AshMap
Overview
The Ashton VSG Eclipse represents a rare convergence of Dominican craftsmanship and uncompromising full-bodied expression. Produced at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago—the same storied factory behind Arturo Fuente's most celebrated releases—the Eclipse has occupied a distinctive position in the premium cigar landscape since the VSG line's 1999 inception. What distinguishes this torpedo from its peers is not merely its pedigree, but its philosophical approach: it is a cigar that refuses the false choice between Dominican refinement and genuine strength. The Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper, with its medium-dark Colorado hue and silky oily character, signals assertiveness from the first cold draw—baker's chocolate, dried cherry, and white pepper announce themselves without fanfare. Yet it is the blend's architecture that impresses most. Long-aged seco and ligero from the Cibao Valley, each component matured a minimum of five years before rolling, create a foundation of such depth that the cigar unfolds rather than simply delivers. The first third opens with dense espresso and roasted nuts; the second third blooms into dark chocolate and leather with a mineral-tinged retrohale; the final third commands with charred oak and cocoa, leaving a persistently savory finish. Construction—that often-overlooked hallmark of Fuente craftsmanship—is exemplary: the draw is effortless, the burn line remains impeccably even, and the ash holds firm for an inch or more. Limited production keeps the Eclipse from mainstream recognition, a fact that has only sharpened its reputation among serious aficionados. This is the cigar that consistently outperforms far costlier Nicaraguan competition in blind tastings, a quiet testament to the enduring principle that Dominican complexity, when executed at this level, needs no apology.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — long-aged tobaccos from the Cibao Valley, with aged seco and ligero leaves |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — Fuente family's Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $20–$26 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | All tobacco components are aged a minimum of five years before rolling; finished cigars receive additional factory aging |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with rich baker's chocolate, dried cherry, and a dusting of white pepper that confirms the Sun Grown wrapper's vitality. Once lit, the first third delivers dense espresso, roasted nuts, and a building earthiness underpinned by sweet cedar. Complexity arrives early — this is not a cigar that needs warming up.
Second Third
The mid-section is where the Eclipse truly distinguishes itself, offering a compelling interplay of dark chocolate, leather, and dried fig. A distinct mineral note emerges alongside black pepper on the retrohale, and the sweetness from the wrapper integrates beautifully with the Fuente filler's depth. Strength builds to a confident full body without harshness.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark espresso, charred oak, and a long finish of cocoa and black pepper. The sweetness recedes, leaving a commanding, robust profile that demands contemplative attention. Finish is long and persistently savory with lingering leather and dark spice.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — a hallmark of Fuente craftsmanship — with an effortless draw and a slow, even burn line that produces a firm, dense ash holding an inch or more. The torpedo head tapers perfectly, and the draw opens ideally with a single clean cut.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — or a 12–15 year Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15; bourbon fans should reach for Maker's Mark 46 or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Wine
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Stag's Leap, Jordan) or an Amarone della Valpolicella — the wine needs the structural weight and dried fruit character to stand alongside the Eclipse's full body
Non-Alcoholic
A double ristretto or a cold-brew coffee with a touch of dark chocolate — the concentrated coffee notes mirror the cigar's espresso core beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Ashton VSG Eclipse belongs in the humidor of the experienced aficionado—specifically, the smoker who has progressed beyond entry-level profiles and appreciates Dominican tobacco in its full-bodied expression. This is not a beginner's cigar; the 4/5 strength rating and complex flavor evolution demand a palate schooled in recognizing the interplay of espresso, leather, mineral, and dark spice across a 90-minute to two-hour session. It is ideal for the smoker who values contemplative leisure over casual consumption—a post-dinner smoke in an unhurried setting, paired thoughtfully with aged rum or Speyside Scotch. The limited availability and $20–$26 price point position it as a special occasion selection rather than everyday rotation. If you seek Dominican complexity without surrendering strength, and you appreciate the Fuente name as a mark of uncompromising hand-rolled craftsmanship, the Eclipse deserves your attention.
Bottom Line
The Ashton VSG Eclipse is a masterwork of Dominican full-bodied expression—assertive yet refined, complex yet never muddled, and consistently outstanding relative to its price point. For the discerning aficionado, it ranks among the finest torps produced today. Seek it out.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Ashton VSG cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ashton VSG Eclipse a strong cigar?
Yes. The Eclipse carries a full body strength rating of 4/5, making it among the more assertive Dominican cigars available. The strength builds progressively from the first third through the final third without becoming harsh—a testament to the balance achieved by the long-aged Cibao Valley tobaccos in the filler.
What does the Ashton VSG Eclipse taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct chapters. The first third opens with baker's chocolate, dried cherry, espresso, and roasted nuts underpinned by sweet cedar. The second third introduces dark chocolate, leather, dried fig, and a mineral note on the retrohale. The final third intensifies with charred oak, dark espresso, and cocoa, finishing with lingering leather and black pepper.
How long does the Ashton VSG Eclipse take to smoke?
The Eclipse requires a 90-minute to two-hour commitment, depending on pace and ambient conditions. The 6 x 52 torpedo vitola and slow, even burn line reward patient, contemplative smoking rather than rushed consumption.
What is the best pairing for the Ashton VSG Eclipse?
Aged spirits are ideal: Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, or a 12–15 year Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15. Wine drinkers should reach for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Amarone della Valpolicella. For non-alcoholic pairing, a double ristretto or cold-brew coffee with dark chocolate mirrors the cigar's espresso core beautifully.
Is the Ashton VSG Eclipse good for beginners?
No. The Eclipse is a full-bodied cigar with a strength rating of 4/5 and complex flavor evolution. It is best appreciated by experienced smokers with an established palate for robust Dominican tobacco and the time to dedicate to a 90-minute to two-hour session.
Where can I buy the Ashton VSG Eclipse?
The Eclipse is produced in limited quantities at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and distributed through authorized premium cigar retailers. Limited availability means consistent stock cannot be guaranteed; serious aficionados are advised to establish relationships with specialized retailers and track availability.
What is the price of the Ashton VSG Eclipse?
The Ashton VSG Eclipse retails between $20–$26 per cigar, positioning it firmly in the prestige tier. The price reflects both the Fuente family's craftsmanship and the extensive aging—all tobacco components are aged a minimum of five years before rolling, with additional factory aging applied to finished cigars.
Is the Ashton VSG Eclipse worth aging?
Yes. All tobacco components are already aged a minimum of five years before rolling, with additional factory aging applied afterward. However, additional cellar time will allow the blend to further integrate and mellow slightly. Proper storage in a well-maintained humidor will continue to develop complexity over several years.
What wrapper does the Ashton VSG Eclipse use?
The Eclipse features an Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper in the Colorado shade. The wrapper exhibits a medium-dark chestnut brown color with a silky texture and subtle oily sheen—hallmarks of Sun Grown cultivation that deliver the white pepper spice and complexity evident from the cold draw onward.
Where is the Ashton VSG Eclipse made?
The Ashton VSG Eclipse is hand-rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago, Dominican Republic—the same factory producing Arturo Fuente's most celebrated premium lines. The binder and filler tobaccos are sourced from the Dominican Republic, specifically long-aged selections from the Cibao Valley.