AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of arrogance in the Grand Cru No. 5. It is a cigar that assumes you understand restraint is not the absence of flavor, but its distillation. In an era of barrel-aged monsters and ligero bombs, this 4 x 40 petit corona is a quiet argument for the precision of the Cibao Valley. It is the espresso shot of the Davidoff lineup—not a diluted version of a larger blend, but a concentration of intent. The smoke begins with a pre-light aroma that hints at a library of old books: cedar, dried orange peel, and a faint, sweet hay. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a toasted almond that is almost buttery, layered over a fresh cedar plank that has never seen a flame. The retrohale delivers a delicate white pepper—a tickle, not a burn—that clears the sinuses without demanding attention. What is remarkable is the immediate emergence of a jasmine and white tea floral note, so integrated with the cream that it feels like a single, seamless sensation rather than a layered construction.
As the ash holds its pale gray column, the second third shifts the narrative from introduction to development. The almond deepens into a roasted cashew, carrying a weight that the lighter first notes lacked. A dry hay character enters, evoking a sun-baked field, but it is immediately tempered by a vanilla bean sweetness that never becomes cloying. The true signature of this segment, however, is a mineral quality—limestone chalk, the kind you taste in a great Chablis—that grounds the smoke in terroir. It is a subtle, almost intellectual addition, preventing the cream from becoming monotonous. The body remains firmly in the mild-medium range, but the flavor density suggests a cigar punching far above its physical weight class. This is not a smoke for passive inhalation; it demands the kind of attention you give a complex tea ceremony.
The final third is a masterclass in graceful resolution. The toasted oak that emerges is warm, like furniture in a sunlit room, and it carries a gentle espresso nuance that provides a savory counterpoint to the persistent cream. The white pepper has receded to a whisper, a memory of the opening act. Crucially, there is no bitterness, no harsh ammonia, no collapse into tar. The cigar closes with the same cleanliness it began with, a testament to the two-year aged Olor Dominicano and Piloto Cubano filler. The construction is, as expected, flawless: a razor-straight burn line, a draw with the ideal resistance, and an ash that holds firm for over an inch before a clean release. At 35 to 45 minutes, it is a complete arc—a beginning, middle, and end—compressed into a format that respects your time without compromising the journey. This is Davidoff's philosophy, stripped of all excess, leaving only the essential argument for what Dominican tobacco can achieve.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Dominican Republic — Olor Dominicano — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic — Olor Dominicano |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged Olor Dominicano and Piloto Cubano long-filler leaves, selected from the Cibao Valley |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — Davidoff's General Cigar Dominican facility |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.0 x 40 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $18–$22 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling; finished cigars rest before release per Davidoff's standard p |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light opens with a refined toasted almond and fresh cedar character, underscored by delicate white pepper on the retrohale. Cream and light floral notes — think jasmine or white tea — emerge almost immediately, establishing the hallmark Davidoff elegance.
Second Third
The core develops into a more pronounced blend of roasted cashew, dry hay, and subtle vanilla bean. A faint mineral quality — reminiscent of limestone chalk — adds complexity without disrupting the cigar's measured, creamy body.
Final Third
The finish moves toward warm toasted oak and a gentle espresso nuance, with the creaminess persisting throughout. Spice remains restrained — a whisper of white pepper — and the cigar closes clean without bitterness, a testament to its Dominican leaf quality.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable, consistent with Davidoff's exacting Dominican production standards — the burn line is razor-straight, draw is effortless with just the right resistance, and the ash holds firm and pale gray for well over an inch before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged single malt Scotch from the Lowlands or Speyside — Glenkinchie 12 or Glenfarclas 15 complement the cream and nut profile without overpowering; alternatively a fine Cognac such as Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin 1738
Wine
White Burgundy — a Meursault Premier Cru or Pouilly-Fuissé; the buttery Chardonnay character mirrors the cigar's vanilla and almond notes beautifully. A delicate aged white Rioja (Viura-based) also works well.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over — light-bodied, floral, and slightly citric — amplifies the cigar's white tea and jasmine top notes without competing for dominance
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of powerful, long-format cigars but finds himself reaching for them less and less. He is a professional in his late forties, perhaps a partner at a firm or a senior editor, who has a 45-minute window on a Tuesday afternoon after a difficult client lunch. He has smoked through the Cuban classics of his youth and the boutique hype of the last decade, and he now craves precision over power. He already enjoys the mineral finish of a great Sancerre and the quiet complexity of a single-origin pour-over. He does not want to be challenged; he wants to be understood. This cigar will give him a moment of perfect equilibrium—a smoke that asks for his full attention but rewards it with a calm, cerebral satisfaction. It is not a celebration cigar, but a meditation cigar, one that will make him wonder why he ever felt the need for a 60-ring gauge to feel fulfilled.
Bottom Line
The Grand Cru No. 5 is the definitive argument for the petit corona format and the pinnacle of Davidoff's Dominican craft. It is a short smoke with a long memory, and a necessary counterpoint to the excesses of the modern cigar market. Buy a box, smoke one now, and save the rest to remind yourself what finesse tastes like.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Grand Cru cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and gradual, unlikely to cause any lightheadedness even on an empty stomach. The flavor profile is rich, but the body remains light and creamy, making it an ideal choice for a morning smoke or a palate-cleansing afternoon interlude.
What does Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 taste like?
The flavor arc is defined by a toasted almond and fresh cedar opening with white pepper on the retrohale, evolving into a core of roasted cashew, dry hay, and subtle vanilla bean with a chalky limestone mineral note. The finale introduces warm toasted oak and a gentle espresso nuance, all while maintaining a persistent, clean creaminess.
How long does Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 take to smoke?
Given its Petit Corona vitola and 4.0 x 40 dimensions, you should expect a smoking time of 35 to 45 minutes. This depends on your puffing cadence; if you smoke slowly and deliberately, you may stretch it closer to 50 minutes, but it is designed as a concise, complete experience rather than a long, drawn-out session.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5?
For a spirit, a Lowland single malt like Glenkinchie 12 is ideal; its light, grassy, and slightly sweet profile mirrors the cigar's cream and nut notes without overwhelming them. If you prefer wine, a Meursault Premier Cru offers a buttery Chardonnay character that aligns beautifully with the vanilla and almond flavors, creating a harmonious, luxurious pairing.
Is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 good for beginners?
The strength is very approachable for a novice, but the $18–$22 per cigar price point is a significant investment for someone still exploring their palate. If a beginner is willing to smoke slowly and pay attention, they will experience a masterclass in balance and cleanliness. However, it is a better choice for someone who has already smoked a few milder cigars and wants to understand what high-end craftsmanship tastes like.
Where can I buy Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5?
This is a premium, tier-level release, so it is best sourced from authorized Davidoff retailers, which include high-end brick-and-mortar tobacconists and their online storefronts. You may also find it at specialist online cigar retailers that carry the full Davidoff line. Be wary of unauthorized discounters, as proper storage is critical to preserving the delicate wrapper and flavor profile.
What is the price of Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5?
The expected retail price is between $18 and $22 per single cigar. This places it firmly in the prestige tier, reflecting the two-year aged tobaccos, hand-rolled construction, and the Davidoff brand's exacting quality control. It is priced as a luxury item, not an everyday smoke.
Is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 worth aging?
Yes, but with a caveat. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years pre-roll, and the finished cigars rest before release, so they are ready to smoke upon purchase. However, the Colorado Claro wrapper and the delicate balance of the blend will benefit from 1-3 years of additional humidor rest, which can further integrate the flavors and soften the white pepper. Beyond 5 years, the floral top notes may fade, so it is best enjoyed within that window.
What wrapper does Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 use?
It uses a Dominican Republic Olor Dominicano wrapper in a Colorado Claro shade. This wrapper is notable for its silky texture and golden-tan color, and it contributes the primary notes of fresh cedar and a delicate, refined sweetness. It is a key component in delivering the cigar's signature elegance and clean burn.
Where is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5 made?
It is hand-rolled at Davidoff's General Cigar Dominican facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This is the same facility that produces the brand's other premium lines, and it is where the triple cap and classic round parejo format are executed with the precision that defines the brand's post-1990 production.