Last year just before August 8th a bunch of cigars were released to beat the deadline of August 8th, 2016 for new products in the FDA deeming regulations. One of the cigars that gathered the most attention in my neck of the woods was the Debonaire Daybreak. Now more than a year later the cigars have been released on a nationwide level by Phil Zanghi and distributed by Drew Estate.
Cigar: Debonaire Daybreak
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Robusto
The Look: Packaged in distinct wood boxes, the Debonaire Daybreak comes packaged in 20 count boxes. Inside the chest like box, there is a mural of a man in woman sitting on a porch enjoy a cigar at you guessed it, daybreak. The golden looked shade wrapper has nice sheen to it, though I wouldn’t call it perfection as you can see in the photos. But I’m long past the days of aesthetics mattering on a cigar. In the hand the cigar is firm with a well packed foot.
The Notes: After we clip the cap the first draw reveals subtle notes of melted butter and lightly toasted bread. These two nuances appear on the aroma off the foot. Once the cigar is toasted the smooth mild cigar serves up a buttery richness.
As we smoke the first third this is definitely different the original releases of Debonaire which are over the top strong to me. The Daybreak is smooth and mild with a continued toast and melted butter. The retrohale enhances the complexity of the cigar notes of wheat and cedar are introduced on the short finish of the Debonaire Daybreak.
The second third of this smooth mild cigar continues to offer some subtle complexities. The wheat that was experience on the retrohale now makes it to the palate where it is joined by a subtle popcorn note. The base note remains toasty while the retrohale becomes creamy and the finish slightly longer than in the first third.
In the last third, the popcorn note that developed in the second third is now the primary note and it is so different, that it is extremely enjoyable. As the cigar closes out there is some cedar, buttery richness, toast and a continued wheat. While it might be too mild for some, a distinguished palate should find excellence in this cigar.
The Finish: For me Debonaire has always been a strong cigar, and in some cases too strong. It’s a cigar that needs a big meal before smoking it. The Daybreak however, is a complete 180. Its mild and smooth, with a nice subtle complexity. It wasn’t what I expected, and I had to smoke a second one with an open mind because it was so different then what we’ve come to expect from the brand. After smoking that second, I reached for a third and a fourth, and probably will grab a fifth before I head home.
Score: 92
Price: $12.59 / $224.99
Debonaire Daybreak
Debonaire Daybreak Foot
Debonaire Daybreak Burn
