AshMap
Davidoff Yamasa — Heritage & History
Davidoff Yamasa is a tribute to the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic, a terroir that was historically overlooked for premium cigar tobacco until Davidoff’s agronomists recognized its potential. The line debuted in 2016 as part of Davidoff’s “The Making Of” series, which explores the brand’s sourcing and production philosophy. The Yamasa project was spearheaded by Hendrik Kelner Jr., who worked with local growers to cultivate sun-grown Corojo and Habano-seed tobaccos in the region’s iron-rich red clay soil. Davidoff, founded by Zino Davidoff in the mid-20th century, had long been associated with Cuban cigars before relocating to the Dominican Republic in the early 1990s. The Yamasa series represents a modern chapter, emphasizing a single-origin wrapper and binder from a non-traditional growing area. It reinforces Davidoff’s reputation for rigorous quality control and a willingness to invest in new terroirs. The cigars are handcrafted at Davidoff’s La Romana facility in Santiago, reflecting the brand’s Swiss-Dominican heritage of precision and luxury.
Blending Philosophy
Davidoff Yamasa embodies a philosophy of terroir-driven blending, using sun-grown tobaccos from the Yamasa region as the defining core. Rather than blending multiple origins to achieve balance, Davidoff chose to highlight the distinct character of this single Dominican valley—its intense, earthy richness and natural sweetness. The sun-growing process, which exposes leaves to full sunlight rather than shade, yields thicker, oilier wrappers with a bold flavor profile. Davidoff’s blenders then select complementary fillers from their Dominican farms to create a coherent, medium-to-full bodied smoking experience. This line is distinctive for its focus on a single growing region, a departure from the brand’s typical multi-origin approach, and reflects a commitment to celebrating overlooked terroirs with precision craftsmanship. The result is a cigar that is both approachable and complex, designed for the connoisseur seeking a sense of place.
Flavor Profile
Across the Davidoff Yamasa range, the signature flavor profile is rich, earthy, and slightly sweet, driven by the sun-grown Yamasa wrapper. Expect notes of dark cocoa, roasted coffee, and toasted cedar, layered with a subtle red pepper spice on the retrohale. The filler tobaccos add a creamy undertone and hints of dried fruit, such as raisin or prune, particularly in the larger vitolas. The medium-to-medium-full strength ensures the flavors are pronounced but not overwhelming, with a balanced finish that lingers with black tea and leather. The belicoso and torpedo formats emphasize the spice and concentration, while the coronas and lanceros offer a more nuanced, floral expression. Overall, Yamasa is defined by its bold yet refined character—a hallmark of Davidoff’s ability to marry intensity with elegance.
Best for Beginners
For a newcomer, the Davidoff Yamasa Petit Corona is an ideal starting point. At 4 5/8 inches with a 43 ring gauge, it offers a shorter, more controlled smoking session. Its medium-full strength is approachable, with rich notes of cocoa and cedar that won’t overwhelm a developing palate. The format also encourages slower smoking, allowing the smoker to appreciate the complexity without commitment to a larger cigar.
Davidoff Yamasa Cigar Lineup
Explore 12 Davidoff Yamasa cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:
- Yamasa Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $22–$28 per cigar
- Yamasa Churchill — Churchill, Medium-Full · $28–$35 per cigar
- Yamasa Corona — Corona, Medium · $18–$22 per cigar
- Yamasa Gordo — Gordo, Medium-Full · $24–$30 per cigar
- Yamasa Gran Toro — Toro, Medium · $22–$28 per cigar
- Yamasa Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $24–$28 per cigar
- Yamasa Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium · $22–$28 per cigar
- Yamasa Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium-Full · $18–$22 per cigar
- Yamasa Petit Robusto — Petit Robusto, Medium · $18–$22 per cigar
- Yamasa Robusto — Robusto, Medium · $22–$28 per cigar
- Yamasa Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $22–$28 per cigar
- Yamasa Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $24–$30 per cigar
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Davidoff Yamasa cigars made?
Davidoff Yamasa cigars are handmade in Santiago, Dominican Republic, specifically at Davidoff's La Romana facility (Oettinger Davidoff AG).
What is Davidoff Yamasa known for?
It is known for being a single-origin line that showcases sun-grown tobacco from the Yamasa region, offering a bold yet balanced medium-full smoking experience with rich earthy and sweet flavors.
Are Davidoff Yamasa cigars strong?
They are mostly medium-full in strength, though some vitolas like the Corona and Gran Toro are rated as medium. The strength comes from the sun-grown wrapper but is never harsh or overpowering.
What is the best Davidoff Yamasa cigar for beginners?
The Yamasa Petit Corona is the best choice for beginners due to its smaller format, manageable strength, and approachable flavor profile of cocoa and cedar.
How much do Davidoff Yamasa cigars cost?
Prices range from $18 to $35 per cigar, depending on the vitola. Petit Corona and Petit Robusto start around $18, while Churchills and Gordos reach the $30–$35 range.
What wrapper does Davidoff Yamasa use?
The wrapper is a Dominican sun-grown Corojo or Habano-seed leaf cultivated specifically in the Yamasa region, distinguished by its dark, oily appearance and rich flavor.
Are Davidoff Yamasa cigars Cuban?
No, they are not Cuban. They are entirely Dominican, made with Dominican tobaccos at Davidoff's facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Where can I buy Davidoff Yamasa cigars?
They are available at authorized Davidoff retailers, select premium cigar shops, and online vendors that stock Davidoff products. Due to demand, availability may vary.