AshMap
Overview
The Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 stands as a landmark release in the brand's celebrated Chinese Zodiac series—a collection that has quietly redefined what a limited-edition prestige cigar can be. Released to commemorate the Lunar New Year, this figurado was conceived not merely as a smoke, but as a ceremonial object: an elegantly tapered perfecto that concentrates flavor through its refined geometry while honoring the symbolic significance of the Rooster year. Davidoff's Dominican craftsmen, working with tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, created a cigar that epitomizes the brand's uncompromising philosophy: that true luxury resides in subtlety, precision, and consistency rather than brute strength or theatrical flavor.
From first light, the Year of the Rooster announces itself with whispered sophistication. The initial third opens with delicate white pepper, fresh cream, and toasted brioche—a triumvirate of notes that immediately signals this is no introductory smoke, but rather a statement of refined craftsmanship. Light cedar and cashew follow, adorned by a white floral quality that feels almost ethereal, anchored throughout by honeyed vanilla sweetness. As the figurado progresses into its second act, complexity deepens with the emergence of toasted almond, mild espresso, and a distinctive creamy earthiness that evolves into pale wood spice and citrus zest on the retrohale. The final third gracefully introduces warm leather and toasted oak without abandoning the cigar's hallmark restraint, concluding with whispers of dark honey that linger long after the last draw.
Construction is immaculate—the hallmark expectation when Davidoff's name appears on the band. The burn line remains razor-sharp throughout, while the draw produces dense, pillowy white smoke with effortless consistency. A firm, long ash demonstrates the precision that went into every layer of this cigar. At 60 to 75 minutes, the Year of the Rooster demands and rewards your undivided attention. On the secondary market, these cigars have appreciated considerably from their original retail price of $25–$32, now trading at $30–$45 per stick—a testament to their collectibility and the limited nature of the 2017 release. For the connoisseur willing to invest in a cigar that ages beautifully and delivers uncompromising refinement, the Year of the Rooster remains an essential acquisition.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged long-leaf tobaccos from the Cibao Valley |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (Davidoff factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Figurado (Perfecto) |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $30–$45 per cigar (secondary/collector market; original retail approximately $25–$32) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; released in 2017 for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Rooster |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with white pepper, fresh cream, and toasted brioche. Once lit, the first third delivers refined notes of light cedar, cashew, and a delicate white floral quality that is quintessentially Davidoff — polished and precise. A subtle sweetness reminiscent of honeyed vanilla anchors the profile.
Second Third
The midpoint brings greater complexity as toasted almond and mild espresso notes emerge alongside a refined earthiness. The creaminess deepens, joined by pale wood spice and a faint citrus zest on the retrohale. The figurado's taper begins drawing the smoke through a sweeter, tighter channel, concentrating the flavors elegantly.
Final Third
The final third gains warmth and a gentle leather note without surrendering the cigar's characteristic refinement. Toasted oak and a whisper of dark honey round out the experience. Strength remains restrained, never straying beyond mild-medium — the hallmark discipline of Davidoff's Dominican construction.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is immaculate, as expected from Davidoff — the draw is open and effortless, producing dense, pillowy white smoke. The burn line is razor-sharp with a firm, long ash that holds well past an inch; the figurado's foot lights evenly with minimal coaxing.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cognac (Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin XO) — the brandy's dried fruit and toasted oak harmonize perfectly; alternatively, a 12-year Speyside single malt such as Glenfiddich 12 or The Glenlivet 15
Wine
White Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru) or a lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy; the cigar's creaminess and delicate florals mirror the wine's minerality and butter notes
Non-Alcoholic
A high-quality white tea such as Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) or a lightly roasted oolong — both complement the floral, creamy register without overpowering the cigar's subtlety
Who Should Smoke This?
The Davidoff Year of the Rooster is crafted for the seasoned aficionado—someone whose palate has matured beyond strength and novelty into the realm of nuance and consistency. This cigar rewards the smoker who understands that mild-medium strength paired with impeccable construction and evolving flavor complexity represents the apex of cigar craftsmanship. Best enjoyed during milestone celebrations, Lunar New Year gatherings, or quiet reflective afternoons, this figurado demands a 60–75 minute time commitment and a distraction-free environment. Beginners may find it too subtle; it is a cigar for collectors who appreciate Davidoff's Dominican house style and view limited-edition releases as both investment and art. Ideal for gift-giving to the discriminating smoker who has everything else.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 is an exemplary limited-edition release that justifies both its original retail price and its current collector premium—a refinement-focused figurado that proves Davidoff's Dominican mastery remains unmatched. This is a cigar to acquire, preserve, and savor when only the finest will suffice.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Davidoff Year of the Rooster a strong cigar?
No. This cigar carries a mild-medium strength profile (2/5), making it an exercise in restraint and subtlety rather than power. Davidoff deliberately chose a lighter strength to allow the nuanced flavor development and Dominican tobacco complexity to shine without overwhelming the palate.
What does the Davidoff Year of the Rooster taste like?
The flavor arc moves from delicate white pepper, cream, and toasted brioche in the first third, through toasted almond, espresso, and creamy earth in the second, to warm leather and toasted oak with dark honey in the final third. The profile remains polished and precise throughout—quintessentially Davidoff.
How long does the Davidoff Year of the Rooster take to smoke?
Plan for 60 to 75 minutes. The 6.0 x 52 figurado vitola, combined with Davidoff's meticulous construction, delivers a leisurely, contemplative smoke that rewards patient enjoyment.
What is the best pairing for the Davidoff Year of the Rooster?
Aged Cognac such as Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin XO harmonizes beautifully with the cigar's creamy, toasted oak profile. Alternatively, a 12-year Speyside single malt like Glenfiddich 12 or The Glenlivet 15 pairs exceptionally well. Wine lovers should consider White Burgundy or lightly oaked Chardonnay.
Is the Davidoff Year of the Rooster good for beginners?
Not particularly. This is a collector's cigar designed for experienced aficionados who can appreciate its subtlety and nuance. Beginners would benefit from starting with more straightforward flavor profiles before approaching Davidoff's refined, complex Dominican style.
Where can I buy the Davidoff Year of the Rooster?
As a 2017 limited-edition release, this cigar is no longer available at retail. It trades on the secondary collector market through authorized dealers, auction platforms, and private collections. Availability is limited.
What is the price of the Davidoff Year of the Rooster?
Original retail was approximately $25–$32 per cigar. On the secondary collector market, prices now range from $30–$45 per stick, reflecting its limited-edition status and consistent demand among Davidoff enthusiasts.
Is the Davidoff Year of the Rooster worth aging?
Yes. The tobaccos were aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and these cigars age gracefully in proper humidor conditions. Many collectors hold them long-term; secondary market premiums demonstrate that aged examples command serious collector value.
What wrapper does the Davidoff Year of the Rooster use?
A silky, pale golden-tan Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper in Colorado Claro color. The wrapper is noted for its satiny, near-seamless surface, typical of premium Davidoff releases and essential to the cigar's refined aesthetic.
Where is the Davidoff Year of the Rooster made?
Hand-rolled at Davidoff's General Cigar Dominican facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The cigar features a Dominican binder and Dominican long-leaf filler tobaccos from the Cibao Valley—hallmarks of Davidoff's Dominican house style.