As a cigar nerd, it is exciting for me to learn the history behind anniversary cigar releases. Some are a tribute to an individual, while others celebrate certain events’ anniversaries. The latest release from Davidoff is a combination of those, giving the nod back to 1986 when they released the Aniversario cigar in honor of Zino Davidoff’s 80th birthday.
This is back when Davidoff was still rolling cigars in Cuba, which would sadly be the last Davidoff Cigar produced in Cuba. Production of the Anivesario would resume in the 1990s in the Dominican Republic until the line was discontinued in 2016. Late in 2023, Davidoff announced that the Anivesario would be making its grand return as a limited edition in an 8 2/3 x 48 double corona, the size of the original back in 1986. The run will consist of 6500 10-count boxes, 9 individually wrapped cigars, and one in a wooden tube, similar to the original in 1986.
Under the lid
The packaging is similar to some of the recent limited-edition releases from Davidoff, in a gloss white box with the gold Davidoff logo and the cigar’s name. When the box is opened, this one differs. The wooden tube containing one cigar immediately stands out, making the nine individually cello-wrapped cigars look even larger than they are.
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Ecuador
- Filler: Dominican Republic Piloto Viso, San Vicente Viso, and San Vicente Mejorado Viso
- Vitola Reviewed: 8 2/3 x 48
- Factory: Cigars Davidoff
- Release Date: October 2023
- Number of cigars released: 6,500 boxes of 10
- MSRP: $64 ($640 for a box of 10)
Taking a closer look at these cigars, it is apparent they are luxury cigars. The traditional white Davidoff band with gold graphics really stands out against the caramel brown wrapper glistening with oil, almost like it has been painted on. The seams are exceptionally well done, giving the cigar the appearance of one continuous leaf. The surface is silky smooth, has very little tooth, and just a few raised veins running throughout. The cigar is nice and firm, with a slight soft spot near the cap. Once again, the size of this cigar while in hand is noticeable. The prelight aroma from the foot of the cigar gives faint hints of salted cashews, cedar, cardamom, and white pepper, while the body has a slight floral note, along with cedar and dry earth. Prelight draw, which is absolutely perfect on all samples smoked, has medium roast coffee, salted cashews, and cabinet spices. This looks like it is going to be a long and enjoyable smoking experience.
Performance Notes
First third: Interestingly, the cigar starts off with a strong coffee note, with a hint of dry earth and red pepper flakes, which is surprising based on the notes in the pre-light. Things quickly change, though. About half an inch into the smoking experience, the floodgates of flavor open, and the cigar takes on what I expected the profile to be. Toasted bread, browned butter, peanut brittle, cinnamon, and white pepper all hit the palate, with a creamy vanilla note on the finish, balancing everything out. The retrohale has the same salted cashew note, along with a hint of brownie batter and sweet floral. What a start to the smoking experience. The burn line is laser beam sharp, and the draw is perfect. Strength is mild, while the body and complexity are solidly medium-full. Smoke output is thick right from the start.
Second third: Getting into the middle part of the cigar, the early flavors continue to develop, with just a hint of barnyard showing up in the background. As the cigar progresses, the browned butter note pushes a little harder on the palate, and a brown sugar-type sweetness that I have not experienced before begins to develop. As the cigar transitions past the midway point, the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans appears in the retrohale, with a finish of charred meat, reminding me of a nice juicy ribeye on the grill. The burn is slightly wobbly at this point, while the draw remains perfect, with the cigar still producing a significant amount of smoke. Strength has crept into the medium range here, with body and complexity at the upper end of medium-full.
Final third: The final third sees a few new, faint notes in the background, sourdough, citrus zest, and leather. There is a horseradish-like spice on the retrohale that is as surprising as it is good. While nothing new further appears, the existing notes begin to increase in intensity. Burn has returned to laser-sharp, and the draw remains as perfect as it was at the start. Strength is solidly medium, while body and complexity finish in the full range.
Core flavors throughout the smoking experience were chocolate, cedar, salted cashews, and raisins, with hints of wood and black pepper.
Strength: Medium
Body: Full
Complexity: Full
Smokin Experience: Being a cigar nerd and involved in the industry, I have had the opportunity to smoke some world-class cigars. Having said that, the bottom line on the Anivesario No. 1 is this cigar excites me! It is by far the best cigar I smoked in 2023 and is for sure one of the top five cigars I have ever smoked. The fact that a cigar this size can keep your attention for the entire smoking experience is a testament to the blend and the quality of the tobacco used to create this masterpiece. There are not many cigars that are in this price range that I could say are worth every penny or even state they are a good value, but this cigar for sure fits both of those marks. If you are looking for a special occasion cigar or simply want to have an unforgettable smoking experience, look no further!
Purchase Recommendation: Hope you have been pinching your pennies because you need a box of these before they disappear!
Smokin Facts:
- The original release in 1986 was named Davidoff 80 Aniversario
- Davidoff ceased production of all products in Cuba in 1991
- Smokin Tabacco’s Cigar of the Year for 2023
Smokin Wrap
Cigars smoked for the review: Three
Average smoking time: 2 Hours and 50 Minutes
Score: 94
Kevin Acuff
Senior Reviewer & Editor
Kevin Acuff was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. Growing up in a rural area, he was able to indulge in some very exciting life experiences at a young age. He acquired his private pilot license before he had a driver’s license, spent several years on the competitive bass fishing tournament trail, and even spent a couple of seasons racing motorcycles. In 2001, he relocated to Las Vegas, spending the better part of the past 20 years working in the sign industry.
It was one of those industry trips, back in 2014 that changed his life for good. His boss handed him a Siglo V and an instantaneous bond was formed. He has spent countless hours since then learning as much about cigars as time would allow. This has resulted in a private collection of cigars that would rival some smaller retailers. Being inquisitive and not afraid to ask questions resulted in being blessed with several opportunities to experience the industry from all angles. Kevin is a regular attendee at the trade shows, has some firsthand experience on the media side, and is a familiar face to many at consumer events throughout the country.
He is married to Barbara, who shares an equal love of the leaf. When they are not in their private lounge enjoying a cigar, they are either in the backyard playing with their fur kids or out exploring the back roads in the Wild West on one of their Harleys.
