Prior to IPCPR 2017, Debonaire House announced Daybreak, the third regular production cigar of their lineup. The Daybreak uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper with Nicaragua and Dominican fillers, but is said to be a full flavor Connecticut cigar. It is rolled at the De Los Reyes factory, home of SAGA and Patoro. Phill Zanghi, owner, wanted to round out their portfolio giving a lighter option to cigar smokers, but wanted to do it in a premium and high quality way.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The Daybreak comes in 6 vitolas: Corona (6×46) – $11.53, Belicoso (6×54) – $13.25, First Degree (4×44) – $6.00, Robusto (5×50) – $12.46 per cigar, Sagita-Petite Lancero (5.5×38) – $8.74, Toro (6×50) – $13.00 per cigar. All come in boxes of 20.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Factory: De Los Reyes
Blender: Phill Zanghi
Number of reviewers: 4 – Dave W. (mdwest) Isaac M. (The Nothing) Stefan (Stefan) Matthew T.(A Huge Nerd)
Price: $11.53
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: November 2017
Contributed by: Debonaire
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 85
“This cigar has some problems in the appearance department. It seems to be evenly packed, but the light brown wrapper has some splotchy coloration. Some green spots can be found on the wrapper, which has a dry, almost papery appearance. The cap is somewhat messy. ” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Aroma: 88
“A pleasant herbal aroma comes off the cigars foot pre-light. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“This cigar has a bit more body than I expected out of a stick with a Connecticut wrapper. The flavor profile matches the pre-light aroma and is filled with herbal and floral notes. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“Before lighting up this cigar immediately brought back memories of Wheaties cereal, which I haven’t had in well over 20 years. After lighting up it brought on flavors of salt biscuits and sourdough. There was a hint of the dry grass on the retrohale.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Second Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Keeping in tune, the second third brought on flavors that reminded me of toasted Chex mix and almonds. Grains really seem to be the common thread with this cigar. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“The second third saw a drastic change. While the smoke stayed seemingly dry, it also turned much creamier, becoming very enjoyable by the midpoint.” –Stefan (Stefan)
Final Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Unfortunately, the final third became quite muddied. Yes, there was still the predominate grain notes that I tasted the whole time, but now it was more akin to burnt oatmeal. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“The cigar continues to improve. That sweetness from the retrohale now has some mellow spice notes join the profile. There is a real smooth quality to the smoke, almost like vanilla. The finish is a nice mix of leather and a mild earthiness. ” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 89
“The single best thing about this cigar was the draw. It was close to perfect with exactly the right amount of resistance provided. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Burn: 91
“Consistent combustion from beginning to end and a straight burn line from the first puff until the last. Cant ask for much better than that. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Construction: 89
“The cigars performance speaks for itself. Clearly this was a well rolled stick. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 88
“This stick is proof that you cant judge a book by its cover. Where its appearance was lacking, its performance and flavors were on point. A very nice smoke that I will absolutely smoke again. ” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“The way this cigar finished was quite a shame. It wasn’t exactly a nuanced cigar, but I was kinda getting into it when the flavors just all fell apart. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“A creamy stogie that gets better — and creamier — through the duration of the smoke. For that matter, it would make an even better short smoke if one were to extirpate the first third.” –Stefan (Stefan)
“You can’t judge a book by its cover, and this cigar is a good example of that. It was not a pretty cigar, and the flavors were not very promising in the beginning. Then things started to turn around and this one ended well. It was a good example of a mild plus cigar with good combinations and some decent transitions. I want to try this one again. ” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
"This stick is proof that you cant judge a book by its cover. Where its appearance was lacking, its performance and flavors were on point. A very nice smoke that I will absolutely smoke again. " -Dave W. (mdwest)
