Smoked: Davidoff Anniversario Special R

Smoked at: Fairfield, Ohio

You know you have a good friend when he gifts you a Davidoff, especially when it’s one I have never smoked. Davidoff Anniversario Special “R” is a Dominican robusto with a light tan Ecuador Connecticut wrapper with some visible veins.

The flavors abound – cedar, almonds, hazelnuts, earth, cream, vanilla, caramel, spice, some floral notes and pepper, which kicks up a notch on the retrohale but not overwhelming, and a musty, forest floor mossy note, which I am told is typical of Davidoff. The complexity and balance are outstanding. Every flavor compliments the next.

Perfection is typically impossible in any endeavor. Just ask a 1970s Olympian after seeing the score of the East German judge. The construction on this cigar was as close to perfect as I’ve ever experienced. Excellent draw, extremely generous smoke production, razor sharp dead even burn line, solid ash that held on until rolled off and zero touchups required after firing it up.

Davidoff Anniversario Special “R” is deserving of its reputation and accolades. Worth every penny – easy to say when the cigar was gifted…but you get the point.