Cigar Info
Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars were intimately developed out of the passion to experience the perfect cigar at the hands of Philip S. Zanghi III, founder of Indian Tabac Cigar Company and Daniel Sinclair, founder of Durfort Holdings. Debonaire is the culmination of 20 years of research and development to produce the finest premium cigar on the market today. They incorporate the finest, darkest, air cured tobacco from the most superior tobacco crops of Central America and the Dominican Republic.
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.
They employ an expert team of tobacconists with a combined experience of over 150 years who leave nothing to chance. They are highly critical of every aspect of production to ensure an exceptional cigar experience. Their mission is to provide connoisseurs with the highest quality cigars by only providing Debonaire to reputable and trusted tobacco merchants, preserving the brand for many years to come.
In 2012, Debonaire Cigars made their debut in three sizes. In 2013, the company introduced two line extensions – the Debonaire Sagita and the Debonaire Toro. While each vitola of the Debonaire shares common blend components, one thing that has become clear is that each of the vitolas has their own unique story to tell.
Debonaire Cigars was founded by Philip Zanghi and Daniel Sinclair. Many people may remember Zanghi from his days with Indian Tabac – the company that eventually became Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. After a hiatus away from premium cigars, Zanghi returned to the handmade premium cigar business and launched Debonaire Cigars. Zanghi resides in the Dominican Republic allowing him to be close to the tobacco process from seed through shipping.
Zanghi and his team employ the resources of Emilio El Reyes – one of the leading growers based in the Dominican Republic. The cigars are also made in the Dominican Republic. Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano, Binder: Dominican, Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan.
2014’s addition of the Toro and Sagita brings the total number of lines in the Debonaire to five. In terms of how the vitolas are constructed, the Debonaire line is bunched using accordion fold as opposed to entubado (tube) style. Zanghi emphasizes leaf placement in terms of being able to achieve the right flavor profile. Sagita: 5 1/2 x 38, Toro: 6 x 50, Robusto: 5 1/4 x 50, Bellicoso: 6 x 54, Solomones: 7 3/4 x 58 (limited 500 boxes).
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua
Factory: De Los Reyes
Blender: Philip Zanghi
Number of reviewers: 4 —– Alan (Eulogy) Kent (Throck) Robert (NavyPiper) Eric (smalls29)
Price: $14.00
Age: 8 Months
Release Date: July 2013
Contributed by: Debonaire Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 90
“To start out with, it’s big, and it’s heavy. It measures out at 6X50, and feels much heavier than I expected. It is A Maduro in Toro size. It’s got a nice dark Maduro color to it, but when rotating it in the light, reveals some lighter patches- almost like a mottling, which looks really nice. The wrapper has a few beefy veins, but they shouldn’t be an issue. The cap has a very mild roundness to it- it’s almost flat, with a short rounded shoulder. Cap is well centered and covers well. All in all this is a nice looking stogie.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
Aroma: 88
“I really found the aroma amazing. It was cedar and leather predominantly that intertwined well with each other and were neither overbearing. Dry puff was a pleasant dark chocolate and leather flavor.” –Kent (Throck)
First Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Holy Manzo Batman, that’s a way to start a stogie! After punching the cap & lighting up, from the first puff this stogie is a powerhouse! I was blasted with spice, pepper, and tobacco. Super heat & zing on the ol’ palate that lasts between puffs. On my first retro, I looked down to find a little pile of ashes in my lap that used to be my nose hairs. Definitely gotta dial back the size of the puffs I’m taking, or my sinuses are gonna melt. I’m in stogie nirvana right now! The burn keeps going a little wonky, requiring a couple touch ups.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
“What a great start. From the first inhale you are hit with a nice tingle in the lips from the peppery flavors. The cigar began with a nice woodsy flavor including some cedar and leather. I am also detecting a nice dark chocolate flavor. The flavors are bold and the flavors linger very nicely. When set down, the flavors remain on the palate for quite some time. A very nice start and hoping it keeps up the nice touch.” –Eric (smalls29)
Second Third
Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Wow, what a change! The harsh flavors that were in the forefront of the first third released their grip and the cigar mellowed out significantly. I was able to detect a clear cashew flavor as well as a leather thread that was permeating throughout.” – Kent (Throck)
“Moving into the 2nd third, I find myself really working on taking smaller puffs. Things seem to have eased a bit in intensity, either that or mu olfactory senses & taste buds have gone into a coma. I’m flat out lovin’ this stogie! The flavors are all there, but seems that the pepper has morphed into a combination of white & red pepper. But despite the pepper & spice, you can still taste the tobacco, which is quite good. Still dealing with the burn issue, needed to make a couple of more touch ups. Draw is great, and lots of aromatic smoke.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
Final Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Dang I’ve hit the final third. You ever have one of those stogies that you just wish would just go on and on? This is one of those for me. A great set of flavors- Spice, Tobacco, and a white/red pepper and it’s been a winning combination, at least for me. This could go on and on and I’d be happy! All the flavors are still there and are about the same as before strength wise. Draw is still great, and still lots of great smelling smoke, and ya- the burn thing is still there, but all things come to an end eventually, so I respectfully lay the remains of this stogie (no just tossing it into the ash tray like any ol’ stogie) into the ash tray. It gave me all it had, and was awesome from first puff to the last when I said goodbye to it.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
“I am kind of sad that the flavors have mellowed. The peppery flavor I enjoy so much is almost gone but the woodsy flavors with a hint of coffee are present and enjoyable. The flavors have gone from bold to medium almost as if the beginning of the end has come. Their is a strong after taste that seems to always be present to me but still very enjoyable.” –Eric (smalls29)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 98
“Absolutely no issues with the draw. It was consistent and easygoing from light to ashing.” –Kent (Throck)
Burn: 93
“A great burn. A good chimney that was lost only because I bumped my hand causing it to fall away. It burned nice and even.” –Eric (smalls29)
Construction: 92
“Great construction. I had no signs of cracking or bulging during my smoke. It was a well rolled stick.” –Kent (Throck)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 95
“The flavors never came together in any kind of cohesive way and the chemical flavor at the end really killed it for me. I certainly wouldn’t purchase any or even smoke another if offered to me.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Do not give up this smoke in the first third! It became quite pleasant in its second and final thirds…almost as if it was a gift for you after making it through the harsh first third. Overall, this was an intriguing smoke that changed its profile dramatically.” –Kent (Throck)
“To me this was an amazing cigar. It was almost like it was challenging me whether or not I could take what it dealt me. While it had me on the ropes a few times until I was able to rein in my enthusiasm and take small puffs. I loved the flavors- I can’t really describe how good they were, but they were great. I’d love to smoke these everyday, but I’d probably burn out my sinuses & taste buds if I tried. It was one of my favorites that’s for sure. Hopefully ol’ Baldy Claus will be able to find another one of these days.” –Robert (NavyPiper)
“A nice, flavorful smoke. Very enjoyable with a nice array of flavors. I always hope to have the nice peppery tingle throughout but this was not to be. The size was nice because it provided a nice, long smoke with enjoyable flavors. I felt this would pair nicely with a stout ale or red wine. I always enjoy a cigar with a coffee or beer, even wine. I would love to have one of these again.” –Eric (smalls29)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 89
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Reviewer
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Appearance
|
Aroma
|
1/3
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2/3
|
3/3
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Draw
|
Burn
|
Constr.
|
Overall
Experience |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan | Eulogy) | 85 | 90 | 85 | 83 | 80 | 85 | 92 | 88 | 80 |
| Kent | Throck) | 95 | 97 | 88 | 95 | 95 | 97 | 90 | 95 | 93 |
| Robert | NavyPiper) | 90 | 88 | 97 | 97 | 95 | 97 | 85 | 90 | 97 |
| Eric | smalls29) | 90 | 88 | 95 | 93 | 90 | 97 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.