This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Davidoff's presence on the American Market. It was in 1983 that Raymond Scheurer, dear friend of and confidant to Zino Davidoff, came to the United States with the specially created Zino Mouton Cadet brand seeking a handful of retail partners throughout the country to carry these exclusive cigars. At this time, the Davidoff cigar was still a Cuban cigar and unavailable to American smokers. Though a relatively unfamiliar brand to the United States, 13 retailers accepted Raymond Scheurer's invitation and supported this new effort by Davidoff. These were the first 'Davidoff Depositaires' in the United States.

Throughout the first part of the 1980's Raymond traveled throughout the United States celebrating and launching these special cigars with full fanfare in elaborate dinners featuring wonderful Bordeaux wines and in the company of royalty, celebrities and cigar enthusiasts. In 1987, after the proven success of the Zino Mouton Cadet on the American Market, Davidoff opened its first U.S. Flagship store on Madison Avenue. Embracing the philosophies of Mr. Davidoff and his shop in Switzerland, the store was filled with the finest cigars available on the American market including the Zino and the newly launched The Griffin's. Mr. Scheurer personally made sure that the store and its products were being sold in true Davidoff fashion. He spent his days on the store floor greeting customers and recommending the appropriate cigars. His evenings were spent in the store's basement, repacking cigars into tubes or packs in order to be sold the next day. It was arduous work, but in fact to Raymond it was not at all. It was a pleasure and a privilege. In 1990, the Dominican-made Davidoff was launched in Raymond's network of American 'Davidoff Depositaires' - a family of now more than 175 retailers and 7 boutique stores throughout the country. Later the AVO, and Zino Platinum brands would join the ranks in the marvelous walk in humidor.

On January 2, 1994 Raymond left a then ill Zino Davidoff in Switzerland to go to the Dominican Republic to check on production. On January 14, 1994 while Raymond was ensuring the quality of Davidoff's prized puros, Mr. Davidoff passed away, and Raymond's mission forever changed. Scheurer has been dedicated to sharing Zino's philosophy and carrying on Zino's Legacy throughout the world ever since. Though there could never be a greater ambassador to the "Davidoff" brand than Zino Davidoff himself, Raymond Scheurer continues to ensure that Zino's legacy remains alive for the ages. In Zino Veritas.

We are very fortunate to have our dear friend Raymond Scheurer visiting New York on Monday May 12. Please stop by the Columbus Circle Store from 12:00pm - 3:00pm to meet Raymond, enjoy a cigar and unmatched conversation. We will also be offering a promotion on both Zino Classic and Davidoff cigars during Raymond's visit. On Monday evening, we'll host a dinner at our Madison Avenue store with Raymond as our guest of honor. From 7:00pm - 10:00pm you can enjoy a fabulous meal from Rothmann's Steakhouse, great wines, and incredible cigars. The cost is $150 per person and as always, seating is extremely limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. Please call to purchase your ticket.

Best regards,

Michael Herklots
General Manager
Davidoff of Geneva
The Shops at Columbus Circle, New York