AshMap
Overview
The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 stands as a monument to restrained elegance in an industry often seduced by bombast. This robusto, measuring 5.0 x 43, represents one of the most storied lineages in premium cigars — a series whose pedigree traces back to Davidoff's legendary Cuban era, now meticulously crafted at the brand's Santiago factory in the Dominican Republic. It is, quite simply, the cigar against which all mild-to-medium Connecticut-shade offerings are measured.
From the moment you light the Grand Cru No. 2, the philosophy of Dominican restraint becomes apparent. The opening delivers a refined, creamy sweetness anchored by fresh cedar and delicate floral notes — white flowers and fresh hay that perfume the palate without demanding attention. Soft toasted almonds and white pepper on the retrohale complete a first third that whispers rather than shouts. The mid-section introduces subtle earthiness — dry clay and mild leather — that adds necessary dimension while maintaining the cigar's signature aristocratic bearing. Roasted cashew and light vanilla emerge seamlessly, rewarding the patient smoker who understands that complexity need not announce itself loudly.
The final third deepens with warm baking spice and dry cocoa powder, yet the cigar never abandons its creamy throughline. The close arrives clean and sweet, unmarred by harshness — a hallmark of Davidoff's blending philosophy and a testament to the extended aging of its Dominican Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano fillers. Construction is, as one expects from Davidoff's notoriously rigorous quality control, impeccable: the draw effortless, the burn line razor-straight, the ash a dense pearl-white that holds firm throughout the 45-minute session.
The Grand Cru No. 2 is uncompromising in its refusal to appeal to everyone. It will frustrate those seeking raw power or bold flavor statements. But for the aficionado who recognizes that true sophistication lies in restraint, technical mastery, and the ability to sustain interest through subtlety alone, this cigar is a masterclass — one that has earned its place in the permanent collection of the world's most discerning smokers.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5.0 x 43 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $22–$27 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo extended aging at Davidoff's Santiago factory prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclose |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a refined, creamy sweetness underscored by fresh cedar and light floral notes — think white flowers and fresh hay. A gentle creaminess coats the palate, supported by soft toasted almonds and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale.
Second Third
The mid-section introduces a subtle earthiness — dry clay and mild leather — that adds dimension without disrupting the cigar's signature elegance. Roasted cashew and light vanilla emerge, maintaining a seamless, even-keeled profile that rewards slow, deliberate smoking.
Final Third
The final third deepens slightly with warm baking spice, a touch of dry cocoa powder, and lingering cedar. Creaminess persists to the finish, and the close is clean and sweet with no harshness — a hallmark of Davidoff's Dominican blending philosophy.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is characteristically impeccable — Davidoff's quality control is among the most rigorous in the industry. The draw is effortless with ideal airflow, the burn line is razor-straight, and the ash holds firm in dense, pearl-white columns.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Cognac such as Rémy Martin XO or a gentle Scotch single malt like Glenmorangie Original — the cigar's delicate profile demands spirits with complementary floral and vanilla notes rather than anything peated or overly assertive
Wine
White Burgundy (Chardonnay) — a Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet echoes the cigar's creamy texture and subtle terroir; alternatively, a mature white Rioja
Non-Alcoholic
A high-quality single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee with natural process — jasmine and stone fruit notes harmonize perfectly with the cigar's florals and cream
Who Should Smoke This?
The Grand Cru No. 2 is engineered for the experienced aficionado who has moved beyond seeking strength and now values nuance, balance, and technical excellence. This is the cigar for the professional's quiet morning — paired with a single-origin coffee, savored before a demanding day begins. It suits the post-meeting ritual, the pre-dinner contemplation, or any occasion where 45 minutes of focused, unhurried smoking is possible. It will disappoint the newcomer seeking an immediate flavor punch, but for those who understand that complexity is built through restraint, this robusto is indispensable.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 is the definitive expression of Dominican elegance — a technically flawless, creamy meditation on what mild-to-medium strength cigars can achieve when philosophy and craft align perfectly. It remains the benchmark against which all Connecticut-shade competitors are judged, and for good reason.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 a strong cigar?
No. The Grand Cru No. 2 is classified as Mild-Medium (2/5 on the strength scale). It emphasizes refinement and balance over power, making it ideal for those who prefer subtlety and nuance over bold flavor statements.
What does the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 taste like?
The cigar opens with creamy sweetness, fresh cedar, and white flowers with notes of toasted almonds. The mid-section develops earthiness (dry clay, mild leather) alongside roasted cashew and light vanilla. The finish deepens with warm baking spice, dry cocoa, and lingering cedar, maintaining creaminess throughout with no harshness.
How long does the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 take to smoke?
Approximately 45 minutes. The 5.0 x 43 robusto format is designed as a focused, relatively quick session — ideal for a morning or pre-dinner ritual rather than an extended evening smoke.
What is the best pairing for the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2?
For spirits: a well-aged Cognac such as Rémy Martin XO or a gentle Scotch single malt like Glenmorangie Original. For wine: White Burgundy (Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet) or a mature white Rioja. For non-alcoholic: a high-quality single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee with natural process characteristics.
Is the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 good for beginners?
Not ideally. While it is approachable in strength, the Grand Cru No. 2 rewards experienced smokers who appreciate subtlety and restraint. Beginners seeking immediate, bold flavors may find it understated. It is best approached by those with some cigar experience who understand that complexity does not require power.
Where can I buy the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2?
The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 is available through authorized premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar humidors. Purchase only from authorized Davidoff dealers to ensure authenticity and proper storage conditions.
What is the price of the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2?
The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 retails between $22 and $27 per cigar, positioning it in the prestige tier of premium cigars — a justified price point given Davidoff's rigorous quality control and extended aging protocols.
Is the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 worth aging?
While the tobaccos undergo extended aging at Davidoff's Santiago factory prior to rolling, the Grand Cru No. 2 is released in its optimal state. It does not require additional aging but will develop further complexity if stored properly in ideal conditions for several years.
What wrapper does the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 use?
The Grand Cru No. 2 features an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper in the Claro color — a pale golden tan with a silky smooth texture and subtle satin sheen. This wrapper is hallmark to Davidoff's refined aesthetic and mild flavor profile.
Where is the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 made?
The Grand Cru No. 2 is hand-rolled at Davidoff's factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, which is affiliated with General Cigar. The binder and filler tobaccos are also Dominican — specifically aged Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano — maintaining the brand's commitment to Dominican excellence.