This being the third Davidoff Master Selection reviewed (first two being 2008 and 2010), the way I see it (so far) is, all the Master Selection series deliver a supreme level of nuances, transitions and fairly complex flavors. This 2007 had moments of greatness, especially halfway through, but it is just as good as the 2008. A good cigar to celebrate with if budget allows.
In the story of the Foundation The Wise Man Maduro Churchill, the cigar showed no signs of being sharp or being rough around the edges. Flavors of Mexican hot chocolate powder, cedar and bread worked very well together, keeping my attention for the entire, longer smoke. The strength does sneak up, as by the end of the cigar, sugar was required.
Smoking through now the fourth iteration of the Probable Cause, I came into this review having somewhat of an expectation. What I tasted overall in the Cubariqueño Protocol Probable Cause Corona Gorda was a good representation of Mexican San Andres providing a profile driven by earthy grit/dirt, chocolate, baking spices, stone fruits and black coffee.
The Davidoff Art Edition 2017 was an overall pleasure to smoke. The large 6x54 had enough peaks and valleys to keep me engaged the entire time, ranging from softness in cedar, nuts, subdued black pepper with minerals and espresso beans towards the back end of the cigar.
The Black Works Studio S&R Lancero is a nice offering in the brands portfolio and the strength, while above medium, isn't overpowering and is balanced with the flavor profile. I would have no problem smoking more of these and think fans of the brand and those that like lanceros are bound to find a favorite here.
It'll be a disservice to not retrohale the Plasencia Cosecha 146 La Vega as it's the best part of it, giving full notes of dried nuts and black pepper. The strength build up helped the cigar to not be mundane rather attention grabbing. All in all, I would smoke one again but not in a rush to reach for more.
While I'd gladly smoke more, it probably isn't something I'd go out of my way to smoke again which is a bit of an odd conclusion based on how the cigar scored for me. As an anniversary cigar for the brand, I think it is a good representation of the core lines and what the brand was built on.
As part of our coverage of the IPCPR 2018 trade show, we wanted to bring in some other cigar media members, along with our expanded team here at Developing Palates, to have a discussion about the event and surrounding topics.
The Presidente format of the Antaño Gran Reserva, like the Belicoso, is a tasty cigar. For such a big cigar, I would have appreciated more transitions. The good part is, the Presidente from start to finish was a good and consistent profile that will make the 2.5 hours of smoking time go by before you know it.
The flavor profile of the Diesel Whiskey Row Robusto is very much in line with the profile that would compliment pairing with a whiskey or bourbon. The strength level isn't much more than medium, so someone wouldn't be overpowered by it and it wouldn't overpower the spirit. I could see this cigar doing well with the casual smoker/spirit enthusiast.
