Davidoff Signature No. 1 LE (FEBW2)

[MrBirdman]

As I mentioned in my Millenium Lancero review, I have really been digging what Davidoff is doing lately with their LE’s. Their white label has been near and dear to me since I started smoking – I like the blends, even though they’re milder than I usually like, and they were the cigar my dad always appreciated most for a Father’s Day gift. He could’ve afforded to smoke them regularly but was and remains a humble guy, someone who prefers to avoid extravagances. He would frequently say that the Davidoffs are so good he had to inhale them a little bit (he used cigars to quit smoking cigs). Heart surgery ended his smoking around the time I really got into cigars – a “regret” I suppose but I am glad he is taking care of himself physically. So, TLDR is that I am a big fan of Davidoff for their run of 2023 LE’s and because the brand holds a sentimental value for me personally. 

Up today is the Signature No. 1, the first of their 2023 re-release LE’s, a group of cigars that were discontinued over the years because they weren’t especially popular. Unsurprisingly, they were two lanceros and a double corona that is closer in size to a grand corona. All three appear to have some minor changes, in this case a different binder. This is closer to a true lancero than the millennium, measuring 7.5” with a 39 ring gauge. Amazing how noticeable the small width difference is when you reach these ring gauges.  

Out of cello this looks fine, excepting a tiny hole in the wrapper (no it’s not a beetle hole) and a somewhat sloppy cap. @Cigar Surgeon has confirmed my anecdotal suspicions that Davidoff’s QC, like that of many NC brands, has been slipping a bit lately, which is a shame particularly on a LE. Nevertheless, I’ve only had good experiences with these. I scoffed my first box and this is the final stick. It’s been six months though, and if this has improved much I’ll probably wait a bit before breaking open the second. While the other two LE’s are still available as of writing, this one sold out very quickly. You may find some singles at B&M’s, but the one’s I’ve seen are all being sold as singles at a considerable markup.  

Aroma at cold/cold draw: Classic Davidoff – hay, barnyard, and a distinct milky coffee flavor that I only get in Davidoffs. I’ll keep the remaining notes brief since this review is already nearing 500 words.  

First Third: Again, classic Davidoff. Coffee, with a natural sweetness (not added sugar), a certain breadiness. There is also a subtle nuttiness, with a bit of mushroomy-ness.  

Second Third: The flavors intensify, and the olor and musty notes that are common to old label Davidoff start to become more prominent, especially on the retrohale. Leather comes in towards the end of this third, but a very mild, powdery leather.  

Last Third: Some wood notes get added to the mix, and I start getting stronger leather notes.  I forgot to take a picture while smoking, but the burn was razor sharp the whole time

Bottom line: A fantastic cigar if you like white label Davidoff – one of if not the best way to enjoy them (fortunately the Signature 2 is in the ballpark). The one caveat is that if you do not care for the olor mustiness/mushroomy flavors of the white label, this probably isn’t the cigar for you. I absolutely love them, but I know it’s divisive. I suspect that’s why, despite scoring the same as the Anniversario 1 on Halfwheel, this didn’t make the top 25 while the Anniversario was their #2 cigar of the year (it has nowhere near the olor flavors this does). If you’re in that boat, I suggest going with the Millenium Lancero, which is still available. 

This is not a super complex cigar, but the flavors it delivers are so intense and pure that, if you like them (and I do), it’s going to deliver them with enough evolution to keep you happy. If it had a touch more development, this is a rare NC 95 (yes, they exist). But for now, it just misses that mark – I'll re-review down the line to see if age changes that.  

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