Davidoff Yamasa — Heritage & History

Davidoff Yamasa is a rare instance of a major brand building an entire line around a single, sun-grown Corojo varietal cultivated in the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic—a terroir more commonly associated with tobacco for the local market than for export. The line debuted in 2015 as a limited production, but its distinctive profile—marked by a peppery, sun-grown wrapper and a medium-full body—quickly earned it a permanent spot in the Davidoff portfolio. Unlike the company's more famous, milder blends like the Signature or Aniversario, Yamasa was conceived to showcase the intensity and complexity that Dominican tobacco can achieve when grown under full sun. The blend is produced at Davidoff's La Romana facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where master blender Henke Kelner oversaw the project. The Yamasa Belicoso and Yamasa Churchill are the line's most celebrated vitolas, with the Churchill often cited as the definitive expression of the blend's balance between spice and cream.

Blending Philosophy

Davidoff Yamasa is built on a single-source tobacco philosophy: the entire blend—wrapper, binder, and filler—is grown in the Yamasa region, a departure from Davidoff's typical multi-region approach. The sun-grown Corojo wrapper is the centerpiece, providing a bold, peppery character that is tempered by the air-cured Habano-seed leaves in the filler, which add depth without overwhelming the palate. The blend is aged for a minimum of three years, a practice that softens the sun-grown leaf's natural aggression and allows the tobacco to develop a rounder, more integrated flavor. Construction follows Davidoff's exacting standards, with each vitola rolled to a precise ring gauge and length to ensure even burn and draw. The Yamasa Toro and Yamasa Lancero illustrate the range's versatility: the Toro offers a balanced medium-full smoke, while the Lancero highlights the wrapper's nuance and the blend's aromatic complexity.

Flavor Profile

The Davidoff Yamasa range is defined by a core of white pepper and dark cocoa, with a distinct earthy undertone that comes from the sun-grown Corojo wrapper. Smokers consistently note a leathery mid-palate, accented by dried fruit—particularly raisin and fig—that emerges in the second half. The medium-strength vitolas, like the Yamasa Corona and Yamasa Gran Toro, emphasize creaminess and cedar, with the pepper receding to a background note. In contrast, the medium-full expressions—the Yamasa Belicoso, Yamasa Churchill, and Yamasa Torpedo—amplify the spice and add a toasted nut character, with a lingering finish of espresso and dark chocolate. Across the line, the Yamasa Petit Robusto offers a quick, concentrated burst of these flavors, while the Yamasa Lonsdale provides a longer, more refined evolution. The strength varies from medium to medium-full, but the signature profile remains consistent: a bold, sun-grown character that is nonetheless polished and balanced.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer to Davidoff Yamasa, the Yamasa Petit Corona is the ideal entry point. At $18–$22, it offers the line's signature sun-grown Corojo character at a lower price and a shorter smoke time—roughly 45 minutes. Expect a medium-full experience with notes of white pepper, dark cocoa, and a touch of cedar, but with a more forgiving intensity than the larger vitolas. Its smaller ring gauge also allows the wrapper's nuance to shine, making it a perfect introduction to the blend's complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Davidoff Yamasa Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Davidoff Yamasa cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Davidoff Yamasa cigars made?

Davidoff Yamasa cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, specifically at Davidoff's La Romana facility in Santiago. The factory is operated by Oettinger Davidoff AG, and the cigars are rolled under the supervision of master blender Henke Kelner.

What is Davidoff Yamasa known for?

Davidoff Yamasa is known for being one of the first premium lines to use a single-origin, sun-grown Corojo wrapper from the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic. It is also recognized for its bold, peppery profile that stands apart from Davidoff's typically milder blends, with the Yamasa Churchill and Yamasa Belicoso as standout vitolas.

Are Davidoff Yamasa cigars strong?

Davidoff Yamasa cigars range from medium to medium-full in strength. The Yamasa Corona, Gran Toro, Lonsdale, Petit Robusto, and Robusto are medium, while the Belicoso, Churchill, Gordo, Lancero, Petit Corona, Toro, and Torpedo are medium-full. The strength is noticeable but balanced, with the sun-grown wrapper providing a peppery kick that is tempered by aged filler tobaccos.

What is the best Davidoff Yamasa cigar for beginners?

The Yamasa Petit Corona is the best choice for beginners. It offers the line's signature medium-full strength in a smaller format, making it more approachable and less time-consuming than larger vitolas. Its flavors of white pepper, dark cocoa, and cedar are representative of the blend but delivered with a gentler intensity, making it an ideal introduction to the Yamasa profile.

How much do Davidoff Yamasa cigars cost?

Davidoff Yamasa cigars range from $18 to $35 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona and Petit Robusto are the most affordable at $18–$22, while the Churchill is the most expensive at $28–$35. Most other sizes, including the Belicoso, Gran Toro, Lancero, Lonsdale, Robusto, and Toro, fall in the $22–$28 range.

What wrapper does Davidoff Yamasa use?

Davidoff Yamasa uses a variety of wrappers, all grown in the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic. These include sun-grown Corojo varietals, Corojo-seed leaves, Olor Dominicano, air-cured Habano-seed, and Habano-seed grown in the Cibao Valley's Yamasa terroir. The specific wrapper varies by vitola, but all share the sun-grown or air-cured character that defines the line.

Are Davidoff Yamasa cigars Cuban?

No, Davidoff Yamasa cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic at Davidoff's La Romana facility in Santiago. The tobacco is grown exclusively in the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic, and the cigars are produced under the Oettinger Davidoff AG brand, which has no Cuban production since the company's split from the Cuban state monopoly in the early 1990s.

Where can I buy Davidoff Yamasa cigars?

Davidoff Yamasa cigars are available at authorized Davidoff retailers, including dedicated Davidoff stores and select premium cigar shops worldwide. They can also be purchased online from reputable retailers that carry the Davidoff brand. Due to their premium pricing, they are less commonly found in discount outlets, so it's best to seek out a certified dealer to ensure authenticity.