The Davidoff Grand Cru No.2 stands as a corona gorda measuring 143mm with 43 ring gauge, packaged in 25-count boxes. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper cloaks Dominican binder and filler tobaccos, presenting itself in Davidoff's signature white-banded elegance. Priced at $565 per box, this reinterpretation of the original Cuban Chateau blend offers morning-friendly mildness with afternoon complexity potential.
The cold draw delivers faint cedar sweetness. Initial puffs reveal creamy cashew notes riding smooth, cool smoke. The bright Ecuadorian wrapper shines through with hay-like sweetness, accompanied by white pepper tingle on retrohale. Burn line maintains razor precision, ash holding firm for 2cm increments.
Coffee bean aromas emerge at the halfway point, blending with softened cedar. Buttery texture develops as the Dominican fillers warm up, though nicotine remains under 3mg absorption range. Transition proves seamless - no sharp flavor shifts, just gradual intensification of baking spices.
Roasted almond dominance takes over past the band point. Leather undertones appear without bitterness, though smoke temperature rises noticeably. Wise to conclude at 45-minute mark when resinous notes hint at impending tar accumulation. Post-puff aftertaste lingers 7-9 minutes with pleasant cashew cream residual.
The silky Ecuadorian wrapper exhibits uniform golden hue with minimal veining. Triple cap withstands multiple guillotine cuts without unraveling. Draw resistance measures 1.8-2.1 inches H2O pressure - effortless yet controlled. Box dates show 12-18 month maturation typical for optimal performance.
