This week on Lounge Lizards: Davidoff Puro Dominicano Corona Larga with Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey/launch of the new Lizard ratings website/Gizmo loses his passport/Bams fashion Faux Pas

[El Presidente]

This week the Lizards pair Davidoff Puro Dominicano Corona Larga with Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey. The guys try Davidoff’s first new regular production black label line in almost a decade, Gizmo details his recent trip to Europe and they launch the new Lizard ratings website. PLUS: Is Davidoff Back?, New Ratings Guide Launch, Gizmo Lost His Passport, Tabaclera de Garcia Is Open, Listener Feedback on Pod Impact, Bam's Fashion Faux Pas & More

 

[TomsRibs210]

Great episode and the absurdity of the Davidoff advertising was next level. It is a shame Senator couldn’t join our heroes because he was in line for the Swatch-Audemars Piaget collaboration. 

[LizardGizmo]

On 5/26/2026 at 7:36 PM, TomsRibs210 said:

Great episode and the absurdity of the Davidoff advertising was next level. It is a shame Senator couldn’t join our heroes because he was in line for the Swatch-Audemars Piaget collaboration. 

I can't wait to ask Senator what color he went with! It was a fun recording but another major let down from Davidoff.

For the whiskey purists out there - we are coming around on both barrel proof and rye whiskeys!

Maybe I should start a new topic on this, but are we being unfairly harsh on Davidoff? Is anyone else having the same experience that we are? Opposite? New production of old stuff we love and new releases continue to be duds when we review. Davidoff has been reviewed more than any marca and prior to last year, was the highest average rated marca we've rated.

[NYGuido]

On 5/29/2026 at 12:27 AM, LizardGizmo said:

Maybe I should start a new topic on this, but are we being unfairly harsh on Davidoff? Is anyone else having the same experience that we are? Opposite? New production of old stuff we love and new releases continue to be duds when we review. Davidoff has been reviewed more than any marca and prior to last year, was the highest average rated marca we've rated.

I’m right with you on Davidoff and have EXTENSIVE thoughts on this, which I will try and enter in as structured a manner as I can (though you’ll forgive my reordering your questions a bit to build momentum):

1 - I’m absolutely having the same experience you are. I find myself more often disappointed with Davidoff and struggling to see the value of maintaining them as a core part of my rotation and collection. Recent construction issues, blend changes, annoying marketing, lack of cohesive vision, and out of touch prices are forcing me to reevaluate how I engage with their cigars, a real shame for me since I’ve been a huge fan for years.

The new releases are falling flat. I’ve gifted away most of my 2025 Chef’s to friends who’ve wanted to try one because I have no interest in smoking them. The Puro Doninicano won’t stay lit at any RH, which I guess is fine because the flavor is mediocre at best when the thing is burning. The Corona Larga is the best of them, but it’s solidly “meh.”

But the thing that upsets me most is how far short the current production runs of “old” releases are falling. Millennium robustos have been as close to a daily as can be for me over the past 3-5 years. The boxes I picked up in 2026 have been abysmal: no cream or cocoa, all Corojo, Earth and minerality, no amazing cappuccino notes. A sad cigar compared to what it once was. Anniversario series is tasting a bit sour even at lower RH. Grand Cru is holding, but they’ve discontinued the No. 3, my favorite vitola of the entire line.

2 - Are you being too harsh? NO! Davidoff positions themselves at the pinnacle of the market, the best of the best, the El Laguito-rolled Cohiba of the non-Cuban world. They charge top prices and, in turn, the promise has been top quality. That’s the deal we’ve made with them. Their blends and their construction used to back that up and leave me feeling like their sticks are expensive but worth it. Now? No way. They’re missing what made them great and, in pretending they’re not, they’re flailing like someone willing to drown because they’re too afraid to admit they can’t swim. It makes me sad because the cigar world is better when Davidoff is firing on all cylinders, like F1 is better when Ferrari does well and the NBA has a certain sizzle when the Knicks are competing for a title. 

Keep slamming them. Keep being honest about what you’re experiencing. Maybe call Klas Kelner and see if his dad wants to go back and help them fix this mess. Because I’m about ready to write Davidoff off and relegate them to the memories of what was instead of keeping them in my rotation of what is. 

[El Niño]

On 5/29/2026 at 12:27 AM, LizardGizmo said:

are we being unfairly harsh on Davidoff?

No, lol! That story about you getting a new passport in less than a day is a prime example of my favorite thing about New Yorkers. If you need something done, YOU GET IT DONE. May each and every one of you who read this find Ultra-Gizmode within yourself!

[LizardGizmo]

7 hours ago, El Niño said:

No, lol! That story about you getting a new passport in less than a day is a prime example of my favorite thing about New Yorkers. If you need something done, YOU GET IT DONE. May each and every one of you who read this find Ultra-Gizmode within yourself! 

[ha_banos]

"i showed him my appointment but of course I hid the time with my finger." The devil is always in the detail. But really...who doesn't check their passport a couple of weeks before!? I don't have OCD and I check my passport now and I make sure I touch it a few times from now until holiday a few months down the line! 

 

 

[Christophe]

On 5/29/2026 at 12:27 AM, LizardGizmo said:

Maybe I should start a new topic on this, but are we being unfairly harsh on Davidoff? Is anyone else having the same experience that we are? Opposite? New production of old stuff we love and new releases continue to be duds when we review. 

Likewise. The Grand Cru was one of the first non-full bodied premium cigars I truly appreciated. But the pricing, marketing and recent duds have just been insane. Even on the good stuff. A Davidoff Maduro short corona is priced like a Cohiba. I only buy Davidoffs if I can get a good deal on a small pack in a duty-free at this point. I've got the Puro Dominicano resting in my humidor, haven't touched it yet, but I've had the same experiences you guys describe with e.g. the Yamasa. 

I have another new entry which I haven't touched yet in my humidor, the Winston Churchill Late Hour is now also available as a Belicoso (like the white one you guys love so much). Maybe worth it for a short-smoke special, to give Davidoff one last chance? 

[SonicStag]

At first when the Davidoff bashing started I did think you were being harsh but with hindsight I think you could be right. Davidoff has followed Habanos & become all about marketing & expensive limited releases. The construction is no longer reliable, take the Maduro Robusto, I’ve had good & bad, constantly going out & it gets frustrating even more so than with a Cuban. Davidoff reliability is no longer there & yet their prices just go up & up. When it comes to purchasing now, with the reliability gone now, I’d rather put my money to play the Cuban lottery or to Padron. 

Here in the UK we pay higher prices anyway, so when you are paying a high price you expect reliability, excellent flavour, construction etc, especially from a supposed high end premium New World company, Davidoff really need to look at what is going wrong, as something quite clearly is. A major retailer here is always having to regularly promote Davidoff limited releases at heavy discount and they still are not shifting them, that never used to be the case. Even with the limited new world brands available here, there’s just so many that offer better quality & value for money than Davidoff. 

Keep up the great work you guys do & whatever has happened to Poobah?!?! He’s disappeared into the vortex. The lost passport 😂 that was Pagoda worthy.

[TheCigarSoldier]

7 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I’m right with you on Davidoff and have EXTENSIVE thoughts on this, which I will try and enter in as structured a manner as I can (though you’ll forgive my reordering your questions a bit to build momentum):

1 - I’m absolutely having the same experience you are. I find myself more often disappointed with Davidoff and struggling to see the value of maintaining them as a core part of my rotation and collection. Recent construction issues, blend changes, annoying marketing, lack of cohesive vision, and out of touch prices are forcing me to reevaluate how I engage with their cigars, a real shame for me since I’ve been a huge fan for years.

The new releases are falling flat. I’ve gifted away most of my 2025 Chef’s to friends who’ve wanted to try one because I have no interest in smoking them. The Puro Doninicano won’t stay lit at any RH, which I guess is fine because the flavor is mediocre at best when the thing is burning. The Corona Larga is the best of them, but it’s solidly “meh.”

But the thing that upsets me most is how far short the current production runs of “old” releases are falling. Millennium robustos have been as close to a daily as can be for me over the past 3-5 years. The boxes I picked up in 2026 have been abysmal: no cream or cocoa, all Corojo, Earth and minerality, no amazing cappuccino notes. A sad cigar compared to what it once was. Anniversario series is tasting a bit sour even at lower RH. Grand Cru is holding, but they’ve discontinued the No. 3, my favorite vitola of the entire line.

2 - Are you being too harsh? NO! Davidoff positions themselves at the pinnacle of the market, the best of the best, the El Laguito-rolled Cohiba of the non-Cuban world. They charge top prices and, in turn, the promise has been top quality. That’s the deal we’ve made with them. Their blends and their construction used to back that up and leave me feeling like their sticks are expensive but worth it. Now? No way. They’re missing what made them great and, in pretending they’re not, they’re flailing like someone willing to drown because they’re too afraid to admit they can’t swim. It makes me sad because the cigar world is better when Davidoff is firing on all cylinders, like F1 is better when Ferrari does well and the NBA has a certain sizzle when the Knicks are competing for a title. 

Keep slamming them. Keep being honest about what you’re experiencing. Maybe call Klas Kelner and see if his dad wants to go back and help them fix this mess. Because I’m about ready to write Davidoff off and relegate them to the memories of what was instead of keeping them in my rotation of what is.

Completely agree on all (these points)!!

I smoked a Millenium Robusto a few weeks back and it was the exact same experience you're describing. All Earth, none of the cream or cappuccino that used to be the spine of that cigar. Had a Nicaraguan Diadema, another one that was stellar in the 2010's when it was released. All pepper, no flavor. The company is going seriously downhill and I'm at a point where why take a $30 chance on a Davidoff when I can have a $12 Stoic, Trinity Robusto, Aging Room, etc.  that beats the brakes off of it. 

[JDoughty]

11 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I find myself more often disappointed with Davidoff and struggling to see the value of maintaining them as a core part of my rotation and collection. Recent construction issues, blend changes, annoying marketing, lack of cohesive vision, and out of touch prices are forcing me to reevaluate how I engage with their cigars, a real shame for me since I’ve been a huge fan for years.

Anniversario series is tasting a bit sour even at lower RH. Grand Cru is holding, but they’ve discontinued the No. 3, my favorite vitola of the entire line.

I am very fond of the 2023 Millenium Lanceros. Classic cream and cashew notes. Try them sometime if you haven't? But I agree, there has not been a Davidoff release since then that even comes close to the earlier productions. I tried a recent Davidoff Maduro and found it almost entirely flavorless. Sadly, I did buy some of the new Puro Dominicana in Corona Larga. Haven't cracked into them yet, but after listening to the podcast, I'm regretting the purchase. 

[barrygoodvibes]

Where the hell is Poobah? Is he ever coming back? Miss that man…

[LizardGizmo]

5 hours ago, barrygoodvibes said:

Where the hell is Poobah? Is he ever coming back? Miss that man…

That makes two of us! Poobah is in Florida 90% of the time for work, so until he’s back in NJ more he won’t be able to join us.

[barrygoodvibes]

1 hour ago, LizardGizmo said:

That makes two of us! Poobah is in Florida 90% of the time for work, so until he’s back in NJ more he won’t be able to join us.

Ah bummer. Well we need to break out a special stick for his return episode. Maybe a LUB 14 Upmann. 

[JDoughty]

Not the worst cigar I've ever smoked, but it doesn't really have the Davidoff DNA and it's not particularly good either. Oh well. You guys did warn me. Not having too many burn issues with mine though. Construction and burn are solid. There's a hint of some good flavors on the retrohale, subtle leather and wood with a touch of cocoa, but the finish/aftertaste is muddy and slightly bitter. Smoke texture is slightly arid but the smoke volume is generous. Stored and smoked at 62 to 63rh. 

[LizardGizmo]

1 hour ago, JDoughty said:

Not the worst cigar I've ever smoked, but it doesn't really have the Davidoff DNA and it's not particularly good either. Oh well. You guys did warn me. Not having too many burn issues with mine though. Construction and burn are solid. There's a hint of some good flavors on the retrohale, subtle leather and wood with a touch of cocoa, but the finish/aftertaste is muddy and slightly bitter. Smoke texture is slightly arid but the smoke volume is generous. Stored and smoked at 62 to 63rh. 

I also stored ours at 62 for the couples weeks I had them since purchase. Was the 6.6 the right score based on your experience?

[JDoughty]

12 hours ago, LizardGizmo said:

I also stored ours at 62 for the couples weeks I had them since purchase. Was the 6.6 the right score based on your experience?

So right after I posted that I was having no burn issues, it started having burn issues and repeatedly going out in the early middle of the second third. The muddy bitter aftertaste completely took over and the smoke texture went drier than a 90 year old nun's unused wedding tackle. Some good notes were still occasionally coming through on the retrohale, but it was not enough to make me want to keep smoking it. I have never ashcanned a Davidoff less than halfway through before. I'm sorry you guys had to actually suffer through smoking the whole thing for review. Thankfully I didn't have to. It would be a 6 from me, and that's being polite. Would not buy again, can not recommend. In my experience, the defects in this stick are not the kind that improve with aging. Many less than pleasurable flavor notes in a cigar can age out completely or smooth out into balance with aging, but dirty, ashy, acrid bitterness does not, nor will any amount of aging salvage the construction problems. At best some of the acridity might lessen with a few years, but I wouldn't bet on it. 

I was at a cigar event and chatting with some knowledgeable industry folks - Dave says hi, by the way - and got a bit of background on what was happening at Davidoff since their really good blenders bailed out of there for legitimate reasons. I'm probably done with the brand until they get their act together, except for any of their older releases that come up on auction sites. The direction they are currently going in is not good, and I don't think they care enough to fix it because they're still coasting on their laurels. 

[NYGuido]

On 5/30/2026 at 11:49 PM, JDoughty said:

The direction they are currently going in is not good, and I don't think they care enough to fix it because they're still coasting on their laurels. 

There’s a segment of smokers who smoke for “luxury experience” and not actual flavor. They’ll continue to line the Davidoff coffers. 

[JDoughty]

1 hour ago, NYGuido said:

There’s a segment of smokers who smoke for “luxury experience” and not actual flavor. They’ll continue to line the Davidoff coffers. 

They can go lick a Davidoff ashtray and get the same experience for cheaper. 😆

[ha_banos]

Eddie and Joe like it...

Ok in fact the don't say too much about the cigar. That's probably as close as these two polite gentlemen would go short of calling it a bag'o'shyte I reckon.

[LizardGizmo]

https://halfwheel.com/davidoff-puro-dominicano-corona-larga/472222/

It got a 74 from @charlieminato at halfwheel - who by the way had their entire PCA 2026 coverage sponsored by Davidoff’s launch of Puro Dominicano. The cigar is terrible.

 

[JDoughty]

On 6/2/2026 at 12:27 AM, NYGuido said:

There’s a segment of smokers who smoke for “luxury experience” and not actual flavor. They’ll continue to line the Davidoff coffers. 

There will always be some masochists who enjoy inflicting self punishment! This song by Weird Al definitely comes to mind. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWhpk-8QLFQ

"I would rather clean all the bathrooms in Grand Central Station with my tongue than spend one more minute with you" seems an apropos line. 

[Cigar Surgeon]

On 5/29/2026 at 12:27 AM, LizardGizmo said:

Maybe I should start a new topic on this, but are we being unfairly harsh on Davidoff? Is anyone else having the same experience that we are? Opposite? New production of old stuff we love and new releases continue to be duds when we review. Davidoff has been reviewed more than any marca and prior to last year, was the highest average rated marca we've rated.

I've been getting steady pushback on my stance for a few years now. Some things are subjective like flavor, but QC is objective. We have a Davidoff review coming up and I think the deficiencies are especially highlighted through a blind format.

[JPark3]

They really have had a noticeable drop in overall quality. I haven't even looked in their direction since their Artist limited edition Churchill.

[Fireball]

I was driving to work listening to this episode and it literally made my day.