DaVinci
Up for review today is the DaVinci. A strange concept for a cigar, but for the price I figured it was worth a try. The few details I could find are… The wrapper is grown by the Oliva Family, and is a brand owned by Altadis. Per my normal routine, I am pairing up with PUR filtered water. With that, I give to you the review.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: Exhibition E (50 x 5)
Price: Around $3.00
Pre-smoke & Construction:
Overall, the length of the cigar was a bit spongy feeling, but consistent. Speaking of the wrapper, it had mid sized vein’s running throughout, and looked a little toothy (bumpy or rugged). Sniffing the wrapper and foot revealed wood and earthy smells. The pre-light draw was a little tight, and tasted a little sweet. Overall, the cigar looked nice. The ash held for about an inch, and the burn required a few touchups. The draw loosened up a bit as I smoked, and I forgot about the initial tight draw.
Flavor:
The first few puffs were a simple earthy taste. After getting about an inch in, the flavor opened up a bit. I noticed a sweet spice through the nose as well as other sweet notes. A somewhat nutty flavor developed as well as I finished up the first third.
The second third started off with the smoke taking on a creamy feel. The spice calmed down a bit and the earthy notes mellowed out. Nuts were the primary flavor in this third.
The last third began with an increase of the earthy flavor, but it dropped back again. The creaminess increased and became lip smacking, if that makes sense. The sweet spice I mentioned earlier remained, but was overtaken by the creaminess. That nutty flavor remained dominant until it was time to put the cigar down. Not bad!
Conclusion:
Price aside, this was a good medium to full bodied cigar. The flavor profile kept me from getting bored. I will admit the price added to the enjoyment though. For a $3.00 stick, I can’t complain. Although it is a gimmicky name and presentation, at least it delivered a decent smoking experience. I say give these a try and see for yourself. Not a bad budget cigar.
