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There is a nice cigar shop near where I live and, as luck would have it, the owner is as curious about cigars as he is knowledgeable. So I make a point of dropping in every once in a while to see what new treasure he hides in his secret humidor. He knows me for what I am: a hard-core Cuban cigar smoker. Full-stop. So I was surprised when during my last visit he disappeared and came back with a cellophane wrapped stick in his hand and said – “You might want to try this one…” “What is it?” I asked. “Dominican” he replied, “it is a Davidoff, entirely made from local leafs, including the wrapper” I guess my inner thoughts sort of morphed to my face. When it comes to cigars, cellophane wrappers are a close second only to the words non-Cuban as a deal breaker. “This is not a Cuban wannabe” he said defensively. “Try it for what it is, a spicy full-bodied Dominican cigar” “Spicy?” I said, my ears perking up at the unsaid challenge to my beloved Shorts. “Very, very spicy” he answered. “And flat and one-dimensional as a board I suppose?” “Not at all, there is some complexity in that spice” he replied. And then he smiled, you know… THAT smile, the I dare you smile. So after resting the Davidoff for two weeks in the humidor and taking advantage of a break in the weather I decided to give it a try. REVIEW Marca: Davidoff Vitola: Puro D’Oro Deliciosos Corona Appearance: Rock hard construction, Dense roll, two or three leaf colors visible in the foot Nice pigtail on the head Flawless colorado claro wrapper, nice sheen with darker “brindled” markings Cold: Dark rich chocolate smell on the foot, barnyard on the wrapper Draw is on the tight side of perfect, surprising in view of dense roll and rock hard feel Taste is woody straw with hints of powdered cayenne pepper Band: This detail is worthy of mention for the Davidoff Puro D’Oro line. The band is classy looking: gold with embossed lettering. But what makes it interesting is that it is placed on the foot of the cigar as opposed to the usual position near the head. There are advantages to this: - Puro D’Oro smokers do not face the dilemma: smoking with or without the band. - The band will offer some protection against cracking or damage to the foot of the cigar - If the wrapper is damaged when removing an improperly glued band the cigar is not (potentially) ruined. The damage is limited to an area close to the foot that is “smoked out” early on. If you have had cigars unravel on you because of damage to the wrapper near the head you will appreciate this point. Opening: There are volumes of pleasant aroma smoke. Explosive spice through the nose! Cayenne pepper as opposed to white or black pepper. High side of medium body Strong salty cedar/leather taste with early hints of ginger Thirds: The salty cedar/leather taste lingers consistently in background through all three thirds. First Nose on fire! The spice tingles on the tongue Hints of ginger on the palate The ash is light gray to white Burn is straight(ish) and self correcting in spite of strong winds Second Full bodied by now, no question Dark bitter chocolate smoothen out some of the spice Hints of toffee/salty caramel pop in and out Third Spice has tamed down Tongue still tingling but lips as well by now (combination spice and nicotine?) Hints of ginger back with “some” sweetness. Overall: This is not a CC wannabe; it is defining its own identity through the exclusive use of Dominican tobacco, wrapper and flavor profile. This cigar has a strong cedar/leather/spice base throughout with occasional hints of bitter chocolate, salty caramel and ginger. Not overly complex when compared to CC but not one-dimensional either. Perhaps more exposure to this amount of spice will improve the ability to pick out subtler and more delicate flavors? This is a pleasant surprise that will appeal to those folks who appreciate a full-bodied and very spicy cigar.