In the world of luxury cigars, few names carry the prestige and respect that Davidoff does. A brand synonymous with elegance, tradition, and unparalleled craftsmanship, Davidoff has once again pushed the boundaries of premium cigars with the release of the Davidoff Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 Years. At $750 per cigar, this is not just a cigarβit’s a journey through time, a tribute to patience, and a celebration of the finest Dominican tobacco.
A Decade in the Making: The Legacy of Oro Blanco
Ten years ago, the original Davidoff Oro Blanco made waves when it debuted at a then-eye-popping price of $500 per cigar. At the time, it was a statement piece in the cigar worldβa culmination of Davidoffβs first foray into vintage cigars, using aged tobacco from a special 2002 crop. It quickly became the most expensive non-flavored cigar on the market. Now, in 2024, the Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 Years builds on that legacy, with an even more exclusive blend, raising the stakes and the price to $750 per cigar.
The Tobacco: Aged to Perfection
What sets the Special Reserve 111 apart is not just its price, but the story behind its tobacco. As the name suggests, the cigarβs blend features tobaccos with a combined age of 111 years. This isn’t just marketing flair; Davidoff meticulously explains the age of each leaf used in the blend.
- Filler leaves: The cigar is crafted with five filler leaves, three of which are 17 years old, while two are 18 years old.
- Binder: The binder, the heart of the cigarβs structure, is 20 years oldβmarking it as the oldest tobacco in the blend.
- Wrapper: Though only four years old, the wrapper ties the blend together, offering a balance of flavor and burn.
This dedication to aging isnβt just about numbers; it speaks to Davidoffβs philosophy of patience and care, allowing the tobacco to reach its peak maturity before crafting it into a cigar worthy of the Oro Blanco name.
A Blend Like No Other
Each tobacco leaf used in the Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 is a product of five distinct terroirs in the Dominican Republic, including Navarrete, YamasΓ‘, Piloto, Mao, and Bonao. Each region brings its own unique qualities to the blend. Bonao, in particular, holds a special significance, as Davidoff no longer cultivates tobacco in this area, making the leaf used in this cigar even more exclusive.
The result is a complex, nuanced blend that reflects the diverse Dominican landscape, each puff revealing layers of earth, spice, and subtle sweetness that evolve throughout the smoking experience.
Rolled by Masters
A cigar of this caliber demands nothing less than the most experienced hands to bring it to life. According to Edward Simon, chief marketing officer at Oettinger Davidoff, the Special Reserve 111 is rolled exclusively by their master roller supervisors, each with at least 20 years of experience. These artisans ensure that each cigar is crafted to perfection, with the utmost attention to detail in every roll.
βThe binder and each filler are at least 17 years old, including one that we have never used in a Davidoff cigar before,β Simon notes. This rare tobacco, combined with the expertise of master rollers, ensures that the Special Reserve 111 is not just another cigar, but a collectorβs item, one that is only released when deemed ready by Davidoffβs master blenders.
Presentation: A Tribute to Tradition
Davidoff cigars have always been known for their elegant presentation, and the Special Reserve 111 is no exception. Each cigar is sold either individually in wooden coffins or in 10-count wooden cases. The boxes are inlaid with cedar patterns that resemble the vein structure of tobacco leaves, a subtle nod to the craftsmanship and nature that goes into every Davidoff cigar.
Why Itβs More Than Just a Cigar
For many, the idea of paying $750 for a single cigar might seem extravagant. But the Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 is more than just a luxury itemβitβs a celebration of time, tradition, and artistry. The blend represents over a century of combined aging, and every aspect of the cigarβfrom the tobacco to the rolling processβhas been meticulously curated.
This cigar isnβt just for the casual smoker; itβs for the true aficionado who understands that a cigar is more than a sum of its parts. Itβs about the experience, the stories behind the tobacco, the hands that rolled it, and the environment that nurtured it.
The Davidoff Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 Years is a rare masterpiece in the world of cigars. It reflects the very best of what Davidoff stands forβheritage, luxury, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For those who seek not just a smoke, but an experience rooted in time and tradition, this cigar is a journey worth embarking on.
For those fortunate enough to savor it, the Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 promises to be an unforgettable experience, reminding us that the best things in life truly take time.
