Vitola: Robusto- 5.5” x 50 ring gauge
- $35
- Purchased at Small Batch Cigar
Background
In September, Davidoff announced the availability of a new series of blends that would command ultra-ultra-premium pricing and only be available in limited quantities. I have to say I admire their audacity, adding yet more SKUs into a lineup that already has the Vault Series, “Year of the” Series, and regular annual limited editions, in addition to the odd Chefs Edition, Art Edition, or other oddball entry into their stable of sticks costing $30 to $45 each. Notice I’m not even mentioning the ultra-ultra-ultra-premium Royal Release or ultra(x5) Oro Blanco. Incredibly, these blends continue to sell quite well, which is something I would not have anticipated 3 or 4 years ago.
So the Small Batch series consists of 12 blends, all in Belicoso, Corona Extra, Robusto or Toro formats, none of which was made in a quantity larger than 1,300. Each comes in packs of 5 or 10, depending on the original quantity and were apparently available to just “select” Davidoff merchants. When I was at Burns we got a few of them in, all of which had a retail price of $35 to $40. I passed initially, but was able to get a sampler from Small Batch Cigar (a Leaf Enthusiast sponsor), so I did. I enjoyed the #3 so much that I bought an additional 2-pack.
According to SBC’s website, the Davidoff Small Batch #3 uses Dominican fillers, a Mexican binder, and an Ecuadorian wrapper. Judging from the first time I smoked this, the wrapper is a Shade varietal, but there is no independent confirmation of that. In another bit of interesting news, I was told by someone who knows a thing or two (yeah, this is rumor…but based on the recent Avo Unexpected Series actions, it very well could be true) that these are most likely store exclusive blends that were made, but the orders were canceled before they could be fulfilled for whatever reason. That does not really bother me, except that pretty much every store exclusive from Davidoff that I’ve seen in the past 5 years has retailed for $22 to $26 a stick, while these are $35 to $40. If the rumor is true, it bothers me that the prices were jacked up so much…but for this particular blend, I’ll make an exception because I already know how good it is.
This review is based on the second time I smoked it. I bought it from h.
Prelight
The classic Davidoff white label is joined here by a secondary band in a satiny gold finish that simply reads “Small Batch.” Once you take the cellophane off, there is no way to tell which Small Batch number the cigar is…so maybe don’t take them out of the cello until you’re ready to smoke them.
The wrapper was a dark golden color with an incredibly consistent hue from foot to head. There were a few veins showing and the cigar was slightly oily to the touch, all characteristic of Connecticut Shade, as was the aroma of sweet hay and wood I got from the wrapper. The foot of the cigar had light earthiness, more hay, and faint wood and natural tobacco notes.
After clipping the cold draw was excellent and tasted of hay, wood, ginger, and nuts.
Flavor
The Davidoff SB3 starts off with notes of graham cracker, light earth, and sweet hay up front, it’s a light cedar note coming in just behind that. The finish had a tiny bit of white pepper and the retrohale had cashew and a quick peppery hit. Before the first third was halfway done, the blend really started picking up in richness, with the flavor dialed up to 11. Then I got an introduction of a cinnamon spice, more nuttiness, and a touch of earth, all riding on a creamy luxurious smoke.
The second third continued creamy with cinnamon notes up front, roasted nuts and graham cracker following close behind. There was a touch of hay and earth in the mix, as well.
The final third of the SB3 had an increase in earth and dry cedar, while the cinnamon and graham notes faded to more secondary notes. There was a slight increase in pepper and a persistent sweet hay in the background.
Construction
Does it surprise you that a Davidoff had perfect construction? It shouldn’t.
Value
It takes a lot for a $35 cigar to rise to the level of “it’s worth paying full price.” This one does.
Conclusions
I wasn’t sure it would happen, but I was able to start the year off again with a “Perfect 10” review that features a cigar that could become Cigar of the Year. The Davidoff Small Batch 3 was incredible…rich, creamy, smooth, complex, flavorful and worth every penny of its exorbitant price tag. I’m glad my new job pays well because it’s the only way I can afford to enjoy more of these.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 5/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 10/10