Late last year, DAV cigars release some new blends that added depth to their growing portfolio. One of those was the DAV Series 1918 also known as the purple band. The year 1918, is special to founders Valot Atakhanian and Armen Caprielian, as it represents the First Republic of Armenia and was the first modern Armenian state since the loss of Armenian statehood in the Middle Ages. The two business partners are both of Armenian decent.
The DAV Cigars Series1918 has a bold multi country blend described as:
- Wrapper – Cameroon
- Binder – Dominican olor Dominicano
- Filler – 6 different tobaccos – Dominican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian
The DAV Cigars Series 1918 is expressed in two vitolas and come packaged in 10-count boxes:
- Double Toro (6 x 54) – MSRP $9.80
- Robusto ((5 x 52) – MSRP $8.20
I am told these will be available in August 2021 and will be showcased at the Boutique Cigar Association- Smoke at the Creek event August 13-14.
Pre-Light Examination
The DAV Cigars 1918 is a beautifully constructed cigar that sports a silky smooth dark tan wrapper that exhibits a fine oily sheen. The wrapper is practically vein less and the head is finished with a well applied triple cap smooth. The ciagr is solid to the touch and has tight seams.
A single band adorns the cigar. It like all DAV cigars proudly displays the DAV cigars logo and in this case it uses a purple background with silver lettering and adornments.
Running the DAV Series 1918 across the nose, I noted a mild pungent note with a touch of sweetness and spice along the barrel. Moving to the foot, my nasals were filled with a delectable baking spice note.
Using my double blade cutter, I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that had draw that was a tad tight and offered notes of peppery spice along with a hint of sweetness and a touch of fruit . Flavor wise, this was a very pleasant cold draw.
I reached for my double flame torch lighter and warmed the foot gently, bringing it to an even orange glow and I drew in the first puffs that exuded a pleasant sweet aroma. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers an immediate sweet aroma
- Medium volume of smoke
- Solid white ash forms on top of a thick char line
- Cream and coffee notes start to develop
- Nice oiling forms above the burn line
- Fruit and cocoa notes add to the pleasure moving into the second third
- Ash fell after a long run, revealing a well formed burn cone
- Pleasant nut characteristics enter
- Mild wave forms that does not require a touch up
- Umami savory spice notes deep in second third
- Bitter cocoa notes morph in
- Sweet almond notes in final
- Mild – Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 50 minutes
Final Analysis
The DAV Cigars Series 1918 Double Toro was a pleasant flavorful cigar that offered pleasant transitions from foot to nub. It started with an enticing sweet aroma and progressed from there moving into a sweet cream and coffee with notes of fruit and cocoa. The flavors moved into more of a savory spice deep in the journey and then bulled back and finished with a sweet almond and cocoa note. the burn was awesome through the first half but it did develop a jaggedness that stayed through to the finish. I rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Slight wave in second half; (-1) Bitterness in final third; (-1) Medium Volume of Smoke
Bonus Points:(+1) Fine Oiling above the Burn Line
