Howdy folks!  

After smoking through the latest of Davidoff’s Vault releases, I wanted to highlight one in particular that stood out to me: the Davidoff Tour Gastronomique 2010.  I find that it builds to a medium-bodied cigar and really shines by juxtaposing nuanced sensations against each other. Let's get started!

After firing up, I’m met with a hay and syrup profile that quickly transitions into creamy chocolate, cedar, and a finishing sour note that really reminds me of apple.  It’s really quite charming, much more so than it probably reads on paper. 

Dropping the first ash, I’m rewarded with hints of peanut butter toast and more hay.  Maybe it’s the peanut butter toast, but the apple-like finish is lingering long enough to remind me of apple jam.  In fact, this lingering finish is so appetizing that I find myself having to slow down intentionally to not spoil the experience. 

Burning down a bit further, peppercorn makes its first appearance.  I’m only getting the tiniest amount of heat from it, but the taste of peppercorn contrasts the current profile wonderfully.

What I love about the Davidoff Tour Gastronomique 2010 is the oily texture it brings with every puff, coating the palate in silky smooth smoke.  It really adds to the cigar experience in my personal opinion and can make just about any flavor profile feel sophisticated and refined.  

Through the nose, I’m getting barnyard, burnt honey, and peanut shells.  The retro is also very comfortable, providing no discomfort at all. I think I’ve been retro haling most of the last twenty minutes.  

I believe I’ll take my leave now and finish the rest of this cigar in isolation.  Cheers to a wonderful rest of your week!

Suggestions: 

If you’re a Davidoff fan, I wouldn’t suggest this as a divergence from the norm.  Instead, I’d suggest this for an exquisite experience that stimulates all regions of the palate like you’ve come to expect from the Gastronomique or Chef’s Edition line (although much tamer than either of the Chef’s Edition). 

If you’re new to Davidoff, I’d recommend giving the Tour Gastronomique 2010 a try to taste a counter trend in the United States.  Not every cigar has to knock your socks off with strength, nor does it have to weigh so heavy on the palate that it overwhelms your next choice.  This cigar is an excellent exercise in tasting a fantastic flavor profile that’s low on strength and as easy on the palate as it is on the eyes. 

And if you’re not sure about committing to the Tour Gastronomique 2010 by itself, we have a sampler that I’ll link below with the latest Davidoff releases: Tour Gastronomique 2010, Saveurs Gstaad 2008, and the Puro Perfecto 2009.