Background

Paul recently sent me a bunch of sticks to try and the Davidoff Anniversario No. 1 was among them. Weighing in at 8 2/3 x 48, Davidoff describes the format as a “Giant Double Corona”. Each Anniversario No. 1 is presented in a beautiful cedar tube that sports the Davidoff logo on it. I couldn’t find much more about the history of the cigar other than it was made in honor of Zino Davidoff’s 80th birthday in 2006. The series is available in three sizes the No.1 (Giant Double Corona), No. 2 (Churchill), and No. 3 (Toro). The Davidoff website describes the blend as;

…characterized by surprising lightness, dominated by a rich, intense aroma. The tobacco harmonize perfectly in these ideally balanced cigars, exquisitely presented in unique and elegant packaging.

With retail price of about $36.00 a single, I have high hopes for this stick. So let’s burn it!

Stogie Stats

Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Strength: Mild
Vitola: Giant Double Corona
Size: 8 2/3 x 48
Age: Unknown
MSRP: Around $36.00 a single
Number Smoked: 1

Review

The Davidoff Anniversario No. 1 has a beautiful milk chocolate colored wrapper which contrasts nicely with the white and gold Davidoff band. Davidoff knows how to do presentation right and this cigar is no exception. There is a lot of hay and some mild tobacco on the pre-light aroma and draw which is not surprising given my experience with the brand in the past.

The cigar takes the flame easily. The initial few draws seem a bit snug but not terrible. Initial flavors include hay with some very mild sweetness. I find myself drawing too hard on each pull because the flavor and amount of smoke is so light. Consequently, the stick begins burning a but hot and I detect some bitterness. This quickly subsides as I back off on each pull and the draw opens up a bit after about the first inch.

The cigar is extremely mild in both strength and flavor. A light nuttiness emerges after the first couple of inches and the sweetness becomes a little stronger which is very enjoyable. Unfortunately, this doesn’t last long before the stick settles back into the mundane hay and mild sweetness that it began with. This continues through the last third while I keep anticipating something more. Nothing changes as I nub the cigar which I cannot help but feel was disappointing.

Conclusion

The Davidoff Anniversario No. 1 just didn’t impress me. I found the flavor profile and strength to be too mild and mundane for my liking. Construction was decent but I suppose performance does not mean much if you don’t enjoy the smoke. To be fair, I acknowledge that I only had one to smoke and that it is possible that this smoke was just aged out.

In conclusion, I would say “Try One” if you like mild cigars and have a spare $36 burning a hole in your pocket. Personally, I would purchase two Davidoff Colorado Claro’s, if given the choice.