Talking Luxury Real Estate Auctions with Trayor Lesnock of Platinum Luxury Auctions

This week, The Extravagant connected with Trayor Lesnock of Platinum Luxury Auctions to explore the world of luxury real estate auctions. Lesnock’s firm has handled some rather impressive non-distressed properties, such as this Fifth Avenue condo we covered back in February. Aside from the unique properties often offered by Platinum, there are many benefits to purchasing luxury real estate at auction; to learn about these enticing advantages to purchasing a property from Platinum or another luxury auction, read on.

For those of us who are not already familiar with Platinum Luxury Auctions, can you tell us about your firm and the types of properties you represent?

“Founded in 2010, Platinum Luxury Auctions is a firm that specializes in what is broadly called the “non-distressed” auction sale of multimillion-dollar residential properties throughout the US, and occasionally abroad. The “non-distressed” nature of our sales means that our clients are generally affluent sellers who don’t need to sell their property (that is, there is no financial pressure motivating them to do so) but want to sell. Typically, they have also become frustrated at the inability to sell their property using the traditional brokerage process. While this sounds competitive to the brokerage industry, we actually conduct 95% of our sales in cooperation with the given listing brokerage/agent, protecting their commissions in the process. As such, much of our time is spent educating and informing the luxury real estate industry about our service platform. Most of our properties are in the $2- to $20-million range, and our team recently reached $1 billion in closed sales experience. We also developed the term “luxury auction” as it applies to this method of non-distressed auction sales, and we own the federal trademark rights to the term. It is now widely used in reference to high-end property auctions.”  

Aside from generally transparent market based pricing, what are some other benefits to buying luxury real estate at an auction as opposed to a conventional sale?

“For a buyer, there are several benefits such as: 1) Simple, “brass tacks” terms of sale with no surprises; 2) Rather than dealing with the daunting nature of high-end property negotiations between a buyer and seller, an auction buyer instead gets to compete against other real buyers in that ever-important “transparent market” forum; and 3) A seller offering their property at auction is generally a serious seller, and buyers love to deal with serious sellers as opposed to those who are simply “testing the market” or are unrealistic as to pricing.” 

Can you share with us some of your stand out auctions? What made them special in your opinion?

“This is a tough one for me, as many auctions stand out for various reasons beyond hitting a record price. For example, we just had a terrific, 8-figure auction sale on Feb. 19 for a condo on 5th Avenue in NYC facing Central Park- a previously unheard-of occurrence for such an asset in the Big Apple. While the price made us happy, what really stood out was having 14 registered bidders- all of an impressive caliber- participate in the sale. Another one of my favorite auctions occurred in Florida in February 2013. After learning the sales price from the auction (an equestrian estate that sat on the market for 3 years before we arrived), the seller arrived back on site and literally ran over to me and jumped into my arms, happily screaming about the price as we hugged and twirled around. It was just like out of a movie and I always wish I had that captured on film! Then she popped champagne for everyone on our team.”

What do you believe sets Platinum Luxury Auctions apart from your competitors?

“We pay meaningful attention to the rest of our industry – it’s an important part of staying competitive and relevant for any business. Thick layers of self-reporting and publicity are commonly used to frame the public’s perception of a success or failure in the real estate auction industry, so one has to look beyond that to assess real performance. By analyzing the real data (metrics such actual-vs-expected pricing, sales-vs-list-price, actual-vs-reported closings, etc.) and then measuring it against that within our track record, we consistently find that Platinum’s sales generate higher pricing on a pound-for-pound basis. We might not hold the highest auction sales price or the greatest volume of sales, but Platinum achieves the most pennies on the dollar on a per-property basis. That is our main differentiator, and our operating model is designed to achieve this result.”

Where do you see the future of luxury real estate auctions heading?

“This is always a popular topic of discussion. Presently, so much of the answer depends on how the traditional brokerage industry continues to change. For example, while Platinum works openly with all luxury brokerages and agents, it currently has more formalized service contracts to provide luxury auction services to 3 major brokerages: Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Engel & Volkers, U.S.A. This type of formalized, B-to-B relationship was relatively unheard of when I first entered the auction industry, as the luxury brokerage and auction worlds were simply too far apart at that time. While I expect to see continued and increasing harmony between the brokerage and auction worlds in the future, there is a lot to be said about luxury property auctions not being a “one-size-fits-all” process. They should be used when the right conditions are met, rather than universally. So, while I embrace growth and progress within our space, I remain slightly cautious as to the process being over-applied.”

What’s next for Platinum Luxury Auctions? Any special upcoming sales we should follow this spring/summer?

“We just capped two great sales- one in NYC and one in Miami- and are approaching our next round of offerings to close out Q1 this year. A couple of properties that we strategically held back last year due to COVID (such as a Fijian island that was inaccessible for nearly all of 2020 due to travel restrictions) should also see their campaigns launch this year. Plus, we’re in the midst of a brand refresh, recently hired a new public relations team, hired a new copywriter and are trying some new concepts on both the marketing and service model sides of our business. It’s a busy time indeed!”

The Louvre Museum Adapts to Extended Closures in Paris

After closing in March 2020, reopening in July 2020, and closing again at the end of October, the famous Louvre Museum remains closed. One of the sectors that has been taking a major hit during COVID-19 is the museum world, due to large gatherings being banned and a lack of travel and tourists. However, the Louvre Museum has launched a series of virtual tours to open up its galleries to patrons from all around the globe.

The virtual museum visits resemble Google Maps Street View and your computer screen places you in the gallery itself. Rather than simply showing the pieces on your screen, the Louvre’s virtual tours let you click to walk down the halls and imagine yourself strolling through the galleries as if you had the entire museum to yourself. This innovative approach is more engaging to the audience than a simple slideshow.

Some of the highlights include a stroll in the Petite Galerie with works by French Romantic Painter Eugène Delacroix and Dutch master Rembrandt. Another highlight in this collection is Self Portrait with Her Daughter, Julie (Madame Vigée Le Brun et sa fille) a portrait by French portrait painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. This work, characteristic of the Rococo period, is an intimate self portrait of Le Brun and her daughter, encircled in an embrace.

Another virtual visit takes victors to the world-famous Sully Wing to view the Louvre’s extensive Egyptian Antiquities collection. The museum even offers a visit of the Louvre itself—a virtual tour of the original fortress built by French king Philippe Auguste, which is now in the basement of the museum.

While virtual visits are no substitute for the in person experience, the Louvre’s detail oriented and interactive virtual tours are a great way to get up close to some of the Louvre’s most famous pieces without the crowds.

Source: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

_{Image Credit: Vlada Karpovich provided via Pexels}

Fairview, The Estate That Defines East Coast Splendor

How often do you find a Maryland estate that predates United States history? The answer, not often, but then Fairview is an exception. Originally deeded to a private family in the 17^th century by an English Aristocrat by the name of Lord Baltimore, Fairview is one of the most impressive estates of the Chesapeake Bay.

400 years onward, the property is the epitome of American class and refined elegance. Now containing 74 acres and two elegant main residences, Fairview is a fantastic estate for someone seeking a multi-generational compound. The original masterfully restored main residence dates back to 1670 and at about 6,000 square feet, it’s about half the size of its younger sister. The second residence is a 14,300 mansion completed a couple hundred years later in the 20^th century. The impressive size of the residences is a major selling point. According to Christie’s International Real Estate, “A property of this scope can never be replicated on Chesapeake Bay due to recent zoning restrictions forbidding multiple structures.” Fairview boasts 14 bedrooms, 14 full baths and eight half-baths spread across seven buildings. Although the listing price is not publicly disclosed, according to Chesapeake Bay Magazine Fairview is being offered at $40 million USD.

Seth Watsky of Christie’s International Real Estate said: “In an era when extended families want to live together in privacy, with clean air and nature while respecting a family’s individual personal residential spaces, this estate is beyond compare. Washington, D.C., is 80 minutes away and a private airport in the charming town of Easton is minutes from the estate’s front gate. Fairview is the perfect combination of seclusion with easy access to the outside world.”

Situated on a peninsula adjacent to a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, the residences at Fairview enjoy sweeping views of one of the East United States’ most iconic coast lines. The residences at Fairview exemplify the high society culture associated with Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The estate is well suited for a buyer who enjoys both the grandeur of sophisticated black tie dinners as well as the conservation of native land and wildlife that surround the estate. Fairview is surrounded by thousands of acres of conservation land.

The Original Manor House at Fairview

Fairview’s original manor house was constructed in the Federal style around 1670 and later renovated and expanded in the Greek Revival style in the mid-19^th century. Finished in a deep yellow tone, the exterior of the residence enjoys a covered porch and contrast window shutters. The original manor house contains elegant details within such as clapboard siding, Flemish bond walls, and decorative millwork. A particular highlight is the murals depicting boat races on the river located in the grand center hall. The main living areas include a formal dining room, library, and living room (the latter two have fireplaces). A newly constructed kitchen and 350 bottle wine cellar are convenient highlights. The large veranda located to the rear of the residence offers views of 19th-century formal box gardens. Upstairs, the second level houses two ample suites with sitting rooms and fireplaces and another en-suite bedroom. The third level is a dedicated children’s floor with “a bunk room, two half-baths and a shower room.”

The impressive circa 1991 second residence was built in a Neoclassical-style and faces the waterfront in a truly impressive position. Entering the home is an experience, a grand rotunda three floors high is flanked by two circular white marble staircases. From the grand rotunda, the principal living areas can be easily accessed. A grand reception room with two fireplaces and access to a colonnaded terrace enjoys exceptional waterfront views. The formal dining room for 28 has coffered ceilings and herringbone wood floors. Additional amenities at the second residence include a plush second level owner’s suite with spa like bath and terrace, 10 person sauna, screening room, panic room, elevator, hunting room, and 3,000 bottle wine cellar.

“With its two main houses, a heated swimming pool, tennis court and nine hole golf course, Fairview is almost a village in its own right. You could come here and never leave,” said listing agent Cornelia Heckenbach

In addition to the main residences, Fairview encompasses an additional five buildings including a 5,100 square foot former dairy barn. The barn is now a place of entertainment and recreation with a full bar, catering kitchen, two powder rooms and a shower room, in addition to a large patio with a pizza oven and al fresco kitchen. Upstairs is a loft like space that can serve as a conference room or sleeping quarters. Other structures such as a two bedroom guest house, staff office with apartments, a 1,200 square foot fitness studio, pool house, and four car garage exist on the estate. The immense grounds include a sandy beach, a large greenhouse, and an elevated pier.

Fairview is represented by Cornelia C. Heckenbach and Kornelia Stuphan of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. with global marketing services provided by Christie’s International Real Estate.

_{Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate}

The 6.5 acre Elounda Azure Estate is a Cretian Dream

Have you found yourself fantasizing about a Grecian Villa on Crete? The Elounda Azure estate, which was listed by Christies International Real Estate back in 2019, may be just what crossed your mind. Situated on 6.5 coastal acres just adjacent to the Elounda resort, the compound boasts extensive gardens and amenities.

The estate, situated in a stunning position on the Island of Crete, boasts magnificent views of the Aegean Sea along with amenities which include a “six-bedroom main residence, a two-bedroom guest cottage, infinity pool, tennis and boules courts, Mediterranean gardens and a chapel.” A combination of blue and white tones exemplifies the traditional Greek architecture that defines Crete.

 “This one-of-a-kind estate is in Crete’s most exclusive resort area and showcases stunning Greek water views from almost every room, with fine restaurants, upscale shopping, beaches, a golf course and a Six Senses spa all within leisurely walking distance” said Georgina James, of Christie’s International Real Estate

The main house of nearly 10,000 square feet is accessed via a grand hall with massive ceilings; this space leads directly to a living room with eternal views of the Aegean. The principal living spaces include a library, family kitchen, and dining room for twelve. All principal rooms open up to large terraces with uncompromised views of the sea and elegant gardens.

On the ground level there are three guest bedrooms consisting of a suite with private living room and bath as well as two bedrooms that share a bath and sitting room. These lower level bedrooms benefit from a secluded garden patio. Located on the upper level is a master suite with a fireplace, terrace, and two bathrooms. Also situated on the upper level is an additional two bedrooms with en-suite baths.

From antique fireplaces to stained glass windows and handcrafted mosaics, artistic elements are a defining characteristic of the estate. The grounds include a collection of Mediterranean gardens filled with flowers and olive and fruit trees, including lemon, orange, apple and pomegranate. A prominent pergola with bougainvillea plants provides abundant shade and a brilliant setting for al fresco dining. Highlights of the grounds include a tennis court, boules court, and a generously proportioned infinity pool with views of the Aegean. Elounda Azure has a collection of trails, which can transport one into a myriad selection of enchanting spaces including the seafront and chapel. The private chapel, which has played host to many weddings and baptisms, is charming yet secluded. Also located on the estate is a 1,000+ square foot two bedroom guest house with living room, kitchen, and two baths.

The Elounda Azure estate was represented by Yannis Ploumis of Ploumis Sotiropoulos Real Estate with global marketing services provided by Christie’s International Real Estate.

This 27.5M Fifth Ave Condo is Being Auctioned Without Reserve

On the 19th of February at 7.00pm, Platinum Luxury Auctions will sell a 4,500+ square foot Fifth Ave condo that was previously the home of a famous theatrical producer. The full floor residence, which was once listed for sale at $27.5 million is situated on the 10th floor of 838 Fifth avenue in Manhattan.

The 3 bedroom 3.5 bath residence, which will be sold without reserve, boasts spectacular views of central park through a “45-foot-wide wall of windows.” Just steps from Lenox Hill and 3.5 miles from the 30th St. Helipad, this Carleton Varney decorated residence enjoys a brilliant combination of views, location, and elegant design.

With parquet flooring, coffered ceilings and four fireplaces, spaces are impressive. The grand salon provides views of Central Park & the Mid Town/West Side skyline through a 45 foot wall featuring picture windows. Stepping into the spacious eat in kitchen potential buyers will notice several high-end appliances, including a Brewmatic under-cabinet coffee maker. For added privacy, the sale includes a separate 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom staff apartment on the building’s first floor. additional amenities include a spa like master bath with jetted tub and steam shower, dressing room, security system, and a wood paneled office with custom shelving.

838 Fifth avenue was designed by Harry M. Price, who was the architect of the Carlyle Hotel on 76th street. The post war building began its life as an office building and was converted to its present use in 1999. 838’s lobby showcases antique furnishings, a fireplace, and features sitting spaces designed by Jack Beyer of Beyer Blinder Belle. Services and amenities at the building include a resident fitness center, surveillance system by Daniel A. Nichols, full-time doorman, concierge and live-in super.

_{Images credit: Platinum Luxury Auctions/Mentis}

Residences at the St. Regis Los Cabos Are Now Available

This month Ernesto Coppel, in collaboration with Olarena Hospitality Group, announced the highly anticipated first phase of sales for The Residences at The St. Regis Los Cabos. Situated within the award winning private community of Quivira, The Residences at the St. Regis Los Cabos offer access to the impressive award-winning Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and the Quivira Golf Club. With just 74 private residences, buyers will have access to the many amenities of the highly anticipated 120-room hotel, such as concierge services, seven resort pools, three restaurants, the St. Regis Spa, fitness and wellness center, Astor ballroom with 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a children’s club, and lush art gardens and landscaped courtyards.

“The Residences at The St. Regis Los Cabos will set a new standard in handcrafted luxury and offer the opportunity to own a masterpiece of enduring legacy,” said Ruben Reachi, CEO of the project. “We are confident that this property will be highly sought-after given the great beauty of its location, distinctive architecture, and prestigious St. Regis brand.” 

The residences designed by SB Architects are positioned at the Southern edge of the Baja Peninsula on a 33 acre property. St. Regis is making a handful of oceanfront villas and condos available as part of their phase 1 residence sales. The seven 3,000+ square foot ocean view condominiums, which include a top floor penthouse, are available from $2.8 million USD; whereas five oceanfront villas have a starting price of $9 million USD. Construction at the hotel and residences is ongoing with a projected opening date of fall 2022. The five bedroom villas enjoy over 6,800 square feet of living space with ample walls of glass and terraces, which feature infinity edge pools and private beachfront space. The interiors of the residences are the work of Hirsch Bedner Associates San Francisco and boast marble counters in kitchens and baths, as well as marble floors throughout.  

The luxurious condominiums that feature three and four bedroom layouts with generous terrace space benefit from uninterrupted views of the sea and “dramatically set against the Old Lighthouse Hill.” Outdoor kitchens and hot tubs complete the condominiums. Set above the rest is a nearly 6,000 square foot penthouse that includes four bedrooms and a private roof top oasis with swimming pool.

“The Residences at The St. Regis are leading the way for the luxury segment on the Pacific Ocean side of Los Cabos,” said Myles Newell, Principal of Waypoint Resort Real Estate, whose firm is exclusively handling the sales and marketing of the development. “The current property market in Los Cabos is very active with an ever-growing strong demand for luxury properties. Our high-end properties, combined with the superior quality of service and stature that the St. Regis brand represents will benefit from this demand.” 

Located just 4 miles from Cabo San Lucas International Airport with private jet access, the St. Regis Los Cabos provides a luxurious combination of convenience and luxury. In our eyes, The St. Regis Los Cabos is sure to become a top holiday and 2nd home destination in Baja, California.

_{Photo credit: The Residences at St. Regis Los Cabos}

IMPERIAL Announces the Sale of Seventh Amels 242 Limited Series

Monaco based yacht broker and charter operator, IMPERIAL, has announced the sale of a new 74 metre superyacht from Dutch shipyard Amels Limited Editions series. The project, currently named “Amels 24207” was sold at the end of December 2020. Amels 24207 is expected to launch in summer 2022.

Speaking on the subject of the collaboration, Imperial’s Director Julia Stewart states “Project Amels 24207 is the second superyacht signed with Amels and Damen Yachting that we have successfully completed all technical and legal details during this pandemic period. This great achievement is the result of hard work, dedication and attention to all details with our esteemed partners at Amels, Damen Yachting, Tim Heywood and Winch Design studios. We are excited to give life to our tenth collaboration with our very esteemed Dutch partners!”

At over 1,700 tonnes, the Amels 242 benefits from a range of expansive spaces, including a “240 square-metre dedicated Owner’s Deck (2,580 sq ft).” Tim Heywood’s handy work has introduced a sleek, yet expansive main deck aft with 180 square metres (1,900 sq ft) of space and a 6.5 meter (21ft) pool perfectly situated for Gatsbyesque parties. A sample layout suggests two Main Deck VIP suites and three lower deck suites with direct access to a full beam spa and beach club platform.

The Amels 74 meter limited edition series enjoys exterior styling from Tim Heywood and a “wide array of custom features specified by the owner.” 24207’s owners have tasked Winch Design studios with the interior commission.

This particular project will be the seventh in Amels 242 series, with others including PLVS VLTRA and SYNTHESIS.

Image courtesy of: IMPERIAL

The All New Bentley Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid

As part of Bentley’s Beyond 100 Strategy, the British Luxury Marque has unveiled one of two Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles for 2021. The announcement of the Bentayga Hybrid is a major step in Bentley’s strategy to “consider [their] environmental, social and economic impact,” which has helped transform “the 80-year-old Crewe headquarters into the UK’s single carbon neutral luxury car factory.”

“The Bentayga Hybrid is the next step on our journey to becoming the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company. Bentley will transform from a 100-year-old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury, and the Bentayga Hybrid is the first model to pioneer our company’s recently announced Beyond100 strategy,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors

Despite the fact that the Bentayga Hybrid boasts a range of just 31 miles in pure electric mode, “Bentley’s research shows over 90 per cent of customers use their first-generation Bentayga Hybrid on a daily basis or several times a week, and nearly 100 per cent of customers use EV mode, with half of them consistently undertaking journeys of less than 30 miles.” The Bentayga combined range when utilizing petrol and electric power is 536 miles. By combining the E Motor with a 3.0 litre twin-scroll turbocharged V6 petrol powertrain, the engineers at Bentley have given the Bentayga an impressive 443 brake horsepower (449 PS) and 516 lb.ft (700 Nm) of torque.

The Plug-in Hybrid Bentayga has adopted elements of Bentley’s newest design language. Every panel of both the front and back side of the vehicle have been altered to ensure a more purposeful design configuration. These updates include significant improvements to the grilles and LED matrix headlights with a cut crystal design.

“We spent a long time examining how to improve the proportions and character of the car. New Bentayga is still instantly recognisable as a Bentley but now has a much greater road presence, a more self-confident looking SUV from whatever angle you look at the car. The prouder grill and higher, more focused elliptical headlights give a much more modern expression,” said JP Gregory, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors

The new Hybrid model is being delivered to customers with any required region specific charging cables, which will allow the vehicle to be charged at a wide variety of charge point locations. Additionally, customers can request an at-home wallbox to house the charging unit and cables at no extra cost. A dedicated control unit allows the driver to manually manage battery usage by selecting one of three different E Modes. Options include Hold Mode, EV Drive, and Hybrid Mode, with an additional option to allow the Bentayga to manage the system automatically.

The interior of the Bentley Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid enjoys several new design elements, such as new door trims and two new straight grained veneer options. The two new veneers include both Koa and Crown Cut Walnut. A new steering wheel design along with the reimagined center fascia and digital driver’s display are fresh and simplified. In addition to an entirely new seat design, a particular highlight is a the quilted seat stitching available exclusively in Mulliner Driving Specification models.

The Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid benefits from a suite of new technology. A next generation infotainment system with a 10.9 inch screen with high resolution graphics and improved connectivity is a major perk. New features also include several new services from My Bentley connected, which utilize a built in SIM with Hybrid content, “meaning they no longer require a data connection from a customer’s mobile device.” These new services include My Car Statistics, My Battery Charge, My Cabin Comfort, and E-Charging to discover the nearest charging point. Last, but surely not least, is the welcome addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay standard with Android Auto.

_{Images courtesy of: Bentley}

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.”

“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.

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)}