Robusto, 5" x 58 ring gauge / MSRP $23
I have long been a "Zino Platinum skeptic," having not seen the flavor to price correlation in the few cigars I had smoked. Learning that the brand was basically started as a marketing exercise to sell cigars by linking them with a "urban rapper" lifestyle didn't do much to help my perception. When I made the choice to support my local B&M, though, in their recent Black Carpet Event, I walked away with a bunch of cigars that might just make a believer out of me...even though I still don't have the cash flow to buy these regularly. One of the sticks included in our event bag was a Crown Series 2009 Emperor Edition, featuring Piloto Ligero fillers from Nicaragua and the DR, a Corojo-Olor hybrid Dominican binder, and a dark, oily Ecuadorian wrapper and is reputed to be quite full-bodied. At the end of a weekend full of work, I took this beauty on on the porch with some rum and cola to see what I would make of it.
The cold draw had that distinctive foresty, fungusy flavor that I associate so strongly with Davidoff products, but there was also a deep earthiness and sweetness along with a peppery tingle on the lips. If I was given this one blind, the first thing I would guess would probably be Avo LE 2010...even before lighting it. Ignition brought out more of that Kelner-signature flavor...seriously, if you don't like that specific Davidoff flavor...just walk away right now. What this adds to that flavor profile is a strong earthiness, black coffee, and cocoa powder on the palate, along with a not-insignificant pepper burn on the nose. From the beginning, the body is formidable, especially when viewed in the light of most other products to wear a label bearing either the first or last name of Zino Davidoff.
Through the first third, the 2009 Emperor was leathery and earthy, but with plenty of chocolatey sweetness. Although full in body and with a spicy edge, it was also somewhat creamy and smooth, an overall delight to the taste and olfactory senses. The rum and cola proved to be an ideal accompaniment to the cigar, helping to bring out the sweeter notes in the tobacco. While not exactly the same as the Avo LE 10, it is similar in body and overall flavor profile. Being two years old, this cigar is hard to find, but if you can get your hands on one, my advice is to do so.
I have long been a "Zino Platinum skeptic," having not seen the flavor to price correlation in the few cigars I had smoked. Learning that the brand was basically started as a marketing exercise to sell cigars by linking them with a "urban rapper" lifestyle didn't do much to help my perception. When I made the choice to support my local B&M, though, in their recent Black Carpet Event, I walked away with a bunch of cigars that might just make a believer out of me...even though I still don't have the cash flow to buy these regularly. One of the sticks included in our event bag was a Crown Series 2009 Emperor Edition, featuring Piloto Ligero fillers from Nicaragua and the DR, a Corojo-Olor hybrid Dominican binder, and a dark, oily Ecuadorian wrapper and is reputed to be quite full-bodied. At the end of a weekend full of work, I took this beauty on on the porch with some rum and cola to see what I would make of it.
The cold draw had that distinctive foresty, fungusy flavor that I associate so strongly with Davidoff products, but there was also a deep earthiness and sweetness along with a peppery tingle on the lips. If I was given this one blind, the first thing I would guess would probably be Avo LE 2010...even before lighting it. Ignition brought out more of that Kelner-signature flavor...seriously, if you don't like that specific Davidoff flavor...just walk away right now. What this adds to that flavor profile is a strong earthiness, black coffee, and cocoa powder on the palate, along with a not-insignificant pepper burn on the nose. From the beginning, the body is formidable, especially when viewed in the light of most other products to wear a label bearing either the first or last name of Zino Davidoff.
Through the first third, the 2009 Emperor was leathery and earthy, but with plenty of chocolatey sweetness. Although full in body and with a spicy edge, it was also somewhat creamy and smooth, an overall delight to the taste and olfactory senses. The rum and cola proved to be an ideal accompaniment to the cigar, helping to bring out the sweeter notes in the tobacco. While not exactly the same as the Avo LE 10, it is similar in body and overall flavor profile. Being two years old, this cigar is hard to find, but if you can get your hands on one, my advice is to do so.
Thnks a lot, nice review! I've had some Zino Platinums so far, and I really think that they are worth the money. That's why I also are storing and aging some of them in my humidor. Very aromatic and good cigars.
ReplyDeleteSmoke on...Humidor (aka Torget)