Ditching the typical travel influencer scene, this January nextCIGAR has embarked on a unique adventure - a "Viaje Al Origen" tour with Davidoff to the heart of the Dominican Republic. As an official Davidoff Asia partner, we were embracing their "Crop to Shop" philosophy, immersing ourselves in every step, from humble seed to polished final product.
Passion ignited from the start. Our guides, Hamlet Espinal (the Head of Global Production), Carlos Alcantara (the Agronomist), Pedro Pablo Perez (the Brand Master Blender), and Sam Reuter (Davidoff's Global Brand Ambassador), weren't just experts; they were passionate storytellers, weaving a captivating narrative of meticulous craftsmanship.
Day 1: Swiss precision meets Dominican soil.
We visited the greenhouse where Davidoff experts nurture the seeding process. With 225,000 seeds per plant, each meticulously hand-pollinated and nurtured in specially imported Canadian soil. Only 10% make the cut, a testament to Davidoff's relentless pursuit of excellence.
Day 2: Field to fork (and humidor).
After breakfast amidst lush tobacco fields (cigars included, naturally!), we got our hands dirty, planting and harvesting the very leaves that would be used in future Davidoff blends. Each leaf is then hand-sewn onto bamboo sticks (named the “cuje”) ensuring even drying. These then undergo a transformation called “Curing” which allows the chemical composition of the leaves to change within a controlled temperature and humidity-regulated environment, unlocking complex aromas and flavours.
Day 3: Where artistry meets science.
The Davidoff Estate unveiled the magic behind production. Fifty shades of tobacco awaited, meticulously sorted by colour, size, and texture. This granular attention to detail is what sets Davidoff apart, guaranteeing consistency and that iconic smooth draw.
Time, the secret ingredient. Did you know Davidoff ages their tobacco twice? This meticulous process refines the leaves, adding layers of complexity to the final smoke. And speaking of "final smoke," only rollers with 10+ years of experience get to craft a Davidoff. Their skill, combined with strict diameter and weight controls, translates to the flawless combustion and draw we all love.
We even tried rolling our own (let's just say it wasn't pretty!). Witnessing the dedication at every stage solidified our appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each Davidoff cigar. The quality isn't just born, it's nurtured, from seed to shelf. It's the passion, the precision, and the unwavering commitment to quality that truly sets Davidoff apart. So next time you light up a White Band, remember the journey it took to get there, and savour every meticulously crafted puff.
This journey to the source truly showcased the power of dedication and expertise. In a world of mass production, Davidoff reminds us that true quality comes from a deep understanding and respect for the process, from the very beginning.
