Zino Platinum — Heritage & History

Zino Platinum began as a tribute to Zino Davidoff, the man who redefined the cigar world after fleeing the Russian Revolution and building an empire in Geneva. The brand emerged in the late 1990s as a collaboration between Davidoff and the legendary blender Henke Kelner, produced at the La Romana Cigars S.A. factory in the Dominican Republic—the same complex that crafts Davidoff's flagship lines. What set Zino Platinum apart from its parent brand was a deliberate break from Davidoff's strict, Swiss-style uniformity: these cigars were designed to be more expressive, with a softer, creamier profile that still carried the precision of Kelner's blending. The Crown Series Torpedo, with its tapered head and Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, became a signature, showcasing how the brand could balance elegance with a touch of daring. Later expansions into the Chubby Series and Scepter Series, alongside Honduran-grown Connecticut Shade wrappers, broadened the lineup while maintaining a consistent identity. Zino Platinum's origin story is one of rebellion within a legacy—a brand that honored Davidoff's name by pushing his own house style into new, more accessible territory.

Blending Philosophy

Zino Platinum's blending approach hinges on a paradox: using premium, shade-grown Connecticut wrappers—typically associated with mild, straightforward cigars—while layering in enough complexity to keep seasoned smokers engaged. The Crown Series Lancero, for instance, uses a Honduran Connecticut Shade wrapper over Dominican fillers, a combination that demands careful fermentation to avoid bitterness. The brand's method is to let the wrapper lead, then build a binder and filler core that adds subtle depth without overpowering the leaf's natural creaminess. This is evident in the Chubby Series Gran Toro, where the larger ring gauge allows for a slower burn, letting the cedar and white pepper notes unfold gradually. Zino Platinum also employs a lighter hand with ligero, keeping strength in the mild-to-medium range, which requires precise aging to ensure the tobaccos meld rather than clash. The result is a portfolio that rewards patience—each vitola is constructed to highlight different facets of the same core blend, from the focused draw of the Scepter Corona to the broader canvas of the Star of the West Toro.

Flavor Profile

Across the Zino Platinum range, smokers can expect a consistent core of soft, sweet cedar and a gentle, nutty undertone, often accented by a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrappers impart a creamy, almost buttery texture that carries through the first third, with occasional notes of dried fruit—particularly apricot—emerging as the ash builds. The Crown Series Robusto is a benchmark: it opens with toasted bread and a hint of leather, then transitions to a mild dark cocoa finish. The Chubby Series, with its shorter, thicker formats, tends to amplify the pepper and add a slight earthy edge, while the Scepter Lonsdale showcases the blend's finesse, offering a more linear progression of cedar and cream. Strength never exceeds mild-to-medium, but the flavor intensity can surprise—the Star of the West Belicoso, for example, concentrates the profile into a dense, honeyed sweetness with a lingering spice. Overall, the brand is defined by its smoothness, but not at the cost of character.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Crown Series Robusto is the ideal entry point. At $18–$24, it's a reasonable investment, and its mild-to-medium strength won't overwhelm. Expect a smooth, creamy smoke with notes of cedar, light leather, and a touch of white pepper. The Robusto format burns evenly and lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, offering a gentle introduction to premium cigar craftsmanship without demanding a long time commitment.

Zino Platinum Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Zino Platinum cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Zino Platinum cigars made?

Zino Platinum cigars are produced in the Dominican Republic, primarily at the La Romana Cigars S.A. factory, which is part of the Davidoff complex. Some tobaccos are sourced from Santiago and Danlí, Honduras, but the rolling and construction are centered in La Romana.

What is Zino Platinum known for?

Zino Platinum is known for being a Davidoff-affiliated brand that offers a softer, more approachable take on premium cigars. Its Crown Series Torpedo and Chubby Series Gran Toro are recognized for their smooth Connecticut Shade profiles, and the brand is notable for using both Ecuadorian and Honduran Connecticut wrappers.

Are Zino Platinum cigars strong?

No, Zino Platinum cigars are consistently in the mild-to-medium strength range. Even the most intense vitolas, like the Star of the West Belicoso, stay within this spectrum, making them suitable for those who prefer a gentler nicotine experience.

What is the best Zino Platinum cigar for beginners?

The Crown Series Robusto is the best choice for beginners due to its balanced mild-to-medium strength, approachable price point, and classic Robusto format. It delivers a creamy, cedar-forward smoke that's easy to enjoy without being overly complex.

How much do Zino Platinum cigars cost?

Most Zino Platinum cigars, including the Chubby, Crown, Scepter, and Star of the West series, are priced between $18 and $24 per cigar. The Crown Series Lancero is the exception, retailing for $25 to $35 per cigar.

What wrapper does Zino Platinum use?

Zino Platinum uses three types of Connecticut wrappers: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Connecticut, and Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown. These wrappers are chosen for their smoothness and mild flavor contribution.

Are Zino Platinum cigars Cuban?

No, Zino Platinum cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic, with some tobacco sourced from Honduras. The brand is a non-Cuban extension of the Davidoff legacy, which has no ties to Cuban production.

Where can I buy Zino Platinum cigars?

Zino Platinum cigars are available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Given their price point, they are typically found in specialty shops that carry Davidoff products. Online retailers like Cigar.com and Famous Smoke Shop often stock them, but availability can vary, so checking with authorized dealers is recommended.