The rich history of Davidoff cigars, their origins in Cuba, and the enduring legacy of their founder, Zino Davidoff.
Hello dear reader, and thank you ever so much for pausing in your undoubtedly busy day to join me in this cozy corner of the internet where the art of the cigar is not merely discussed but celebrated. Today, we find ourselves embarking on a splendid journey through the history of a veritable titan in the world of tobacco—Davidoff. Our focus, my fellow aficionados, will be a most delightful and insightful exploration of its famous Cuban heritage. We'll explore a narrative steeped in opulence and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship that defined Davidoff's celebrated Cuban period. So, light up your cigar, settle back and get ready for a story that promises to enhance your knowledge of one of the cigar industry’s most iconic brands.
Davidoff cigars have rapidly risen to the zenith of desire among cigar aficionados worldwide. Celebrated for their impeccable craftsmanship and now prized for their rarity, these Cuban treasures are deemed essential for anyone devoted to securing the best in handcrafted Havanas. As times change, so too does the source of their creation, with the Dominican Republic emerging as the new epicenter for these esteemed cigars. This shift is progressing swiftly. A pivotal moment in their history, the initial offerings from what Group Oettinger of Basel, Switzerland—guardians of the Davidoff heritage—refers to as the "new generation of Davidoffs," began making their mark on the world stage in early 1990. This evolution anticipates a surge in demand, one that promises to intensify as enthusiasts eagerly await to experience this new chapter.
The post-World War II era stands out as a pivotal chapter. It was then that Zino Davidoff, a visionary with a profound appreciation for fine tobacco, secured a license to produce an exclusive line of cigars in Cuba. Understanding the refined palates of his international clientele, Davidoff ingeniously named each cigar format in his first series as "Château" after renowned Bordeaux vineyards, connecting two worlds of luxurious craftsmanship. The inaugural release, dubbed "Château Latour," made its debut, setting the stage for what would become a legendary lineage of cigars, each embodying the essence of its namesake's heritage and the meticulous art of Cuban cigar-making.
In 1967, a significant proposition came to Zino Davidoff from Cubatabaco, Cuba's state tobacco monopoly, marking a noteworthy expansion of his influence in the world of fine cigars. They proposed the creation of a distinctive line of cigars that would bear the "Davidoff" name, a testament to the brand's growing prestige. The chosen site for rolling these cigars was the newly minted El Laguito factory in Havana, a facility distinguished by its role in producing the exclusive Cohíba cigars, a brand personally commissioned by Cuban President Fidel Castro. This opportunity allowed Davidoff to intertwine his legacy with the very epicenter of cigar excellence.
In 1971, Davidoff expanded its repertoire with the introduction of the "Mini Cigarillos," compact offerings made from 100% tobacco that catered to aficionados seeking a shorter, yet satisfying smoke. The following year, 1972, marked the brand's foray into another cornerstone of the smoking world with the release of its first line of pipe tobaccos. By 1975, the revered Château series cigars began to be presented in cabinets adorned with the iconic Davidoff logo, enhancing their presentation and allure.
The innovation continued in 1970 with the launch of the "Mille Series," a line distinguished by its refined complexity. In 1977, Davidoff paid homage to luxury and celebration by naming their new cigar "Dom Pérignon," after the prestigious champagne. This theme of commemorating significant milestones culminated in 1986 with the limited release of the "Anniversario" cigars, crafted in honor of Zino Davidoff’s 80th birthday, celebrating the life and legacy of the brand's founder with a fitting tribute.
Following a series of contentious disagreements regarding quality standards and ownership rights, Zino Davidoff and Cubatabaco reached a pivotal decision to sever their partnership. This culmination of tensions was dramatically underscored in August 1989, when Zino Davidoff, in a bold statement of commitment to excellence, publicly incinerated over one hundred thousand cigars he judged to be subpar and unsuitable for sale. This act underscored his unyielding dedication to the high quality that his name had come to represent. By 1991, the production of all Davidoff cigars in Cuba was officially halted. An agreement was forged ensuring that no more Cuban-made Davidoff cigars would be marketed, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the storied history of the Davidoff brand.
In 1990, in the wake of discontinuing their Cuban-made offerings, Davidoff embarked on a fresh venture, shifting production to the Dominican Republic. After several test runs, Zino Davidoff partnered with the esteemed local manufacturer "Tabadom," owned by Hendrik Kelner. This collaboration marked the beginning of a new era for Davidoff cigars.
By 1991, the first Dominican-made Davidoff cigars made their debut, seamlessly continuing the product lines and formats established by their Cuban predecessors. In a nod to the transition and evolution, the celebrated Château series was rebranded as "Grand Cru," with the individual formats now numbered, moving away from the names of Bordeaux vineyards.
The same year also saw the transformation of the limited "Aniversario" release into a continuous offering, the "Aniversario" series, further enriching Davidoff's portfolio. In 1992, the brand introduced the "Special" cigar series, with "Special R" leading as the first offering under this new label. The legacy of innovation and excellence continued until 1994, when at the age of 87, Zino Davidoff passed away in Geneva, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy characterized by unparalleled dedication to quality and craftsmanship in the world of fine cigars.
Here is a detailed overview of the Cuban Davidoff vitolario, a compendium of their most revered cigar lines:
Mille Series (Released in 1970):
1000 - Panetelas: 34x117mm
2000 - Marevas: 42x129mm
3000 - Ninfas: 33x178mm
4000 - Coronas Grandes: 42x155mm
5000 - Coronas Gordas: 46x143mm
Ambassadrice (1969): Laguito No. 3: 26x115mm
No. 1 (1969): Laguito No. 1: 38x192mm
No. 2 (1969): Laguito No. 2: 38x152mm
The Château Series (1969 unless noted):
Château Haut-Brion - Perlas: 40x102mm
Château Yquem: 42x152mm
Château Lafite (Rothschild) - Franciscanos: 40x116mm
Château Latour - Coronas: 42x142mm
Château Margaux - Marevas: 42x129mm
Château Mouton Rothschild (1983) - Coronas Grandes: 42x155mm
Dom Perignon (1977): Julieta No. 2: 47x174mm
80 Anniversario (1986): Gran Corona: 47x235mm
Each of these offerings represents a unique blend of craftsmanship and heritage, encapsulating the essence of the Davidoff brand during its Cuban era.
