Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Year of the Tiger

Davidoff

• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Factory: Cigars Davidoff
• Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut)
• Binder: Dominican Republic (Hybrid 257)
• Filler: Dominican Republic (Hybrid 254 Viso, Hybrid 259 Seco, Piloto Ligero, San Vicente Mejorado Seco & San Vicente Mejorado Viso)
• Length: 5 inches
• Ring Gauge: 52
• Vitola: Piramides
• MSRP: $42 (Box of 10, $420)
• Release Date: November 2021
• Number of Cigars Released: 17,350 Boxes of 10 Cigars (173,500 Total Cigars)
• Original Score: 92

Based on the signs that appear in the Chinese Zodiac calendar, Davidoff’s Zodiac Series has become one of the company’s most anticipated annual releases since it debuted in 2007. Over the years, the series has featured a number of different blends sold in some amazing packaging, almost all of which incorporate a variety of Chinese symbolism that includes dominant red and gold colors as well as the number eight.

However, even among those past creations, the Year of the Tiger stands out. A lot.

Not only is it the first time the company has used a torpedo vitola in the series, but it is also the first Connecticut-wrapped blend as well. Then, there is the unique process done by hand that is used on the wrapper to simulate tiger stripes which involve taking darker, wet tobacco veins that are placed crosswise onto the lighter Connecticut wrapper before both are pressed together for 48 hours. After that time has passed, the darker veins are pulled free of the wrapper, leaving the contrasting imprint behind.

Of course, none of that would matter if the resulting cigar did not actually taste great, but the Year of the Tiger has no issues in that department as well, exhibiting a profile that is complex, smooth and nuanced. — Brooks Whittington.