It’s pay-day, so what do I do. I buy two expensive cigars from Davidoff. Maybe this is why I was relegated to smoking budget friendly cigars this week. Today we look at the Davidoff Master Selection 2013 which was blended by Eladio Diaz to celebrate his 60th Anniversary in life.
According to Davidoff, Every year, Master Blender Eladio Diaz has used his experience and knowledge to create a special cigar to celebrate his birthday. These cigars are a representation of his love of cigars and the importance of celebrating such an important moment with a fine cigar. Once only enjoyed by Eladio Diaz and close friends, they are now available in limited quantities. Experience the Master Selection 2013, Eladio Diaz’s 60th Anniversary cigar.
Cigar Review: Davidoff Master Selection 2013
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli and Condega Visus), Dominican Republic (Piloto Visus, Piloto Seco, San Vicente Mejorado Visus)
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro
The Look: The 10 count box that the Davidoff Master Selection comes is your basic cabinet box, but the simplicity of the design works for this limited edition which is individually numbered. Inside the box is a dark looking cigar with a wrapper that is mahogany in color. In the hand the wrapper feel like silk, and the cigar itself is firm to the touch with no voids of tobacco in the roll. Aside from the classic white label Davidoff band, there is a secondary that denotes the line, and carries Eladio Diaz’ signature.
The Notes: The cold draw is wonderfully sweet reminding me of blackberries and apricots. It’s not what I would have expected, and for me this is a welcome change. Additionally there is some cedar and spice on the cold draw that is matched on the aroma of the foot. The spice is especially noticeable as it causes me to sneeze much like black pepper.
Once the cigar is lit I am awe-struck by how smooth it is, and how much it lacks that classic Davidoff flavor profile which once again is a great thing in my eyes when it comes to a Limited Edition such as this. You want it to stand apart, and that is exactly what this cigar does. There are notes of dark chocolate and blackberries that are easily identifiable on the palate. The retrohale of the cigar has some nuttiness and black pepper notes with the latter being subtle enough not to overpower.
The second third of the cigar sees the dark chocolate notes fade into the background with nuttiness that dominates the palate and the aroma of the cigar. There is still some cedar present and the black pepper notes on the retrohale intensify.
The last third of the cigar sees the introduction of coffee notes that become the focal point with hints of chocolate and nuts (almonds) that linger on the moderate finish. The cedar notes become a heartier oak at this point of the stick with some blackberry notes that creep back on to the palate as its time to put the cigar down with nothing left to hold on to.
The Finish: Quite simply this is the best Davidoff I have ever smoked, and tremendously different from what you would expect from a Davidoff cigar. Prior to this cigar Colorado Claro was at the top of my list, but this takes things to a whole new level. It’s not a cheap date, but it is incredibly box worthy and the type of cigar you want to break out on special occasions.
Score: 98
Price: $34.99 / $332.99
Davidoff Master Selection 2013
Davidoff Master Selection 2013 Foot
Davidoff Master Selection 2013 Burn
