Wrapper: Undisclosed
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Size: 5.5 x 55
Strength: Medium
Price: $49.00
Released: January 2025
Quantity Released: 1000 boxes of 10

My cigar has 1 day of naked humidor time and 1 day of dry boxing.

BACKGROUND:
From Small Batch Cigar:
“For over 25 years, Maxamar Ultimate Cigars has stood steadfast as the premium tobacconist of Orange County, California. In 2012, Small Batch Cigar premiered as the online extension of Maxamar, providing the same luxurious cigar experience of their brick and mortar in Southern California to enthusiasts from coast to coast.

“To celebrate 25 distinguished years in business, Maxamar / Small Batch and Davidoff once again partnered up to release a second anniversary milestone worthy of commemorating. The 5 1/2 x 55 Gran Robusto features tobaccos from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and the United States and is one of only 16 exclusive releases from Davidoff worldwide!”

THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
Who among you has not wanted to smoke a $50 cigar on receipt. I don’t have the balls to do anything that foolish…except on a dare. Actually, no one dared me, just the voices in my head.

I generally don’t have a grand plan for what I am going to review. I wake up in the morning, wash the naughty bits, drink massive quantities of coffee, stare inside the humidor I reserve for review cigars…and pick something. Very scientific. Like my rating system.

This is an SBC exclusive cigar. I do not want to bite the hand that feeds me, so my timbers are shivering. One of the voices in my head says publish the review no matter what. Thirty-seven voices say go fuck yourself. The remaining 139 voices say don’t worry…you have a contract. Russ G. negotiated it for me.

It’s a beautiful cigar that drips with exotic oil. Sure, it’s veiny but it feels heavier than most Davidoffs I’ve smoked and reviewed.

The wrapper smells aged. This means I smell hardly nuttin’ honey. A couple deep knee bends and my nostrils flare and I go in again. Notes of barnyard, dark chocolate, black caramel, potato chips, deep floral and honey, and spicy roasted peppers. There is more in there, but they float in the land of leathery restraints,

The draw is nearly there. Instead of jabbing and thrusting my PerfecDraw, I show patience and hope that once lit, airflow is better than a poncey scheme for the illiterate elite.

Sucking like I’m back on D Block I find notes of spicy barnyard, cinnamon, espresso, dark chocolate, vanilla crème, and more Ruffles with onion dip. I am so bloody tired of listing these over described flavors. There is life beyond the flavor wheel.

I’ve wasted enough of your time. The dance of the fire twinkies.

Nice smoke output (as he stares obliquely at the ceiling wondering what to say next).
Tastes pretty damn good. Is this a Cuban cigar? Dunno.

Davidoff rarely makes a Gordo, so my lips are unaccustomed to such a big log.

Maxamar was started in the mid 1920’s after Andrew’s ancestors failed to move guns and liquor across Lake Michigan. They were arrested and spent 6 months in Dane County jail. Upon release, they tried again. This time they went down with the ship. Their children thought that their legacy would be served well by opening a cigar shop in Orange, California.

Tart like a candied lemon, chocolaty, minty, spicy, and slightly creamy.

The burn ain’t so hot but the cigar has been given no time to rest. The hanging ash is structural knowing it is birthing its eventual demise.

I’m using centuries of experience to detect a solid blender’s intent. Do I see one? Yes, I do. Da do run run.

I taste the beginnings of richness and refinement. No discernible complexity and only barely transitional. Black licorice. The balance of sweet v. savory is on the make.

Tube guitar amps are romanticized. I hated them. Every musician had to carry a duffel bag full of tubes. The damn things would burn out in the middle of a solo or a rolling bass line. It was embarrassing because you had to take a few minutes to replace the damn thing. I love solid state amps. When you’re on stage in front of a lot of people, sure, subtleties fly out the window. In the studio, in a controlled environment, yeah sure…tube amps are cool. A computer program wizard engineer can change any sound. As a bassist, I’d go direct plus an amp. Same thing goes on stage in big venues. Do I look lovingly at the era of tube amps? Hell no.

Before gigs, Darryl Way made it a sport to go out into the bar and ‘pull’ girls. He would invite them back to our dressing room. He’d then set chairs in a large semicircle, facing him, and he’d interview them. The chicks were giggly and enthusiastic. The rest of the band’s interest faded with time but not Darryl’s. I enjoyed it and would sit next to him and watch him. The man was good looking incredibly charming. There was no predatory behavior on his part. Very good natured. As we readied to go on stage, he’d instruct the girls to return after the gig. Heads bobbed up and down with glee. But here’s what happened every time…Sonja went from being a mousy broad offstage to an incredible powerhouse on stage. She would take her time teasing us bandmembers on stage with her very sexy moves. I was shy and often embarrassed. I didn’t know how to react in the moment. Sometimes she would get down on her knees and faux fellate us…which messed up my intricate bass lines. I forced a Cheshire Cat smile hoping my boner wouldn’t pop out of my duct taped fly. On finishing a two-hour concert, we’d return sweaty and exhausted to our dressing room. We anticipated the return of excited girls. The chicks, in totem, saw that the band members were Sonja’s kept men…not to be trifled with as she presented on stage that we were her property. There is nothing like a blow job after a gig to understand the real reason we played music for a living. It was more a wish and a desire than reality.

I detect an ongoing refinement to this half a C note cigar. Most guys wouldn’t dream of buying a bunch of these, especially from Davidoff. Well, rich guys in leather elbowed smoking jackets will line up to buy something exclusive. The rest of us prefer spending money on beer and food for the kids.

I’m enjoying this virginal cigar. Smooth to the palate and to the pleasure section of my brain…which, in my old age, relocated to my ever expanding ear lobes. I list them as carry-on when I fly.

The first half was enjoyable in the realm of slapping your boss in the face because he deserves it. Strength remained at medium throughout the entire hour. I like it a lot. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to be so. Davidoff cigars have a mere 50/50 chance of being well executed. I swear that Oliva makes half of their offerings. But even Davidoff realizes that when you pander to the rich and good looking, you better ante up.

Know how you realize that your body of work as a musician is crap? No one bothers to remaster it.

The second half kicks me in the ankles. My testicles jump out of the way…they see themselves as sentient beings.

I sip my coffee. I bought a foaming device. For $25, I feel like a prince on my yacht tasting grapes from Tuscany and milk from cows deemed white enough to join an exclusive country club. Now and again, a Jewish cow slips in and ruins everything.

Treacly sweet at times. But evenly balanced by savory notes of oak, cedar, mushroom, cardamom, green bell pepper, and black pepper. Sweet notes are slim but offer up summery lemonade, chocolate marzipan, honeysuckle, and buttery graham cracker.

A beautiful richness fills out the second half. Big things will come to you if you wait and stick these cigars away for 6 months or longer.

Ash is everywhere. On the desk and on my clothes. I look like I vacationed in Pompeii.

I hate saying this, but I am enjoying the ridiculously priced cigar. You can buy them in pairs so that your wife doesn’t serve you divorce papers…again. Kids love to eat Happy Meals.

Not a flavor bomb…but rich to its core. This is a big boy cigar. Sophisticated palates will approve. There is mouth feel and finish that is indescribable.

The burn in the second half is severe and orderly.

I could go on and on…but I already have. Take a respite. Take your time deciding on pulling the trigger. If you own a jewel encrusted bathroom sink, no need to think. If there are crusties on the underside of your kitchen table, take a breath.

You can purchase the Davidoff Maxamar 25th Anniversary Exclusive from sponsor Small Batch Cigar. There are no promo codes or discounts available. I failed you.

RATING: 93 for smoking it early.
RATING: 96 if you allow extended rest

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: cigar reviews, cigar reviews by the katman, cigars, davidoff cigars, Davidoff Maxamar 25th Anniversary Exclusive | Cigar Reviews by the Katman, katman, maxamar, phil kohn, small batch cigar