Davidoff Raconteur LE Review

The Raconteur LE
Made by: Davidoff
Country: Ecuadorian, Mexican, and Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6 by 56

This new 2016 limited edition from Davidoff sports an amazing secondary band reading “Never never never give up.” This is a quote from Winston Churchill himself, which is well justified on this cigar because it is a Winston Churchill limited edition. Of course with the name comes expectations, but in my opinion that secondary band adds an amazing touch to this cigar. Visually beautiful, lets see what it has to offer with a Davidoff Raconteur LE Review.

Prelight

Firm even pack, some lumps from binder stems. Visible seams and large veins. Light tooth on the wrapper. Perfectly formed cap, wonderful detail on construction. Light cedar and a floral note on the foot. Great cut, no cap flaws, this cigar fits very well in the mouth for a 56 ring gauge. The prelight draw reveals the floral note up front with some light hay, white pepper finish and a cedar undertone in the profile. Very easy draw, could use a bit more resistance. Let’s get it lit up and see how it goes.

1/3

I have never had a cigar that toasted easier than this one. And it is pouring off tons of medium thickness smoke. Cedar and hay are heavy on the front with a gentle floral note rounding the front out with perfect balance. The floral note is a very light lavender mixed in with the cedar and hay. Very tasty and very complex. The finish is white pepper at the moment but the front has control of the profile. Did I mention the smoke production on this, it is a chimney. Decent burn, cedar and hay have come up on the front. White pepper still controls the finish, mild to medium body it is rising slowly though. Low to medium strength, which I predict to rise with the body. Beautiful white compact ash, very sturdy.

2/3

At the start of the second third, body and strength are up to a medium. The front has retreated, the finish is up. There is a peanut and white pepper mix controlling the finish. Hay and cedar maintain the front, just softer than the first third. Smoke production is constant, and the burn line is still allright. The ash fell at about the halfway point. One thing to note is that this cigar is burning very quickly. That is a testament to how much I am enjoying this blend, as well as the fact that it is burning quickly in general. The front and the finish are back balanced.

3/3

The body is still at a medium, the strength is level with it. The peanut and white pepper note now includes cashew. Hay and cedar on the front have retreated. No touch ups have been needed the entire cigar. The burn did slow down a bit as I reached the end of the stick. Wonderful smoking experience, great flavors, and very well-balanced.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Conclusion: 95

Construction was perfect, could’ve had a little bit more complexity. Transitions were well-defined, and really pleasant flavors. Needless to say if you find them at your local store and buy them. At limited production of 6000, these are going to go quick because they’re a good cigar and that’s all there is to it. It absolutely justifies the price point that it is set at.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com