Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 2021 (FRCSW5)

[sho671]

It was sunny and cool out so I figured I'd smoke something nice. This was the first time trying the Aniversario No. 2 and I was disappointed. The cigar has been sitting in the same tupperdor as all my other NCs, but for some reason this one was problematic. I got a good toast and then light with the first few puffs having a bitter grass note. Then about a half inch in the cigar went out. I figured it was a fluke and relit. By the first one to two inches the cigar went out and a hard charcoal like ash started to form that would not come off the cigar. I eventually cut off the lit end with a straight cutter around the start of the second third but the cigar was fire retardant. I ended up throwing it out right after taking the second picture below. I think this was the fourth Davidoff I've ever smoked and it was probably one of the worst cigar experiences I've ever had.

0/5

[NapaNolan]

Bummer!

[MrBirdman]

Remarkable to consider that the 2021 quality issues may have hit even Davidoff. Whatever you think of their blends, their QC has long been unimpeachable. 

[GaryK 54]

I agree with @MrBirdman. I’m not a fan of their blends, but their hallmark has always been impeccable QC. Sorry to hear about your bad experience during what sounded like a perfect evening for a relaxing cigar. I can deal with draw issues, but ‘fireproof’ wrappers drive me crazy. 

[zeebra]

I also had one recently, while watching the superbowl and it never went out and was a wonderful cigar!  But then again, mine was about 5-6 years old

[gustavehenne]

I've had quite a few problems with Davidoff cigars, especially the Escurio Gran Perfecto (never had one that hasn't split) and the Robusto Intenso which smoked a lot like the OP experiences. I agree that they are usually top notch although I find Padron or Fuente to have far greater consistency....

[MrBirdman]

1 hour ago, stevenhaugen said:

I agree that they are usually top notch although I find Padron or Fuente to have far greater consistency...

My experience has been exactly the opposite - Davidoff has historically be the most consistent NC cigar IME. In fact when it comes to construction they’re basically unparalleled - at least up until this past year. I certainly wouldn’t say that about Fuente, especially some of their perfectos.  

[Silverstix]

Just FYI - this cigar was discontinued in 2016.  

Have never personally had any construction issues with a Davidoff.  Love the Anniversario line but this one is just too much cigar and not enough excitement for me.  I can take this profile in a petit corona size, but not a churchill 

 

18 hours ago, MrBirdman said:

My experience has been exactly the opposite - Davidoff has historically be the most consistent NC cigar IME. In fact when it comes to construction they’re basically unparalleled - at least up until this past year. I certainly wouldn’t say that about Fuente, especially some of their perfectos.  

Fuente's reputation definitely doesn't live up to their performance over the last 5-10 years I'd say.  Even some Opus that I smoked have had issues.  Davidoff & Padron are always the benchmark for me

[sho671]

On 2/28/2022 at 12:56 PM, Silverstix said:

Just FYI - this cigar was discontinued in 2016. 

I didn’t know this. I received them in September 2021 from a lottery win on a discord group, hence the 2021 in the title. I’m a little more bummed more that an at least 5 year old smoke didn’t burn.

I did see that an online retailer just got some 2015 vintage No. 2s in last week that I think are reasonably priced. I might have to grab one to try again.

[Juliano88]

Henke Kelner and Don Eladio Diaz who were the master blenders and heads of Quality Control both left Davidoff. I can see how the quality of the blends and construction has diminished a bit since their departure. 

[Meesterjojo]

Isn't the anniversario supposed to be one of those highly sought after ones?

I never cared for davidoff back when, but I've recently taken to their Nicaraguan box pressed. 

I've tried the yamasa series. They taste like the gum on thr back of a stamp to me. And last years special Winston Churchill was boring. 

Interesting. Thanks for taking one for the team. Sorry it turned out bad. 

[Silverstix]

On 3/4/2022 at 6:52 AM, Juliano88 said:

Henke Kelner and Don Eladio Diaz who were the master blenders and heads of Quality Control both left Davidoff. I can see how the quality of the blends and construction has diminished a bit since their departure. 

Just for historical correctness - this vitola was discontinued in 2016 so it was made during the era when both were still at the factory. I wouldn’t expect there to be much discernible difference since their departure either, Davidoff is now a very well oiled machine. The biggest difference probably will be the lack of growth with new blends. For example the Nicaragua series and the Yamasa series are both excellent excellent cigars that Henke was key in developing. Even the Escurio line is a tasty change of pace. Total opposite of the mild-medium cream and nuts blends you get from much of the white band lines. (I personally like the mild and easy profile but I can understand it’s not for everyone.)
 

On 3/4/2022 at 6:39 AM, sho671 said:

I didn’t know this. I received them in September 2021 from a lottery win on a discord group, hence the 2021 in the title. I’m a little more bummed more that an at least 5 year old smoke didn’t burn.
I did see that an online retailer just got some 2015 vintage No. 2s in last week that I think are reasonably priced. I might have to grab one to try again.

Yeah it’s definitely out of character for there to be any burn issue with a Davidoff. My personal favorite in the Anniversario line is the Special R. It’s a much more medium bodied cigar compared to the #2 which I find a little boring being that it’s such a large vitola. Definitely look into the nicaragua and yamasa lines as well


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[Juliano88]

2 hours ago, Silverstix said:

Just for historical correctness - this vitola was discontinued in 2016 so it was made during the era when both were still at the factory. I wouldn’t expect there to be much discernible difference since their departure either, Davidoff is now a very well oiled machine. The biggest difference probably will be the lack of growth with new blends. For example the Nicaragua series and the Yamasa series are both excellent excellent cigars that Henke was key in developing. Even the Escurio line is a tasty change of pace. Total opposite of the mild-medium cream and nuts blends you get from much of the white band lines. (I personally like the mild and easy profile but I can understand it’s not for everyone.)


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Good info to know! Not a big davidoff guy as I tend to reach for Fuente or E.P.C when I smoke a Dominican. I agree the Nicaragua is a great blend which shows their versatility working with different tobaccos.