To celebrate the launch of the updated classic Davidoff Signature No.1, EGM Cigars were invited down to The Sanctum Hotel in Soho to sample and learn about how the process requires 300 pairs of hands to make, but ends up being enjoyed by 301.
After the pleasantries, introductions and a few snips of a cigar cutter, we were introduced to the re-rolling of cigar history, and a few challenges that require a healthy mix of luck and skill.
In front of a beautifully crafted old set of scales, we were asked to place a number of individual cigar leaves on the right side to balance out the Aniversario holding down the left. A number of people come agonisingly close with only one managing to crack it. We were then shown how Davidoff weighs every leaf before it makes its way into the rolling process, and why it is such an integral part of the quality control for the white band.
We headed outside to a roulette table, which we’ll come back to, and were introduced to a veteran bartender. After a little bit of cajoling, a few members in the group were convinced to try a few bar tricks, launching bottles behind their backs and catching metal mixers after bouncing them off one another. He then launched into a full routine, explaining how it has taken him 10 years to master the act and showmanship to the level he is today. Similar to the master rollers at Davidoff, it takes ten years and countless cigars being rolled to be able to say your hands are the ones that make a Davidoff cigar.
Finally, we’re ushered to the roulette table and quickly given a pair of chips to place down. The choices were slightly different from normal - Flood, Drought, Thunderstorm, Hurricane are all equal chance, with Top Seed being the highest reward option. I hedged my bets and split two across Flood and Drought, alas, my numbers didn’t come up and someone else walked away with seven more chips than they had started with. We went again and he placed everything on Drought, somehow coming up flush once more. Almost perfectly proving the point of the exercise, showing that the chances of a perfect environment even without any external forces is one that requires a massive amount of diligence and luck. Only around 10% of the seeds Davidoff use make it through quality control, and from 225,000 seeds per plant, they only sow the strongest.
The Davidoff Signature No.1 Limited Edition treats you to around 45 minutes of an extremely smooth and pleasant smoke. Due to its length and relatively narrow ring gauge, the typical Signature flavours are slightly intensified. You can expect tastes of barley, cream and cedar wood with a clean and creamy aftertaste.
With that in mind, and with the full collection in my pocket, what better way to celebrate than by sharing them at the book launch of another photographer. Good friend of EGM Cigars, Robert Spangle released his new book ‘Afghan Style’ to much rapture in both Paris and Milan, and in London it was no different: a wonderful evening outside of Trunk Clothiers on Chiltern Street was made even better with a Davidoff smoke in hand.
