The Panatela format (or Lancero) had gone the way of the Dodo Bird for a while, but regained popularity when more companies started releasing fuller bodied, more aggressive blends in this format. However, the Davidoff Classic Series, is not quite this profile. In fact, it is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Medium bodied and perfectly balanced, I’ve enjoyed a few of these over the past several weeks. The body of this cigar still offers rich opulent smoke, but it rolls gently across your palate instead of attacking it. It’s just delicious, and absolutely a “must smoke” for any Davidoff lover. Additionally, the formats that make up the “Classic Series” were the original formats to bear the “Davidoff” name, made for Zino Davidoff’s shop in 1968.

The Diploma changed my life. Seriously, it really did. The first time I smoked one, I realized I had graduated and moved on to something different in my cigar education. Made entirely of Corojo tobaccos grown in the Jamastran valley of Honduras, this full bodied powerhouse is a ferocious yet restrained demonstration of real Honduran tobacco. Its flavor is “tobacco”, despite how cliché that may sound; rich heavy tobacco- notes of leather and earth are prevalent throughout. If you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out. If you have… then you know what I’m talking about!

This gorgeous corona was the first of our “Exclusive Blend” program to be offered to our New York customers. Finished with a beautiful Cameroon wrapper, every cigar is draw tested ahead of time to ensure a perfect smoke for each one. Not commercially available, this cigar is made by La Aurora (the oldest factory in the Dominican Republic) for the patriarch of their family, Don Fernando Leon. It is a magnificent smoke with rich spiciness and sensational complexity, finishing with a slightly sweet aftertaste. The Fonseca Don Antero and Super Selection by Davidoff are also exclusive to our two New York stores.

I’d argue that I single handedly accounted for a large percentage of the Padron 3000 sales while I was in college. It was my go to cigar. A Nicaraguan Puro that embodies what great Nicaraguan cigars taste like, it’s rich with solid flavors of Cocoa, coffee and roasted nuts. The Maduro wrapper adds a sweetness that’s more bitter sweet than SWEET sweet. Though not incredibly complex, it’s not supposed to be. It’s straight to the point and delicious! If you’re looking for super complex and sophisticated, please call for availability of their 1964, 1926, 40th Anniversary and 80th Anniversary cigars!!!

LAST CALL: 2009 ProCigar Festival

LAST CALL!!! ProCigar festival is less than a week away! Please be sure to forward all itinerary information, and if you’re deciding to come last minute (WHICH YOU SHOULD!!!!). Please call immediately to be added to the group as space is just about maxed out!


REVIEW: G-Fest

For those of you who missed our annual “G-Fest” this past Monday, it was an incredible event! Rothmann’s outdid themselves (as always!). Graycliff cigars were smoked to the nubs, and there wasn’t a full bottle of Vino left in the house! Stay tuned for more events!


COMING SOON: Grooming Experience

Speaking of events, we’ve partnered with SPIFF NYC, an amazing men’s grooming experience in Manhattan to offer their great services in our Madison Avenue store for a limited time. Every Thursday from 4:00pm-7:00pm through March we’ll be offering Manicures, Shoe Shines, Shaves, and other grooming services with any in-store purchase of $25.00 or more. If you can’t make it to our shop on Thursdays, you can stopover at 750 3rd Avenue @ 46th Street or by visiting www.spiffnyc.com.