the Ashton VSG Double Magnum made?
The Ashton VSG Double Magnum is hand-rolled at La Canela, General Cigar's factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Fillers are predominantly Dominican aged long-leaf from the Cibao Valley; the binder is also Dominican.