The Davidoff Paragon is a part of the Davidoff Vault series in which the company releases “factory reserves, vintage classics, and private and rare collections.” In this case, Davidoff‘s Master Blender, Eladio Diaz, worked with a single veteran roller to create this cigar. Eladio sorted through specific tobaccos and worked on 10 different blends before landing on this blend from his private collection.
Overall there’s a very high quality to the wrapper, it’s near seam less and has a nice slightly rough leathery feel to it . There’s a strong sweet cedar note on the foot with a raisin and spice finish.
First Third
There’s a lot of subtle sweetness on the initial light. I’m getting a cereal sweetness, vanilla, notes of leather, a mild amount of cinnamon, and an occasional salty-sour note of lime. After about an inch the amount of leather starts picking up and the sour notes are starting to deepen. I’m almost reminded of the crystallized Mexican lime candy.
Second Third
I’m getting a nutty leather on the draw. I can’t help but be reminded of peanut brittle with the slightly sweet toffee and nuttiness. The sweetness is well balanced with an almost horseradish finish; it’s a kind of heat that grows after it sets. At the halfway point there’s more of a slight bitter almond and leather flavor that takes over. The profile has fundamentally changed from sweet in the first half to a spicy earthiness in the middle. .
Final Third
There’s a lot more citrus this third than any of the previous ones. I’m really enjoying the slightly sour note that it’s giving. Leather, coffee, almonds, heavy cream, and baking spice all make noticeable appearances as well. All the notes of salty, sweet, and bitter are fantastic.
Overall Impressions
I’ve talked to several people recently and the seeming consensus is that pretty much everyone makes good cigars; which is for the most part true. So what makes a great cigar? For me at least, it one that tells a story. This one told a story with it’s clean flavors and ever changing profile. The burn started a little wavy but never needed a touch up or relight and eventually became razor sharp. I wish the draw was just slightly tighter; but I like a bit more resistance and others may find it perfect. The price point is a little high but I’ve smoked other cigars at similar prices that don’t hold a candle to it. I can’t recommend it enough and it’s easily one of the top five cigars I’ve smoked this year.
