Discover The Unknown With Zino by Davidof

For those of you whom seek to discover the unknown, Swiss luxury tobacconist Davidoff has just the smoke for you. The family owned company founded more than a century ago, has re-launched the brands Zino cigar line, named for Davidoff’s eponymous founder, Zino Davidoff. Promising a Central American taste profile, the Zino line promises three formats suitable for “every occasion.”

“The new Zino brand is inspired by people who celebrate a lifestyle and state of mind driven by experiences, open-mindedness and an unwavering curiosity,” says Edward Simon, CMO at Oettinger Davidoff AG. “Zino Davidoff himself was a restless pioneer of the tobacco world and, when he set out to learn and gather experiences around the globe, he was only 19 years young.”

“While creating the new Zino cigar brand, we aimed to suit Zino Davidoff’s sense of discovery and spirit to live in the moment, and are very excited about the result. The blend of the new Zino Cigars is sure to
please those who look for earthy taste profiles with spices and some sweetness.”

With the relaunched range including three different models; including the Toro (50 x 6”); the Robusto (54 x 5”); and last but not least, the Short Torpedo (52 x 4 inches). The range, which is crafted to appeal to the tastes of “occasional aficionados” boasts a blend of fillers from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras. The medium bodied cigars are said to emit tastes of cream, fresh peppers, and milk coffee through a Nicaraguan binder and Ecuadorian wrapper

The packaging of Davidoff’s Zino line is particularly prominent, wrapped in a boastful yellow motif and available in in a cabinet box of 25 and four count freshpacks. A particular highlight of the freshpack is the ability to keep the cigars humidified for several weeks without a humidor, according to Davidoff. The Zino Cigar line which just made its return to the market this year is already catching the eyes of enthusiasts seeking handmade cigars with unusual taste profiles.

Images courtesy of: © Oettinger Davidoff AG 2021

Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021 Cigar & Accessories

For the seventh consecutive year, Davidoff is kicking off the new year with the release of a few unique Winston Churchill inspired products. In addition to showcasing the current collection, starting February 1st, Davidoff will release the Limited Edition Winston Churchill Toro cigar “along with a series of accessories.” This new cigar is said to be a perfect marriage of Davidoff’s “The Original Collection” and “The Late Hour.” The Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021 is characterized by its Ecuadorian wrapper and Hybrid 257 Seco Dominican binder, which hold together a filler of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco. This intense cigar is said to exhibit complex notes of earth, dry fruit, spices, leather, cream, caramel, nuts, and Cacao.

“Sir Winston Churchill was an exceptional man whose personality had so very many facets of brilliant talents, from statesman to commander, from author to painter – a unique character of [his] time. Usually, these personalities transform into mere history book figures, but not Sir Winston Churchill who still today is one of the most renowned and appraised public figures of the 20th century,” says Edward Simon, CMO at Oettinger Davidoff AG. “At Davidoff we are humbled and excited to [be] bringing to life the many dimensions and stories of this incredible leader, artist and writer while Sir Winston keeps carrying such deep inspiration to the world of today.”

The accessories, which celebrate the famed British commander, will include a Limited Edition Ashtray and Table Lighter in the chess board motif. Both accessories enjoy brilliant gold accents, which discretely display a side profile of Churchill. The table lighter will be limited to just 600 examples.

Beginning next month, the Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021 cigars and accessories will be made “available at select Davidoff Appointed Merchants, premium cigar retailers and Flagship Stores.”

_{(Credits: © Oettinger Davidoff AG 2020)}

Davidoff Celebrates Year Of The Ox with a Masterpiece Humidor & Pipe

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, renowned Tobacco company Davidoff will release a commemorative Humidor and Pipe inspired by the Year of the Ox.

First off is the Year of the Ox Masterpiece Humidor, crafted exclusively for Davidoff in France by Moevus in Virieu le Grand, and limited to just seven examples worldwide. Elegant and beautiful, the humidor is encased in masterfully crafted wood with gold plating and ox leather details. A two Ox horn motif on the lid is the principle design feature of the this Masterpiece Humidor. Within this exceptional box, a hoard of 88 Davidoff Year of the Ox cigars anxiously await their ultimate fate. In Chinese culture 88 symbolizes good luck, this is because the number 8 is similar in pronunciation to the word for wealth in Cantonese and Mandarin. The Master Blenders at Davidoff have aimed to honor the Year of the Ox with a Gordo (RG 60 x 6″) cigar, which is sure to delight the palates of the most discerning enthusiasts. Wrapped in a shiny dark brown Dominican tobacco leaf, the cigars are said to release an aromatic mixture of sweet and spicy notes. According to Davidoff, the full bodied cigar made from an “Ecuadorian binder and blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobaccos transform the second third of the taste journey to creamy, cedar and nutty notes while the last third stimulates the palate with dark chocolate, roasted coffee and creamy notes.”

Last, but certainly not least, the humidor contains a lower drawer to house a “Davidoff jet flame lighter and a Davidoff double blade cutter numbered and engraved with the «Year of the Ox» pattern.”

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“Davidoff’s limited editions celebrating the Chinese Zodiac have become sought after collectors’ items by Chinese as much as global aficionados. Every year our passionate teams get deeply inspired by the respective zodiac and bring it to life in each facet of our highly exclusive creations. This year’s sign, the ox, is reflected in a full-bodied cigar and two spectacular Masterpieces that complement our cigar offering: a Masterpiece humidor and a Masterpiece pipe both reflecting the power and resilience of its inspiration the ox, and made entirely by hand by true artists of their craft.”, says Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer of Oettinger Davidoff AG.

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For the pipe aficionado, Davidoff has released the Year of the Ox Masterpiece Pipe. Crafted through a combination of Japanese decorative art and Italian craftsmanship, the Year of the Ox pipe is limited to just five pieces. The exceptionally beautiful Italian briar wood pipes have been decorated by the Zohiko lacquerware atelier by utilizing “two different Maki-e techniques.” The body of the ox is brought to life through use of the very fine Hiramakié technique, whereas the Nashiji technique was incorporated to make the hooves and horns shine with “irregular reflections.” A rather unique, yet understated highlight is the solid gold ring dividing the black mouthpiece from the wood pipe body.

According to Davidoff, the Year of the Ox Masterpiece humidor and Masterpiece Pipe will be made available in select markets as of January 2021.

_{(Credits: © Oettinger Davidoff AG 2020)}

5 Remarkable Cigars To Enjoy in 2020

From long lasting cigars with mature and robust flavors to more mild shorter smokes, we’ve assembled a list of 5 remarkable cigars we think you may enjoy this year.

_{Featured image: Davidoff Royal Release Salomones, Credit: © Oettinger Davidoff AG}

Quick Smoke: COHIBA SHORT

The Cohiba short is a fascinating 10 – 20 minute smoke; the 26 ring gauge Cuban, which is not much larger than a typical cigarillo, packs a spicy earth note with a medium to full body. In our opinion the 83 millimeter Cohiba short is one of the finest short format cigars on the market today. A unique offering is the 2019 Limited Edition Humidor with two layers of 25 shorts. Montefortuna offers this package starting from $137 for a single box or 2 boxes from $251.

_{Image credit: Montefortuna Cigars}

Long Smoke: Arturo Fuente Opus X Double Corona

Moving on to something both larger and made in the Dominican Republic, is the legendary Arturo Fuente Opus X Double Corona. Crafted by one of the most significant family owned cigar makers in the world, the A Fuente Opux X Double Corona is an elegant, mature, and complex long lasting smoke. At 194 millimeters in length, this 49 ring gauge cigar has a full strength body wrapped in a Dominican Sun Grown Rosado wrapper. Delivering notes of cinnamon, pepper, and citrus, the often sold out Opus X Double Corona is sold in boxes of 32. We wish you luck finding a box, as many vendors are completely sold out.

_{Image courtesy of: Arturo Fuente}

The Aged: Partagás Limited Reserve Decadas 2019

Ten years in the making and undoubtedly worth every second of it, this is how we would describe the Partagás Limited Reserve Decadas 2019. This cigar’s 10 year old Cameroon wrapper holds together a collection of tobaccos harvested from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Complex and full of flavor, this limited edition cigar is packed into glass tubes and sold in boxes of 10. Rarely available with only 25,000 cigars produced, the 5.5 inch 49 ring gauge smoke is an extraordinary example of the best of Partagás.

The Extravagant: Davidoff Royal Release Salomones

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The Royal Release Salomones from Davidoff is both entirely unique and extraordinarily extravagant. Offering a typically 120 minute long smoke, this cigar exhibits notes of  “leather, black pepper, cream, milk chocolate and oak wood.” Much like the Partagás Decadas mentioned in this article, the Royal Release takes ten years to craft. And let us tell you, those ten years were an extraordinarily pampered decade, from seed to boxing. Assembled with a Dominican wrapper and filler, along with a Ecuador Habano binder, the Royal Release is crafted exclusively by Davidoff’s 8 most talented rollers, each boasting more than 15 years of experience. The 8.25 inch, 57 ring gauge Salomones is available in boxes of 10 from $1,000 via Davidoff of Geneva.

_{Credits: © Oettinger Davidoff AG}

The Fair: Romeo y Julieta 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua

Finally, but certainly not least in anyway, is the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua. Although operating under the same name, Romeo y Julieta cigars are being made in Cuba by Habanos SA, the Cuban state-owned tobacco company, while the Dominican cigars like the Connecticut Nicaragua are made by Altadis SA, a division of Imperial Tobacco.

The Connecticut Nicaragua is noteworthy for its inherently unique flavor profile consisting of coffee, dried fruit, and milk chocolate as well as smooth clean finish. Available in a wide range of sizes, including Toro, Churchill, Gordo, and Robusto, the Connecticut Nicaragua can be purchased in boxes of 20 to 25 starting from $129.99 per box on cigar.com.

The All New Davidoff Limited Edition Robusto Intenso

In September 2020 Davidoff will make available one of it’s most interesting cigars yet. The Limited Edition Robusto Intenso is promised to be both innovative and complex. Crafted by Davidoff’s master blenders from more than 60% blended tobaccos that were aged up to 7 years, this Limited Edition Robusto Intenso will be the first released by Davidoff since 2005.

Speaking on the subject of the upcoming release, Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG, stated “In the year 2005 Davidoff’s Master Blenders delivered on a pioneering challenge true to our founder Zino Davidoff: to create a cigar experience that is intense and complex, yet also exhilarant and smooth. For this task, they had masterfully achieved to blend tobaccos from five different regions of the Dominican Republic with an Ecuadorian wrapper and created the famed and highly decorated Robusto Intenso. We are honored to give aficionados the pleasure to enjoy this icon of the art of blending again after almost 15 years of waiting.” Simon went on to add “Not only being able to have the complete blend history of our cigars but also the ability to recreate iconic blends from our vintage tobacco stocks is one of our core differences that aficionados worldwide value highly with our brand and company.”

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Aging of the four Dominican tobaccos for up to 7 years and an over 4 year old Dominican San Vincente binder leaf is said to result in a high level of complexity and an all around more balanced cigar. The Robusto Intenso’s Ecuadorian Habano wrapper has been produced exclusively for Davidoff in limited numbers and is said to deliver a “spicy yet creamy taste that emerges during the elaborate double fermentation and aging process.” According to the maker, the 52 ring gauge 5 1/8 inch cigar is said to be a 45 minute smoke.

The Robusto Intenso will be packaged in boxes of 10 and quantities of 5 cigars will be available through Davidoff’s Global Travel Retail.

For more information please visit: oettingerdavidoff.com

_{Credits: © Oettinger Davidoff AG}

Best Cigar Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

Excite your favorite cigar lover this holiday season by giving the gift of cigars. It’s easy to please an aficionado with a top-rated cigar sampler, sporty new torch lighter, cigar cutter, or a humidor. Here’s a look at the hottest cigar gifts to consider this year if you’re shopping for your husband, brother, or boss.

Cigar Samplers

Hands down, cigar samplers are the most popular cigar gifts. The best cigar samplers include a variety of different blends, sizes, and tasting profiles. You don’t have to worry if you’re not sure what brand of cigars to get for somebody. Because Cigar samplers can include a range of different blends and sizes, you don’t have to commit to one brand or a full box. Here’s a quick list of the best cigar samplers you can get.

Ashton 5-Cigar Sampler

Five top-shelf Dominican cigars blended by legendary cigar-maker Carlito Fuente are included in a renowned collection. The creamy mild profiles of Ashton Classic and Ashton Cabinet sit beside the 92-rated Ashton Aged Maduro, 94-rated Ashton Heritage, and 94-rated Ashton VSG. Impress your favorite aficionado with a versatile series from an iconic handmade brand for $49.99.

Arturo Fuente ‘Xtremely Rare’ Sampler

As the leading producer of premium Dominican cigars in the world, the Fuente family enjoys unrivaled demand for classic and ultra-rare cigars like Fuente Fuente Opus X, Arturo Fuente Hemingway, Arturo Fuente Chateau Series, and Arturo Fuente Magnum R. All are represented in a distinguished 10-cigar collection for $119.95.

La Aroma de Cuba & San Cristobal ‘92-95’ Rated Assortment

Two of the highest-rated Nicaraguan brands meet in a rich and well-made sampler blended by celebrated cigar-maker Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia. The 95-rated former ‘#2 Cigar of the Year’ La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor is included with the 94-rated La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor, 93-rated San Cristobal, and more in a resounding 5-cigar sampler for only $38.99.

Padron Collection Natural Sampler

Dozens of ratings over 90 points and three ‘#1 Cigar of the Year’ titles from Cigar Aficionado underscore the lauded taste and aroma Padron is known for. Five unique cigars include the original Padron blend, Padron 1964 Anniversary, Padron 1926 Series, Padron Family Reserve, and Padron Damaso for $84.55. Cigar lovers lucky enough to be on your gift list will be eternally impressed by your taste in top-shelf Nicaraguan cigars. The Padron Collection is also available in a Maduro wrapper, which possesses a slightly sweeter taste.

Rocky Patel ‘Luxury Collection’ Sampler

The bestselling Rocky Patel cigars are assembled in an excellent 10-cigar collection. The 95-rated Rocky Patel Decade joins the 90-rated Rocky Patel Renaissance, ‘RP’ Vintage 1990, ‘RP’ Ocean Club, and ‘RP’ Velvet Edition. Two Toro-sized cigars from each blend are included for only $39.95. Expose the aficionado on your gift list to Rocky’s finest.

Cigar Torch Lighters

Cigar connoisseurs love torch lighters. You can fire up a premium cigar with precision in just moments with a high-performance cigar torch. Here’s a handful of fun, functional, and sporty models.

Xikar HP3 Triple Torch Lighter

Light up your next cigar with laser-like precision thanks to a trio of red-hot jets angled to create a concentrated flame. Choose from a handful of colorful and contemporary finishes with an oversized flame-height adjuster and an EZ see-through fuel window for monitoring your butane levels for $89.95. All Xikar lighters come with a lifetime warranty.

Xikar Forte Torch Lighter

The Xikar Forte Torch Lighter is modeled with hot-rod aesthetics in a heavy-duty chassis with an integrated 7mm fold-out punch cutter. The single-push ignition triggers a reliable single-jet flame to toast the end of your cigar. For $62.95, enjoy a lifetime Xikar warranty in a sporty and ergonomic design available in a variety of sleek and seductive finishes.

ST Dupont Maxi Jet Torch Lighter

The ultra-sleek, pocket-friendly design of the ST Dupont Maxi Jet Torch has been a hit with cigar lovers for over a decade. In that time, the company has only refined and enhanced the Maxi Jet for optimal performance. For $149.95, it’s tough to surpass the reliability and looks you get with the Maxi Jet in a collection of alluring colors.

Cigar Cutters

Cigar lovers can never have enough cutters. It’s always wise to keep an extra one in the glove box or golf bag. Surprise your aficionado with a popular new cigar cutter.

Xikar XO Cutter

In one of Xikar’s latest designs, the XO Cutter features double-guillotine blades that close simultaneously and move along a geared track for added stability and precision. The innovative shape features dual stainless steel blades that can slice a 64 ring gauge cigar in half. Choose from a wide collection of metallic and ultra-cool finishes beginning at $89.95.

Xikar Xi1 Cutter

The ergonomic teardrop shape of the Xikar Xi1 is one of the most popular cigar cutters available. Easily lock and release a pair of razor-sharp stainless steel blades and cut up to a 60 ring gauge cigar with a clean slice. Choose from a rainbow of bright metallic finishes for $55.95.

Xikar VX V-Cutter

Cigar lovers prefer a V-cut for the added concentration of flavor it creates in a cigar’s draw. The Xikar VX V-Cutter has long set a benchmark as the best V-cutter due to its inverted blade, which cuts a cigar’s cap with a clean single motion without cracking the wrapper. Pick out a contemporary finish for $46.95.

Cigar Humidors

Cigars need to be stored at roughly 70% humidity and 70 degrees. A good humidor is essential for maintaining a cigar collection, even if it’s just a few cigars. Here are some ideal options if you want to get your connoisseur a traditional humidor for the down in the man cave or something small and durable for traveling.

Savoy Humidors

Savoy Humidors start at $75.95 in a matte finish for a box that can hold 25 cigars. The brand is available in a wide variety of traditional and exotic finishes like Macassar, African Teak, and Mesquite. Savoy Humidors are crafted from fragrant Spanish cedar interiors that deliver a reliable seal for optimal storage conditions. Stylish and rustic wood grains catch the eye beneath a glossy exterior.

Savoy Executive Series Humidors

If your cigar lover is becoming a serious cigar collector, consider the Savoy Executive Series. Ultra-detailed veneers include the Santos Rosewood, Macassar, and Oliva Ash Burl finishes. Intricate wood grains and heavy hardwood Spanish cedar interiors guarantee longer and more aggressive cigar storage capability. The Savoy Executive Series starts at $254.95 in a matte finish.

Xikar Travel Humidor

If you’ve got a cigar-loving outdoorsman on your hands and you want a rugged and efficient humidor designed for hunting, camping, or outdoor excursions, check out the Xikar Travel Humidor. Different sizes can hold 5, 10, or 15 cigars and start at $22.95. Protective foam padding, a stainless steel back hinge, and crushproof ABS molded plastic guarantee your cigars will arrive safely even if you’re climbing Mount Everest.

Images provided courtesy of: Holt’s Cigars

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Davidoff Launches New Limited Edition Winston Churchill Cigar: The Traveller

Last month, Davidoff Cigars launched yet another Limited Edition Winston Churchill cigar with multi-origin blends. This Robusto cigar embraces a multitude of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It is available for only a limited time and can be purchased together with limited edition accessories. The accessories are characterized by Churchill’s diversified number of facets – The Traveller. Davidoff releases the cigars alongside the brand’s very first Duty Free exclusive limited edition, which includes fives of the Churchill cigars in a unique format and packaging option.

“After the successful launch of the Winston Churchill “The Original Collection” in 2014, and the great success of the more intense “The Late Hour” line, with the industry’s first, unique scotch cask-aged blend, our Master Blenders have taken on the challenge to create another complex multi-origin blend inspired by Winston Churchill’s rich character.” Says Sybille Johner, Head of Brand Marketing at Oettinger Davidoff AG. “Sir Winston was an explorer, a Traveller, all the time widening his horizons, exploring new places and trying new things. We wanted this limited edition to celebrate this facet of his character and our Master Blenders have done an amazing job at crafting a beautiful, extremely balanced Robusto cigar that will take aficionados on an exciting sensory journey”.

Davidoff’s newest Limited Edition cigar, The Traveller, is built with a Robusto 50 x 5 format, which offers cigar aficionados multi-layered notes of wood and earth in the beginning that is then closely followed by a sweet and spicy tanginess. Midway through, the taste buds are introduced to the piquancy of creamy sweetness alongside notes of coffee, leather, and traces of cinnamon spice. Aromatic flavours of wood and leather that are topped off by salted caramel notes, marks the finale to the much enjoyed cigar. The multitude of flavours and pleasant taste is a testament to Winston Churchill’s affluent nature as well as the signature destinations he had been remembered at.

Davidoff offers the Traveller limited edition in order to provide cigar lovers with a compound, but balanced cigar. These Robusto cigars are limited to 8,000 boxes internationally. Each box derives inspiration from leather travel cases and features a Boveda humidification device that transforms it into a travelling humidor – the perfect companion for any adventurous, cigar aficionado. Cigar enthusiasts can take with them their most treasured cigars to their all-time favorite travel destinations thanks to the travelling humidor.

The icon that is illustrated on every cigar box depict only a few of the places Sir Winston Churchill had been in his life. In particular, cities like London, Washington and Marrakesh, which were places Churchill was most remembered at, are distinctively present on the box. Furthermore, the icon can be found on 4,500 limited edition packs of five Corona cigars that are procurable only at select Duty Free locations across the globe. Although both the potency and flavors of the Robusto format is always the same, the aromas the cigar gives off is marginally stronger as a result of the smaller ring gauge.

Your limited edition cigars can’t be without their limited edition accessories. Davidoff is presenting a wide-range of accessories, including two humidors, a cutter, an ashtray and a cigar case, which pays homage to Winston Churchill’s strong spirit for travelling around the world.

The humidors are available in two separate sizes: Ambassador for 70 to 80 cigars and Primos for up to 35 cigars. Both of the humidors are crafted with reconstructed wood that has been broken down and then restored in new textures and colours that are unique in design. The silhouette of Winston Churchill is prominently displayed on the cover of the humidors along with icons of each of the many places he had travelled to.

The ashtray is one of the most profound accessories that captures the likeness of Sir Winston Churchill as it imprints his silhouette in the centre of the piece. The ashtray, which was crafted in a French atelier in Limoges, is a spectacular item that can hold two cigars – the perfect accessory to use when entertaining a fellow cigar aficionado.

No respected cigar aficionado can be without his double-blade cutter, because like the fine cut of a suit, the fine cut of a cigar makes all the difference. Constructed using stainless steel, the Traveller’s trusted cutter is capable of cutting a cigar with a ring gauge of anywhere from 22 to 58 smoothly and evenly. These double-blade cutters are made in Germany and feature the Winston Churchill silhouette, while stamps of Churchill’s destinations are atop the silhouette.

The availability of these Limited Edition cigars and accessories began in January at select Davidoff Appointed Merchants and Flagship Stores. The launch dates, however, may vary per country.

Images courtesy of: Davidoff

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Davidoff’s Seventh Chinese New Year Cigar: Year of the Pig

In what officially marks the seventh time Davidoff Cigars has celebrated the Chinese New Year by crafting a one of a kind cigar, Davidoff offers exclusive Limited Edition cigars and accessories commemorating the Year of the Pig. 2019 kicks off with the Year of the Pig, which is the zodiac sign symbolizing luck and wealth as well as compassion and generosity. It is said that those who are born on the Year of the Pig are gifted with a knack for success and the people around them have both luck in fortune and strength in spirit. It can also be said that when a person possessing this zodiac sign steps into a room, the mood immediately becomes brighter – much like the lighting of a savory Davidoff cigar.

This exclusive Davidoff cigar, which is an intense pigtailed Gran Toro, reflects the Pig’s nearly “pig-headed” determination of concentrating on nothing but the prize. When a Pig chooses its path to take, it will never fail in completing its mission. The Pig is a good representation of friendship and undying loyalty. If you manage to befriend a Pig, it might just share with you its luck, a fine bottle of spirit, or a palatable Limited Edition Davidoff cigar if your luck is high enough.

Sheltered in a polished and lustrous wrapper from the Yamasá area, the Gran Toro 6 x 56 format with its pigtail evokes silky notes of pepper and wood once lit-up. The cigar’s finespun, balanced, and aromatic blend is the result of the Sumatra binder from Mexico in tandem with an oily Habano 2000 leaf wrapper from Ecuador and the finely-aged filler tobaccos (San Vicente Ligero, San Vicente Mejorados Visus, Piloto Visus, Piloto Volado and Yamasá Visus tobaccos) from the Dominican Republic. Brimming with flavor, as soon as the cigar touches your lip you are welcomed by notes of liquorice, vanilla, cream, leather and spice.

The number of these limited edition cigars ($39 each/$390 per box) are in short supply with only a total of 9,300 boxes internationally, wherein each box accommodates just ten Gran Toro cigars. The prominent, lavishly lacquered Asian-inspired red box is also a masterpiece in of itself as it proudly serves as a sanctuary for the cigars within as well as a quick collectable. A simple Pig is depicted in gold on the cover of the box; while inside the box there is another identical depiction of the Pig as well as a paper insert that tells the story of the Year of the Pig.

In addition to the cigars and their boxes, Davidoff is also offering its special edition Year of the Pig ashtray and double-blade cutter. The Italian made round aluminium ashtray ($395) is encased with dynamic red leather to create a stunning contrast between it and the ashtray’s deep mocha colour. To honour the Year of the Pig, the ashtray portrays the generous nature of the Pig by having a stable holder for two cigars. Additionally, the Davidoff logo is engraved on it and is limited to 300 pieces.

On the other hand, the double-bladed cutter is a german made, lightweight cutter that is engraved with an elegant design. The cutter’s surface is made up of impermeable, stainless steel – allowing for an easy clean and protection against corrosion. A perfect cut on both sides of the cigar is guaranteed thanks to its double-blade, while the interspersed spring system imparts a balanced blade movement. Another key feature is that the blades lock when it is not being used, which is an excellent safety precaution for the owner. Limited to only 300 pieces, the cutter is capable of trimming anything from a 22 to a 58 ring gauge.

For More Information Please Visit: US.DavidoffGeneva.com

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Cigar Leaf Lovers: a Guide to a Quality Smoke

This is the ideal time to enjoy some of the newest premium cigars that are on the market today.

MONTE BY MONTECRISTO AJ FERNANDEZ

One thing about this Nicaraguan Cigar factory is that they are always creating a variety of this type of prestigious collection of Montecristos.  The new creation is a handsome full body: A dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Corojo 98 binder encircle the Criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano fillers create a sweet espresso cedar, chocolate flavor.  The Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez is offered in four different sizes: toro, robusto, belicoso, and corona.

LA FLOR DE YNCLAN

This Dominican Cigar was named after an old Cuban brand following ten long years of perfecting, which resulted in a beyond excellent quality cigar.  The cigar is a recent addition of La Flor and has hints of coffee and leather.  The De Ynclan cigar by La Flor is available either as a torpedo, a robusto, or as a Churchill.

WINSTON CHURCHILL THE LATE HOUR BY DAVIDOFF

This earthly cigar is far more different than the other mild-grade cigars from Winston.  This unique Late Hour variation was given a boost because of its famous namesake.  It has a full body because the leafs were aged for 6 month in scotch-whisky casks.  Winston Churchill The Late Hour is available in three separate sizes: toro, robusto and Churchill.

PARTAGAS HERITAGE

This kind of cigar was created in the Dominican Republic about 11 years ago.  The rosado wrapper is from the Olancho San Augustine valley in Honduras; it consists of Honduran Jamastran, Dominican piloto Cubano and Mexican San Andres tobaccos that subsequently creates a medium bodied smoke.  Four sizes are produced: robusto, Rothschild, Churchill and gigante.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

How to Properly Age Cigars

Do cigars improve with age? Absolutely. How much so depends on a number of factors, principally what brand and type of cigars you’re aging to begin with. Today, a number of premium brands are rolled from select tobaccos that have been optimally aged before the finished product is shipped to the retailer.

A Few Great Brands

Ashton Cabinet, for example, is handcrafted at the world-renowned Fuente factory in the Dominican Republic from tobaccos that have been aged for a 4 to 5-year minimum. The award-winning Nicaraguan brand, Padron, is lauded for multiple cigars in its aged portfolio: Padron 1964 Anniversary is aged for a minimum of 6 years; Padron 1926 Series is aged for a minimum of 8 years; and Padron Family Reserve is handmade from tobaccos that are at least 10 years old. In most cases, with each tier of age comes an increase in price. Similar parallels can be drawn in the wine industry.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t age these celebrated smokes further. Keep in mind though, that also like wine, cigars can peak and decline after a period of time. And with that said, Holt’s Cigar Company sells all of the aforementioned brands, plus thousands of highly rated cigars that are perfect for aging.

The Aging Process

Generally speaking, cigars can be aged for many months or years, provided they are kept in the ideal storage conditions – preferably a cedar humidor or storage cabinet at 70% relative humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity and temperature will always fluctuate seasonally, but major swings in storage conditions affect cigars adversely. Cigars expand and contract as temperature and humidity levels change, which can cause a cigar’s wrapper leaf to crack.

A large part of what you pay for when you buy a premium cigar is its construction. Ideal storage conditions protect the integrity of a cigar’s construction. Measure the temperature and humidity regularly with a digital hygrometer to insure your humidor stays within that 70/70 range. Also, cedar is a highly aromatic wood that reacts positively with moisture and encourages the mellowing and melding of a cigar’s many tasting notes, while conserving its original flavor.

If you prefer a more hands-off method, you can also age cigars with self-regulating humidity pouches that produce a predetermined humidity level. Simply replace the pouch(es) when the humidity has been exhausted. Humidity pouches will even work in a Ziplock freezer bag with a strong seal if you haven’t invested in a humidor yet. You may not get the added nuances of flavor that a cedar humidor can lend to a cigar over time, but you’ll still perceive a noticeable difference in the cigar’s taste.

Rotate Your Cigars

Another key to aging cigars correctly, especially in a humidor, is to rotate them. Make sure the same cigars aren’t always closest to the humidification source. Every couple of weeks simply shift the top layer to the bottom and vice versa. It’s also a good idea to make sure your humidor isn’t totally jam-packed. Leaving a little extra space inside the box allows the air and the humidity to circulate more freely.

Do “Bad” Cigars Get Better with Age?

If you ever buy a cigar (or box of cigars) that tastes bitter or furnishes unwanted traces of ammonia – which is part of the natural fermentation process that premium tobaccos undergo – aging will almost certainly deliver a beneficial end result. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you can always make a “bad” cigar taste “good.” However, you can often make a “good” cigar taste “great.”

How Long Should I Age My Cigars?

Aging cigars can be a bit like rolling the dice. We recommend buying a box, or at least a handful of cigars, from a brand you already know you like. Smoke one right out of the box or off the store shelf. Pay close attention to its flavor transitions, burn, and finish. It may be useful to take a few notes for reference. After you are assured that the quality of cigar meets your satisfaction, place the remaining cigars in your humidor and allow them to rest.

After about 6 weeks, take a cigar out from the same batch and smoke it. As cigars rest, the oils from the binder, filler, and wrapper leaf meld with one another and deliver a more uniform profile. Also, as time passes, any residual bitterness or acidity that may be present in a younger cigar will dissipate. Smoke another cigar after 12 weeks and continue to indulge at roughly 4 or 6-week intervals until your cigars have been resting for a year or two, or more.

I have personally aged a number of blends from different brands over the years. When La Flor Dominicana first expanded its Double Ligero series, I became a fan of the potent spices and dense texture the heavy, Ligero-laden smokes produced. I stuck a few dozen away, smoking them from time to time.

As I revisited these feisty smokes while they aged past the 5th year, much of their intensity had waned – and not necessarily in a good way. The hearty, beefy spices I was accustomed to no longer registered and the cigars displayed a less complex, somewhat flat flavor profile. Upon reflection, this was a blend best enjoyed within a year or two of rest at most.

Smoking Old Cigars

At the other end of the spectrum, I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a handful of Ashton VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) shapes from the blend’s inaugural year of release – 1998 – making them 20 years old. They had been resting at the Fuente factory for the past two decades under the watchful eye of legendary cigar-maker Carlito Fuente. I have always been a big fan of Ashton VSG, with its succulent Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and a premium core of select Dominican binder and filler tobaccos.

Before I lit up one of these supremely old cigars, I wondered if much of the original VSG flavor would be preserved, or if it had dissipated. I have to say, the results were astounding. Not only did the renowned blend display familiar VSG tasting notes of cedar, raisins, and black pepper, but everything about the profile was ultra-refined. The cigar was so impeccably smooth and disarming, I can easily put it in the top five best cigars I have ever had the privilege to smoke. It remained silky, approachable, and rich throughout a lingering finish.

Hands down, Ashton VSG is a cigar I would not hesitate to purchase in quantity. Not only does the blend taste fantastic right out of the box, but after 20 years, it’s tough to beat by any cigar lover’s standards.

I have also, on a small number of occasions, indulged in a pre-embargo Cuban or two. Luckily, they were provided gratis courtesy of outside sources. And, I can honestly say, after more than 50 years of rest, they were entirely unremarkable, if not un-smokable. Ultimately, I found them flat, papery and bitter. While I would be curious to try a pre-embargo Cuban one day again, perhaps in another brand or blend, I would be skeptical of purchasing one based on my previous experiences, as I know they are fairly expensive.

The Best Cigar-Makers Know the Value of Age

The best cigar-makers have become exceptionally sophisticated over the past 30 years when it comes to growing, fermenting, and blending tobaccos that reveal deeply refined flavors by the time they reach the retail environment. Many of the best-tasting cigars of today will exhibit marvelous complexity tomorrow.

Begin a cigar-aging odyssey with your own favorites and plan to celebrate life’s most momentous future occasions with cigars that you love now and can set aside for later.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.