The Davidoff Master Selection 2013 created a renewed interest for me in Davidoff cigars. The cigar absolutely blew me away and as a result it scored a 97. This month and for the next few months Davidoff will release a limited Edition Master Selection. August sees the release of the 2010 Edition and we can only hope it continues the path set forth by the 2013 which was the blend for Eladio Diaz’ 60th birthday.
Like the previous release its a toro, comes in a box of 10, and each box is numbered.
Cigar Review: Davidoff Master Selection 2013
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: San Andres (Mexico)
Filler: Dominican Republic (Piloto Ligero 10-years-old, San Vicente Ligero and San Vicente Viso) & Nicaragua (Estelí Viso and Semilla A Seco)
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro
The Look: The wrapper on the 2010 Master Selection has a dark chestnut color brown to it and there is an amazing amount of oils on the stick. Packed in wooden cabinet style boxes, the cigars are placed in two rows of five. The Master Selection 2010 has a secondary band denoting that with the classic Davidoff white label as the primary. It’s firm in the hand with a well packed foot and average weight to it.
The Notes: The cold draw has a subtle caramel and maple component to it with some spice that is prevalent on the lips. The aroma off the foot of the cigar has a manure like quality to it, with hints of earth.
Once the cigar is lit the first note is that of barley which is an interesting change of pace for me. As the first third progresses there are notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and a buttery richness, they are all subtle and almost lost on the canvas of leather that they are laid upon. The retro hall is peppery, but it enhances the sweetness on the finish.
The second third sees the leather notes tone down considerably as the cigar develops notes of figs, with continued nuances of nutmeg and the occasional buttery richness. The retrohale continues to serve up hints of white pepper, but as they subside the sweet undertones become stronger on the finish.
The last third of the Master Selection 2010 sees the cigar become the strongest portion of the cigar yet. There are notes of oak, leather, and earth with an abundance of pepper on the retrohale and aroma of the cigar with a long finish, especially for a Davidoff.
The Finish: When you come out of the gate swing, its hard to duplicate that in your next at-bat. While the first release was a home-run, this is more along the lines of a run producing double. The flavors are good, and the cigar is much stronger than you would expect from Davidoff. So much so, that I would challenge anyone to identify it as such without any bands on it. The strength was a little much for me, especially since I didn’t expect it. Buy I bought the 2013, so I had to get the 2010. I plan to collect the all, and so far they have not disappointed.
Score: 92
Price: $34.99 / $332.99
Davidoff Master Selection 2010
Davidoff Master Selection 2010 Foot
Davidoff Master Selection 2010 Burn
