AshMap
Overview
There is a particular silence that falls over a room when a cigar of this caliber is lit. The Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 is not a smoke that announces itself with thunder; it commands attention through sheer, quiet precision. It is the olfactory equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit—every stitch, every line, every contour is deliberate. From the first cold draw, which offers a whisper of white pepper against a canvas of fresh cream and toasted brioche, you understand this is not a cigar built for brute force but for the slow, deliberate study of nuance. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, pale and satiny as polished bone, is a prelude to the performance within, promising a register of flavor that is less about volume and more about clarity.
As the foot takes the flame, the first third unfolds with a discipline that borders on the architectural. Light cedar forms the load-bearing beam, while cashew and a delicate white floral quality—think jasmine or orange blossom, not the heady perfume of a garden—fill the space between. There is a honeyed vanilla sweetness that anchors the profile, not as a sugar rush, but as a subtle, resonant bass note. This is the Davidoff signature: a flavor profile so polished it feels almost sterile, until you realize the precision is the point. The smoke is dense and pillowy, a tactile pleasure in itself, and the retrohale is a study in restraint, offering a faint citrus zest that brightens the composition without ever becoming sharp.
Crossing into the second third, the cigar begins to reveal its deeper architecture. The taper of the figurado narrows, concentrating the smoke and drawing out a toasted almond richness that melds with a mild espresso note—not a dark roast, but a gentle, milky cortado. A refined earthiness emerges, grounding the ethereal florals, while the creaminess deepens into something almost custard-like. The pale wood spice, a ghost of cinnamon and nutmeg, dances on the edges, and the citrus zest on the retrohale becomes more pronounced, a bright, clarifying note that cuts through the growing richness. This is where the cigar’s narrative arc bends toward complexity, but it does so with the measured grace of a seasoned storyteller, never rushing, never overstating.
The final third brings a warmth that feels like the closing movement of a chamber piece. A gentle leather note—soft, supple, not the harsh hide of a work boot—wraps around the core, while toasted oak and a whisper of dark honey provide a satisfying resolution. The strength remains remarkably restrained, a testament to the blend’s discipline, never straying beyond a mild-medium plateau. The burn line remains razor-sharp, the ash holding firm past an inch, a structural integrity that speaks to the mastery of the Davidoff factory in Santiago. This is a cigar that ends not with a bang, but with a long, contemplative exhale, leaving a memory of cream and cedar and a quiet, profound sense of satisfaction. It is a ceremonial object, a piece of functional art, and its fleeting availability only heightens the reverence it commands.
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?
This is for the collector who has already climbed the mountain of strength and now seeks the view from the summit of subtlety. Picture a man in his late fifties, a veteran of full-bodied Nicaraguans and bold maduros, who has recently discovered the quiet joy of a well-aged Connecticut. He is celebrating a milestone—perhaps the sale of a business or a significant wedding anniversary—and he wants a cigar that mirrors the occasion’s gravity without shouting. He appreciates the ritual of the figurado, the careful cut, the slow, even toast. He has a glass of aged Hennessy XO at his side, not to overpower, but to converse with the smoke. This cigar will give him a 70-minute meditation, a chance to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship that only a house like Davidoff can deliver. It is not a smoke for the impatient; it is a reward for those who understand that true luxury is found in the details.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Year of the Rooster 2017 is a masterclass in restraint, a cigar that proves refinement is the ultimate expression of power. It is a fleeting, collectible gem that demands to be savored, not merely smoked. If you find one, secure it—this is a benchmark for ceremonial smoking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and unobtrusive, allowing the nuanced flavors to take center stage without any risk of dizziness or palate fatigue. It is a cigar designed for extended, contemplative sessions rather than a quick nicotine hit.
What does Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 taste like?
The flavor progression is a study in delicate evolution. The first third offers light cedar, cashew, and a white floral note with a honeyed vanilla sweetness. The second third introduces toasted almond, mild espresso, and a refined earthiness, with a faint citrus zest on the retrohale. The final third brings a gentle leather, toasted oak, and a whisper of dark honey, all while maintaining a creamy, refined core.
How long does Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 take to smoke?
Given its Figurado (Perfecto) vitola and 6.0 x 52 dimensions, you should budget between 60 and 75 minutes for a full, unhurried session. The tapered foot and closed head require a careful toast and light, which adds a few minutes to the start, but the even burn ensures a consistent experience throughout.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017?
An aged Cognac like Hennessy XO or Rémy Martin XO is the ideal companion. The brandy's dried fruit and toasted oak notes harmonize perfectly with the cigar's creamy texture and delicate wood spice, creating a synergistic experience where neither element overpowers the other. For a non-alcoholic option, a Silver Needle white tea complements the floral and creamy register without adding competing weight.
Is Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 good for beginners?
While the Mild-Medium strength is approachable, the $30–$45 per cigar price point on the secondary market makes it a risky proposition for a novice still developing their palate. A beginner might not fully appreciate the subtle shifts in flavor and the precision of the construction, which are the primary values here. It is better suited for a smoker with enough experience to recognize and savor its quiet brilliance.
Where can I buy Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017?
As a limited release from 2017, it is no longer available at standard retail. Your best bet is to search reputable online cigar auction sites, high-end brick-and-mortar tobacconists with aged collections, or private collector forums. Be prepared to pay a premium over the original retail price, and always verify the source to ensure authenticity.
What is the price of Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017?
The original retail price was approximately $25–$32 per cigar. However, due to its scarcity and collectible status, the current secondary/collector market price ranges from $30–$45 per cigar, depending on the seller and condition of the box.
Is Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobaccos were already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and the blend has proven to age gracefully. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is known for its ability to develop additional creamy and bready notes over time. Given it was released in 2017, it is already entering its prime drinking window, but it can continue to evolve favorably for another 5-10 years if stored in ideal conditions.
What wrapper does Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is a pale, golden-tan leaf known for its silky texture and near-seamless surface. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's signature creaminess, delicate floral notes, and subtle sweetness, providing a refined and elegant foundation for the Dominican fillers.
Where is Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition 2017 made?
It is hand-rolled at the Davidoff factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This facility is renowned for its meticulous quality control and is the exclusive source of Davidoff's Dominican production, ensuring the consistent, flawless construction that this cigar is known for.