AshMap
Overview
The Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 is a masterclass in restraint and refinement — a cigar that elevates subtlety to an art form. Introduced in 1991 to commemorate the brand's storied history, the Aniversario line represents a deliberate departure from the bold, brooding profiles that often dominate the premium market. Instead, it celebrates the luminous, nuanced character of Dominican tobaccos at their most polished. The No. 2, a classic 6 x 48 torpedo, is the vitola that aficionados reach for when they want to remember what precision tastes like. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, pale golden and nearly seamless, is a visual promise of the elegance within — a promise the cigar keeps from first light to final draw. Produced at Davidoff's dedicated facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the Aniversario No. 2 is the fruit of obsessive pre-roll aging protocols. The filler tobaccos, primarily long-leaf selections from the Cibao Valley, are rested until they reach a harmony that only patience can unlock. The result is a smoking experience that feels less like combustion and more like a slow, deliberate conversation with a master blender. This is not a cigar that shouts; it whispers, and those who listen are rewarded with layers of complexity that unfold over sixty to seventy-five minutes. The torpedo shape, with its tapered head, focuses the smoke beautifully, concentrating the profile as the cigar progresses and building to a finale that is dry, clean, and quietly profound. Some will dismiss the Aniversario No. 2 as too delicate, too refined in a world that often equates strength with quality. That is a misunderstanding of what this cigar is — and what it can teach. It is the horological equivalent of a Patek Philippe: understated, immaculate, and deeply serious. For the smoker who values balance, construction, and the quiet revelation of flavor over raw power, the Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 is not just a choice; it is a benchmark. It stands as one of the clearest expressions of what Dominican Shade-grown tobacco can achieve at its ceiling, and it remains an essential pillar in any premium humidor.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged long-leaf tobaccos, primarily from the Cibao Valley |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 48 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $30–$38 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Extended aging on filler tobaccos; Davidoff is known for meticulous pre-roll aging protocols at their Santiago factory |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers fresh cream and white pepper. On light, the first third opens with toasted almonds, dry cedar, and a refined floral note reminiscent of white rose. The smoke is exceptionally smooth with a subtle sweetness that anchors the profile.
Second Third
Complexity builds as light vanilla cream gives way to roasted cashew and a faint earthiness — think light chalk dust underpinning the creamier notes. A whisper of citrus zest cuts through, keeping the profile vibrant and preventing any flatness.
Final Third
The torpedo's taper concentrates the smoke, intensifying the cedar and introducing a mild roasted espresso quality alongside light white pepper on the retrohale. The sweetness recedes slightly, leaving a clean, dry finish with lingering almond and a ghost of toasted bread.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — this is a Davidoff benchmark cigar. The burn is laser-straight, the ash holds firm in dense columns, and the draw is effortlessly open with ideal resistance. Expect zero touchups across the entire smoke.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
An aged Cognac (Rémy Martin XO or Hennessy Paradis) mirrors the floral-cream profile beautifully; alternatively a well-aged Speyside Scotch such as The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak
Wine
White Burgundy — a Premier Cru Chardonnay from Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet; the butter and mineral profile echoes the cigar's creaminess without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A pour-over single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe — its jasmine and stone fruit notes are a natural mirror to the Aniversario No. 2's floral delicacy
Who Should Smoke This?
The Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 is for the smoker who values precision over power — the connoisseur who understands that complexity does not require strength. It suits both the experienced aficionado seeking a contemplative, refined smoke and the discerning beginner ready to explore what subtlety means in a premium cigar. Best enjoyed during a relaxed afternoon with a single-origin coffee or as a post-dinner meditation alongside an aged Cognac, this torpedo demands a full 60–75 minutes and a patient, unhurried pace. It is not a cigar to be rushed; it rewards those who take the time to appreciate each note as it unfolds.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 is a masterpiece of balance and restraint — a cigar that proves refinement is its own form of power. It belongs in every serious humidor, not as a daily driver, but as a touchstone for what premium craftsmanship can achieve.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Aniversario cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 a strong cigar?
No. It is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on our strength scale. This cigar prioritizes nuance and balance over nicotine impact, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth, refined smoking experience without heavy body or intensity.
What does Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 taste like?
The profile opens with toasted almonds, dry cedar, and a refined floral note reminiscent of white rose. The second third introduces light vanilla cream, roasted cashew, faint chalk-dust earthiness, and a whisper of citrus zest. The final third intensifies cedar and adds mild roasted espresso and white pepper on the retrohale, finishing clean and dry with almond and toasted bread.
How long does Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 take to smoke?
This torpedo typically delivers a 60 to 75 minute smoke. Its construction is exceptional, with a straight burn and effortless draw, but the cigar rewards slow, deliberate smoking to fully appreciate its layered profile.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Aniversario No. 2?
An aged Cognac such as Rémy Martin XO or a well-aged Speyside Scotch like The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak mirrors the cigar's floral-cream profile. For wine, a Premier Cru White Burgundy from Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet complements its butter and mineral notes. Non-alcoholic: a pour-over single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee, whose jasmine and stone fruit notes echo the cigar's floral delicacy.
Is Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 good for beginners?
Yes, particularly for beginners who are ready to move beyond basic profiles and explore nuance. Its mild-medium strength, smoothness, and flawless construction make it accessible, though its price point and refined character may be better appreciated by those already curious about premium, balanced cigars.
Where can I buy Davidoff Aniversario No. 2?
Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 is available through authorized Davidoff retailers, including high-end tobacconists, Davidoff flagship stores, and select online premium cigar merchants that carry the Davidoff brand. Due to its Prestige tier status, availability may be limited and pricing typically ranges from $30 to $38 per cigar.
What is the price of Davidoff Aniversario No. 2?
The Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 typically retails between $30 and $38 per cigar, reflecting its Prestige tier standing, meticulous construction, and extended aging of filler tobaccos. Prices may vary by retailer and market.
Is Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 worth aging?
Yes, but with careful consideration. Davidoff already ages the filler tobaccos extensively before rolling, so the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional aging can further integrate the flavors, softening the cedar and deepening the cream and almond notes. However, given its already refined profile, aging beyond 2–3 years should be approached with caution to avoid losing its characteristic vibrancy.
What wrapper does Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper — a natural, pale golden-hay leaf that is silky and nearly seamless in texture. This wrapper is a key contributor to the cigar's mild body, creamy mouthfeel, and refined appearance.
Where is Davidoff Aniversario No. 2 made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at Davidoff's dedicated La Romana / General Cigar facility. The binder is Dominican Republic and the filler uses aged long-leaf tobaccos primarily from the Cibao Valley.