Back in the day, I was an avid fan of the Winston Churchill, specifically the Marrakesh size which was a fancy way to name the Toro. The brand just underwent a transformation with a new from the boxes and bands as well as a change in blends. The question is, will these still be close to my heart.
According to Davidoff, “A range of the finest cigars inspired by the iconic aficionado each celebrating a different aspect of his richly complex character.
A man of many layers and many dimensions. A man who was the embodiment of time beautifully filled. A man whose many facets added up to a personality which set him apart. A man who reveled in the richness of life and its many experiences. Who marched to the beat of his own drum. Who held substance above show.
Our Master Blenders have embraced and accomplished the challenge to craft and blend a range of exceptional cigars as uniquely diverse in character as the person who inspired them. Like Sir Winston, they are a rich mixture of fine qualities drawing on and harmonizing the tobaccos of Nicaragua, Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. For in our pursuit of the finest blend of cigars, in the words of the great man himself, we will never, never, never give up. Introducing Winston Churchill – Cigars of Character.”
Cigar: Winston Churchill
Size: 6 x 54 (Commander Toro)
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador Rojiza
Binder: Negro San Andrés (Mexico)
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli Seco, Condegas Seco) Dominican (Piloto Mejorado Seco, Hybrid Olor/Piloto Seco, Piloto Seco)
Strength: Medium
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: The Rojiza wrapper from Ecuador is medium brown in color bordering on Chestnut. There are some thin veins and an abundance of oils. The cigar is rolled to perfection with perfectly placed cap. The ban is a glossy white with gold foil showing off the famous silhouette of the Winston Churchill over the name Davidoff. In the hand the cigar is above average weight though it feels like there is more tobacco toward the cap than the foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Winston Churchill Commander serves up notes of melted butter over toast. In the background there is a faint earth that borders on the classic Kelner profile of barnyard, however, it is extremely light in comparison to some of his other blends. The foot of the cigar has a dirt small of dry desert which is reminiscent of the Southwest.
Once the cigar is lit there is a subtle pepper note and an abundance of cedar. The buttery richness experienced on the prelight experience carries over to the cigar as it is incredibly creamy. As we smoke through the first of the cigar the cedar notes intensify and a touch of leather is introduced.
In the second third of the Winston Churchill Toro Commander the pepper notes through the nose intensify slightly as the leather notes slowly become the dominant profile as the cedar slides into the background. The cigar remains creamy and smooth.
The last third of the cigar continues with notes of leather and some cedar on the finish. There is some spice through the nose and the aroma of the cigar is reminiscent of eel sushi.
The Burn: The one thing that stands out most is the draw of the cigar which was absolutely perfect. There was the right amount of resistance, and it enhanced the experience. The burn of the cigar was almost perfect with an ultra thin burn line which revealed a salt and pepper ash that held on for more than a third at a time.
The Finish: I guess for me the question is how did it stand up with the Marrakesh. The answer is there are similarities to that blend, while becoming more complex and modern. This is no longer the mild cigar that it was. While I would classify it as medium, almost medium plus it is so incredibly balanced that I am rethinking how cigars are classified. I’ve smoked sticks that weren’t as strong, but came off stronger because they lacked balance. This cigar is truly something special, with flavor, strength and balance. It just may be the best cigar I have smoked this year. In fact, in the last few years, Davidoff has really changed their image in my eyes and while still a brand of luxury it is also now a brand for the true connoisseur.
Score: 92
Price: $16.99 each / $65.99 four-pack / $320.99 box
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill Foot
Winston Churchill Burn
