Davidoff Limited Edition 2023 Year of the Rabbit Flagship Edition

Davidoff

• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Factory: Cigars Davidoff
• Wrapper: Ecuador (Hybrid 238)
• Binder: Mexico (San Andrés)
• Filler: Dominican Republic (Piloto Seco, San Vicente Ligero, San Vicente Seco, Yamasá Viso) & Nicaragua (Estelí)
• Length: 6 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 56
• Vitola: Toro Extra
• MSRP: $72 (Box of 24, $1,728)
• Release Date: November 2023
• Number of Cigars Released: 600 Boxes of 24 Cigars (14,400 Total Cigars)
• Original Score: 91

In the 12 years since it debuted in the Asian market back in 2011, Davidoff’s Zodiac Series has exploded in popularity while also expanding in scope. The limited edition series was created to honor the Chinese New Year, with each release centered around the animal of the upcoming year on the Chinese Zodiac calendar.

While the first 10 entries in the Zodiac Series were singular releases, Davidoff made a change starting with the 2022 Year of the Tiger by adding a second vitola incorporating the same blend that was sold exclusively in different packaging. For that first release, the toro vitola was packaged in the Davidoff Masterpiece humidor, which was designed by Rose Saneuil—who has worked with Davidoff on a number of high-end humidors—and Chinese artist Qi Xie.

For the Limited Edition 2023 Year of the Rabbit, the second vitola was known as the Flagship Exclusive, and it was sold in limited humidors as well as at Davidoff of Geneva — since 1911 flagship stores. Unlike the regular version of the cigar—which was packaged in boxes designed to look like a rabbit’s warren—the 24-count boxes for the Flagship Exclusive were covered in high-gloss lacquer and the cigars were packed in four stacked trays inside.

When it comes to the cigar, reviewers praised the Year of the Rabbit Flagship Edition’s complex profile—especially in the first half—as well as the number of different flavors that were present. However, all four reviewers also had minor construction issues.

From a personal standpoint, I found both versions of the Year of the Rabbit to be extremely enjoyable, but the regular incarnation featured a slightly more dynamic profile and included a bit more sweetness. — Brooks Whittington.