Zino Platinum: Grand Master Review

[benjamin831]

Ah, Puff Daddy's cigar. This 52 gauge Toro has the "bling" factor of a Cadillac Escalade on chrome rims. Introduced in 2002, the Zino Platinum series is the newest line of luxury cigars to emerge from Genevan den of Davidoff. The original Crown series came at a mind-boggling price of $39 per cigar. As a follow up to it's pretentious older cousin, the Sceptre series was created as cheaper alternative - with an almost reasonable price of $13 per stick. Rolled in the same factory as the Avo's, Davidoff used a premium blend of Ecuadorian wrapper and five-year old fillers.

Considering how much hype these jewel encrusted stogies caused, I decided that I had to give them a try. The Grand Master I obtained presented itself in a sleek black and silver tubo, inlaid with a sheet of cedar.

The cigar sported a smooth, silky, vein-less wrapper in the golden colour of cognac. Cleanly capped, the Grand Master was definitely well constructed; however it was a little too spongy for my liking. Pre-light aroma offered a glimpse of the nutty flavour this cigar had to offer. A small amount of spice also made me tingle at the nose. Toasting the foot, the cigar lit like a candle.

It started off with a very light nutty flavour. A pleasant change from the heavy maduros I've been smoking lately. The non-existent draw billowed with smoke, but also made the cigar heat up like an oven. I had to pace myself in fears of over-heating it. The smoke remained light throughout, medium-bodied at most .

By half way, I noted a flow of creamy flavours, which was extremely satisfying on my palate. The ash was soil, and flaky, with a mixture of grey and black blotches. Down to the final two inches, a very sweet, almost caramel like flavour kicked in. Even though the smoke became unbearably hot, I refused to deprive myself from this tasty treat.

At a finger-burning length, the once flawless wrapper unraveled. Fortunately, I was ready to put this cigar down and clean my palate with some water.

Undoubtedly, the Zino was a solid performer. As a light smoke, it's an interesting change of pace. However, this change comes at a price too much. Despite my ravings, at $13 a pop, this cigar is simply too expensive. I just don't see the Grand Master having the qualities that can possibly equate to its price tag. With a little more, I can buy myself a Cohiba Siglo VI, and then truly indulge myself in an exquisite smoke.

And if you think my rant is over, you are dead wrong.

You might call me paranoid, but I see something fundamentally wrong with this cigar, and the whole of the Platinum line. With silly names like Chubby, Low Rider, and Barrel for their cigars, one might harmlessly wonder if their next cigar would be named Pimp. For their mascots, Davidoff dressed dogs up in ruffles, and slapped on the label: "His Majesty's Smokin' Dawgs." And to think the average cigar smoker would know how to spell properly...

When cigars are sold in cans like dog food, it is a hint of a misunderstanding somewhere in the marketing department. This whole hip-hop, red-carpeted glam market that Zino Platinum’s attempt to appeal is as ridiculous as the idea itself. I question whether these cigars hold the quality of a real Davidoff, I question whether the Platinum’s are real cigars for real cigar smokers, or just a multi-million dollar marketing device for the next rap star music video.

For complete review with pictures: http://theperfecto.blogspot.com/2006...nd-master.html

[onlyonerm]

Interesting review, I share many of your same thoughts on this cigar line. Just seams they are trying to hard. Will admit I occasionally grab a Chubby when I won't something to smoke in the car that won't offend the wife to much.

[mike32312]

Very nice review and pics. I agree to much $$$ for this cigar. I think the industry is trying to monopolize on the Puff Daddy cigar, and the whole rap thing. To me this is a good $8.00 cigar. No more.

[sirsmokesalot]

i was too cheap to spend more then 10 bucks on teh hype so i suckered my self into a bullet for 7 beans, it wasnt bad but its a very mild gar.. i would definately agree witht he big marketing hubub, these are not for the true smoker, they are for posers, true smoker would not pay thatmuch for something that light IMO. the shapes, the bands, the packaging ect. is not really what would appeal to your more typical gar smokers.. besides tehre are a millio other light smokes that are cheaper.. the indian tabac limited reserve is just as good or better and much less expensive..

[sparky50]

Nice review, I agree , there are alot of better smokes you can buy for the money than this one.