Connoisseur’s Corner: Davidoff Château Latour (circa 1988)
There’s historical importance to this cigar. In the 1940s, Swiss retailer Zino Davidoff started the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey Château Series, which leveraged the names of the most prestigious Bordeaux wines. By the 1960s, Davidoff was granted permission to use his name, so the Hoyo Château Series became the Davidoff Château Series. Personalized projects like this were quite rare, and Cuban Davidoffs didn’t last. They were discontinued in 1991, but they age beautifully. These Latours in particular have a luscious draw with a pronounced cinnamon and nutmeg quality that lasts on the finish. Truly delicious. —Marvin R. Shanken
Thirty-three years in a box have not dulled the flavor and power of this Cohiba, which has a dark, veiny wrapper. The draw is sublime, the flavors heavy on chocolate and espresso bean at the start, then taking on some cappuccino notes toward the second half. Magnificent. Hard to put down. —David Savona
A cigar that’s supposed to be on the milder side has become a zesty smoke. The Secreto Cubano is a petit corona made exclusively for . It starts out floral with a citrus burst before unveiling notes of gingersnap cookie, graham cracker and chili-flecked honey. —Gregory Mottola
It’s a pity that these tasty lonsdales aren’t made anymore. With its dark, oily wrapper and softly-pressed edges, this slim cigar is every bit as good as it appears. First puffs start simply with earth and leather, but become more complex, showing almond paste, gingerbread and nutmeg. —Gregory Mottola
