Cigars | Page 2 | NYC Whiskey Review

Davidoff Year of the Rabbit

December 8, 2023 Cigars

Name: Davidoff Year of the Rabbit – Flagship Edition

Size: 6 x 56

Length: 6 inches

The Christmas countdown has begun! Do you have all your bottles (or Cigars) ready!?!

Davidoff Year of the Rabbit the most recent release from Davidoff Zodiac Series. The cigar and filler originates from the Dominican Republic. The wrapper is from Ecuador and the binder is from Mexico. Each year Davidoff releases a limited series of cigars in conjunction with the Chinese Calendar. This summer I had the great fortune to sample this cigar after dinner with friends at the the garden of the Aman Hotel in Venice, Italy. A few years ago, I was gifted a box of Davidoff Year of the Rat from the same person and I am incredibly impressed with this series from Davidoff. I do not have the words to describe it. It is the best cigar I have every enjoyed.

By no means do I proclaim to be an expert in cigars, but I know a good one when I smoke it. When I stated this is “the best I have every enjoyed” I mean it. I have had couple of Cuban cigars in Spain and Miami (supposedly, I doubt it) and I do not remember them reaching this level of flavor or quality. Personally, I find Cuban cigars to be like Dom Perignon Champagne. They are brand named product that is easily recognizable, usually highly overrated, and created for gullible name droppers or Social Media idiots.

One important mention is the price of these cigars. The history Zodiac Series below shows the escalation in price and I think it is worth presenting.

Davidoff Cuvée Selection 2012 Year of the Dragon (6 x 52) — $35

Davidoff Limited Edition 2013 Year of the Snake (7 x 48) — $29.90

Davidoff Limited Edition 2014 Year of the Horse (6 x 60) — $31

Davidoff Limited Edition 2015 Year of the Sheep (6 1/2 x 54) — $35

Davidoff Limited Edition 2016 Year of the Monkey (6 1/2 x 50) — $34

Davidoff Limited Edition 2017 Year of the Rooster (6 3/4 x 50) — $40

Davidoff Limited Edition 2018 Year of the Dog (7 x 50) — $39

Davidoff Limited Edition 2019 Year of the Pig (6 x 56) — $39

Davidoff Limited Edition 2020 Year of the Rat (6 x 52) — $39

Davidoff Limited Edition 2021 Year of the Ox (6 x 60) — $40

Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Year of the Tiger (5 x 52) — $42

Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Year of the Tiger Toro — $397

Davidoff Limited Edition 2023 Year of the Rabbit (5 15/16 x 54) — $50

Davidoff Limited Edition 2023 Year of the Rabbit Flagship Edition (6 x 56) — $72

As you can see above the price has been going up each year since the beginning of the series. You can find the 5 15/16 x 54 version at Davidoff in NYC Downtown (Fidi) for $69.00 per stick.

Priced around $72+ per cigar and absolutely worth the experience if it fits your budget.

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it)! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Oliva Connecticut Reserve

October 19, 2023 Cigars

Name: Oliva Connecticut Reserve

Size: 6 x 50

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Oliva Connecticut Reserve Cigar is blended with Nicaraguan fillers and binders and is finished with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper.

This cigar is an easy, enjoyable smoke with no bitter taste. The draw is smooth and burn time is approximately 45 minutes. This cigar would work well with a coffee, light whisky or even a white wine if you are inclined.

Connecticut wrappers get their name from tobacco leaves sourced from the Connecticut River Valley. They are known to have a lighter gold brown color to them and softer flavors. The name may give the location away, but most people are not aware that the Northeastern Region of the United States grows tobacco as the majority of tobacco comes from the Southern States.

NYC area price is around $15+. Prices vary when you buy cigars from state to state or online.

I am going to work more on adding cigars to my reviews in the next year so the format and information may change so please bear with me.

If you like it, drink it! (or smoke it!)

Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Camacho Toro Box Pressed – Connecticut

October 18, 2023 Cigars

Name: Camacho Toro Box Pressed – Connecticut

Size: 6 x 50

Wrapper: Honduras – Connecticut

Binder: Honduras – Corojo

Filler: Dominican Republic – Generoso / Aleman Ligero, USA – American Broadleaf

The Camacho Toro Box Press Connecticut is a brand that originated in Honduras but was acquired by Davidoff in 2008. These cigars are usually displayed in most Davidoff stores and from a glance at the prices in the humidor they are promoted as more a wallet friendly option compared to high priced Davidoff expressions.

This cigar is a nice light smoke with notes of roasted tobacco and almond nuts. It is a lighter smoke and has no bitter taste in the mouth after the draw or exhale. Overall, it is a good smoke but a little too light for my taste preference. This would make a good hot weather or breakfast smoke.

Box press is a type of style of cigar which is squarer than the traditional round you normally see. The history is unclear and up for debate on when it started and who was the creator. Using some logic, I would guess it was a combo of marketing a cigar in different shape and maximizing space in a box. Hence the name “box press” because it looks like the cigar box created the shape. Personally, I find the best cutter for this style of cigar is a bullet.

Priced around $10-12 per cigar and worth the price if you like a lighter smoke.

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it)! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

My Father Cigar – La Promesa

September 20, 2023 Cigars

Name: My Father Cigar – La Promesa

Size: Varies

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

My Father is a brand that I discovered in the last couple of years and have grown to enjoy and become a default purchase when I am looking for a stick. The La Promesa series is identified by the pink/orange wrapper. The cigar is a medium smoke with a nutty and light chocolate flavor. It has a nice draw with an even burn and lasted about 45 minutes.

I bullet cut the cigar and it started off a little dry tasting but then it went away. I think this was because my humidor was under 72% RH. The outdoor temperature was 80F with slightly high humidity which I think helped cigar. The draw was smooth and even, and appeared to be well wrapped.

Other La Promesa’s to sample: Petite 4.5 x 50, Corona Gorda 5.5 x 48, Robusto Grande 5.5 x 54, Toro 6 x 52, and Lancero 7.5 x 38.

Priced around $12-15 per cigar and worth the price for the quality.

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it)! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Davidoff Year of the Rabbit

Oliva Connecticut Reserve

Camacho Toro Box Pressed – Connecticut

My Father Cigar – La Promesa

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