AshMap
Overview
There is a specific hour when the world stops demanding things from you. The phone stops buzzing, the house settles into its nighttime creaks, and the last embers of the day's obligations finally die out. The Davidoff Late Hour Magnum is built for that precise moment — not the rushed smoke between meetings, but the deliberate, unhurried ritual that marks the transition from public self to private one. This is a cigar that understands the weight of an evening, and it asks you to respect that weight in return. The 60-ring gauge is not a statement of excess; it is a declaration of intent, a format that forces you to slow down and commit to the two-hour journey ahead. From the first cold draw, there is a promise of density — a rich, almost syrupy sweetness that hints at the dark fruit and cocoa to come, wrapped in the unmistakable aroma of aged tobacco that has been given time to find its voice.
The opening third unfolds with a confidence that borders on arrogance, yet never tips into aggression. Dark cocoa arrives first, not as a fleeting note but as a foundational presence, grounding every subsequent flavor in a bitter-sweet reality. Roasted espresso follows close behind, carrying the unmistakable char of a well-pulled shot, while a whisper of dried fruit — raisin or dark cherry, elusive but persistent — adds a layer of intrigue that keeps the palate guessing. The cedar underpinning is structural, providing a clean, woody frame that prevents the richness from becoming cloying. There is a gentle earthiness here, a reminder that this is a cigar rooted in the soil of Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, not a sterile product of a laboratory. The retrohale is surprisingly gentle at this stage, offering a soft kiss of black pepper that announces itself without demanding attention.
As the burn line crosses into the second third, the blend begins to reveal its deeper intentions. Leather emerges as a dominant force, supple and aged, wrapping around the persistent espresso core like a well-worn jacket. Toasted nuts — almonds, perhaps, or hazelnuts — add a savory counterpoint to the sweetness that is now unmistakably present. Brown sugar and molasses develop slowly, not as a sugary coating but as a natural evolution of the tobacco's own character, a sweetness that feels earned rather than added. The black pepper on the retrohale becomes more pronounced, adding dimension and a subtle warmth that spreads across the palate without ever becoming harsh. This is the heart of the cigar, the section where the blend's complexity is most fully realized, and it demands your full attention. The smoke is thick and voluminous, a direct benefit of the generous ring gauge, and it coats the mouth with a satisfying weight that lingers between puffs.
The final third is where the Late Hour Magnum earns its name. The darkness deepens, and the flavors turn more brooding. Dark chocolate replaces the cocoa of the opening, richer and more intense, while oak adds a woody gravitas that anchors the blend. A briny minerality emerges — a surprising but welcome addition that cuts through the richness and adds a savory complexity that keeps the palate engaged. The pepper builds more assertively now, no longer a whisper but a firm presence that provides a counterpoint to the sweetness that has now fully matured. The body thickens, the smoke becomes even more voluminous, and yet the blend never loses its composure. There is no harshness, no bitterness, no breakdown in construction. Instead, the cigar finishes with a long, satisfying conclusion, leaving a lingering aftertaste of cocoa and spice that rewards the patience required to reach this point. This is a cigar that knows how to end — with grace, with power, and with a final note that invites reflection rather than immediate reach for another smoke.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano (Sun Grown) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Magnum (Gordo) |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $28–$35 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo extended aging as part of Davidoff's Late Hour blending philosophy, intended to evoke late-night contem |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is rich and layered, delivering dark cocoa, roasted espresso, and a whisper of dried fruit — raisin or dark cherry — that gives the blend immediate complexity. A cedar underpinning provides structure without dominating, and there is a gentle earthiness that sets the tone for the evening ahead.
Second Third
As the cigar settles in, leather and toasted nuts emerge prominently, complementing the persistent espresso core. A subtle sweetness — reminiscent of brown sugar or molasses — begins to develop, and black pepper appears at the retrohale without aggression, adding dimension rather than heat.
Final Third
The final third deepens considerably, with dark chocolate, oak, and a briny minerality coming forward. The pepper builds more assertively and the body thickens, but the blend never loses its composure — finishing long, satisfying, and with a lingering cocoa-and-spice aftertaste that rewards patience.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary by Davidoff's exacting standards — the draw is ideal at slight resistance, the burn line is razor-even, and the generous ring gauge produces a cool, voluminous smoke. Ash holds firm in generous columns and presents with a pale silver-white color indicative of quality leaf.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Scotch whisky with sherry-cask influence — Glenfarclas 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood 17 — whose dried fruit and oak notes harmonize beautifully with the blend's core flavors. A well-aged Bourbon such as Blanton's Single Barrel also complements the brown sugar and leather notes.
Wine
A structured Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Ridge Monte Bello) or a Côtes du Rhône with Grenache and Syrah co-mingling to mirror the cigar's dark fruit and earthy complexity.
Non-Alcoholic
A double-shot Americano with a single dose of heavy cream, or a cold brew concentrate served black — the bitterness and roast of quality coffee amplifies the cigar's espresso backbone without competing.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has spent the day navigating a boardroom, closing a deal that required every ounce of diplomatic finesse they possess. They are now alone on their balcony, the city lights a distant hum below, wearing a worn leather jacket and holding a glass of Glenfarclas 15. They have smoked through the Davidoff canon — the Signature, the Aniversario, the Yamasa — and appreciated each for their precision, but secretly wondered if the brand could ever truly let go. They are not looking for a nicotine hit or a quick smoke; they are looking for a companion for the evening's quiet thoughts. They want a cigar that will not rush them, that will evolve alongside their own shifting mood, and that will offer enough depth to reward their full attention. This cigar will give them that — a slow-burning, contemplative experience that feels less like a product and more like a conversation with an old friend who knows when to speak and when to listen.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Late Hour Magnum is the rare cigar that justifies its price tag through sheer presence, delivering a brooding, complex profile that demands — and rewards — your undivided attention. It is Davidoff's most convincing argument for the 60-ring gauge, and a masterclass in how to build a cigar for the end of the day.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Late Hour cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Late Hour Magnum a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. This means you will feel a satisfying nicotine presence that builds gradually through the smoke, but it is not an overpowering or harsh strength. The nicotine manifests as a gentle warmth and a slight cerebral buzz, particularly in the final third, rather than a sudden headrush. It is robust enough to satisfy an experienced smoker but balanced enough to remain enjoyable over the two-hour smoke.
What does Davidoff Late Hour Magnum taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. The first third opens with dark cocoa, roasted espresso, and a whisper of dried raisin or dark cherry, all framed by cedar and a gentle earthiness. The second third introduces supple leather, toasted almonds or hazelnuts, and a developing brown sugar or molasses sweetness, with black pepper appearing on the retrohale. The final third deepens into dark chocolate, oak, and a surprising briny minerality, with the pepper building assertively and a lingering cocoa-and-spice finish.
How long does Davidoff Late Hour Magnum take to smoke?
Given its Magnum (Gordo) vitola and 6.0 x 60 dimensions, you should set aside a solid 90 minutes to two hours. The large ring gauge and dense packing of the filler tobaccos ensure a slow, cool burn. This is not a cigar to smoke while doing other things; it requires a dedicated block of time to fully appreciate its evolution.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Late Hour Magnum?
An aged Scotch whisky with sherry-cask influence, such as Glenfarclas 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood 17, is the ideal companion. The dried fruit and oak notes in the whisky harmonize beautifully with the cigar's dark cocoa, espresso, and leather core, creating a synergistic experience where each sip and puff enhances the other. The whisky's inherent sweetness also mirrors the brown sugar and molasses notes that develop in the second third.
Is Davidoff Late Hour Magnum good for beginners?
Honestly, no. This is not a beginner's cigar. The Medium-Full strength can be overwhelming for a palate not yet accustomed to nicotine, and the $28–$35 price point is a significant investment for a smoke that might be too intense. The flavor profile is also deeply complex and layered, which is best appreciated by someone who has developed the palate to pick out the subtle shifts between thirds. A beginner would be better served starting with a milder, more approachable Davidoff like the Signature or Aniversario.
Where can I buy Davidoff Late Hour Magnum?
As a prestige-tier cigar, the Late Hour Magnum is not typically found in gas stations or general tobacco shops. Your best bet is a dedicated, high-end cigar retailer — either a brick-and-mortar store with a well-stocked humidor or a reputable online retailer that specializes in premium cigars. Davidoff's own boutiques and their official website are also reliable sources. Given the price point, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as counterfeit cigars are a risk in this segment.
What is the price of Davidoff Late Hour Magnum?
The Davidoff Late Hour Magnum carries a premium price tag of $28 to $35 per cigar. This price reflects the extended aging of the tobaccos, the hand-rolled production at Davidoff's Santiago facility, and the brand's exacting quality control standards. It is positioned as a special-occasion smoke, not an everyday cigar.
Is Davidoff Late Hour Magnum worth aging?
Yes, but with a caveat. The tobaccos in the Late Hour line have already undergone extended aging as part of the blending philosophy, meaning the cigar is quite approachable upon release. However, the Nicaraguan Habano (Sun Grown) wrapper and the dense filler blend have the structure to benefit from additional time in a well-maintained humidor. Aging for 1-3 years will likely further integrate the flavors, mellow the pepper, and allow the sweeter notes to become more prominent. It is a cigar that will reward patience, but it is also excellent right now.
What wrapper does Davidoff Late Hour Magnum use?
The Davidoff Late Hour Magnum is wrapped in a Nicaraguan Habano (Sun Grown) leaf. This wrapper is a Colorado shade, presenting a medium brown with subtle reddish undertones and a light oiliness. The sun-grown aspect of the leaf contributes significantly to the cigar's Medium-Full strength and adds a distinct spiciness and earthy richness that underpins the entire flavor profile, setting the stage for the dark cocoa and espresso notes.
Where is Davidoff Late Hour Magnum made?
The Davidoff Late Hour Magnum is hand-rolled at Davidoff's Oettinger Davidoff facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This is the brand's primary production facility, known for its rigorous quality control and exacting construction standards. The binder is Dominican Republic, and the filler is a blend of Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan tobaccos, all of which are aged and assembled in this facility to ensure consistency and the hallmark Davidoff smoking experience.