Davidoff Grand Cru No. 3 Review

[punch]

[SIZE=2]This cigar is 5 X 43 Petit Corona manufactured in the Dominican Republic for Davidoff of Geneva. This cigar has a USA/CON wrapper surrounding a DR binder and DR filler blend. Storage conditions for this cigar were in a humidor in cellophane at 75 DegF and RH between 66 – 69%. Atmospheric conditions at time of smoking were 72 DegF and 72% RH. I was drinking a 50-50 mixture of Bulleit Bourbon (90 Proof) and water over ice.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]
Pre-light

Construction of this cigar is perfect. I have not had a Davidoff that was otherwise. Cap cut cleanly with minimal effort. Pre-light aroma and draw were excellent. The cigar lit rather easily and produced a large quantity of smoke.

First Third

Draw, burn and smoke were near perfect. Flavor was less intense than the "Thousand Series" of Davidoff, which are my favorites. This is a surprise since the Grand Cru series is supposed to be a stronger blend than the "Thousand Series". There was a lot of smoke, but also quite a bit of nose harshness, which is totally lacking with the "Thousand Series". The aroma reminds me of burning leaves in the fall. Ash is light gray and firm.

Second Third

The second third of the cigar started out with a bang! A lot more flavor and nose harshness than the first third. Burn has become razor sharp and smoke is profuse. Flavor is still not up to the level of the supposedly milder "Thousand Series". Even though nose harshness is present, this stick is still tamer than the full flavored Davidoff "Millennium Series". I de-ashed and flame purged this stick at the half way point. I got a lot more flame than I usually do with Davidoff cigars. However, the purge brought out more flavor and tamed the nose harshness quite a bit.

Last Third

Burn is razor sharp and ash is white and firm. Draw and smoke volume are excellent. I am starting to get spice on the tongue. Nose spice has dropped to the point that I can comfortably exhale smoke through the nose.

Beyond the Band

This cigar can certainly be burned beyond the band, and at $11.65 a stick, I did not want to throw it away one inch longer than I had to. Flavor at this point is full. Burn, ash and draw are still perfect. I had quite a nicotine buzz after finishing this stick.

Overall Rating

I gave this cigar a rating of 3.74 / 93.5%, which is a A on my scale. This compares to an average rating of 4.00 / 100% that I have given the Davidoff 2000 and an average rating of 3.94 / 98.5% that I have given the Davidoff Millennium Petit Corona.
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[Full Bodied Bruce]

Super review, thank you

[doctorcue]

Awesome review! I liked the Gran Cru when I first started smoking. Now the Millineum is my favorite blend. Just wish they weren't so much here in CA. Oh well... got to bite the bullet. Actually, I haven't had a Millineum in a while... you got me headed to the B&M this weekend for one!

[TechMetalMan]

I've never had a Davidoff and probably won't for quite some time given the price. Maybe I'll grab one one day as a special occasion stick.

Sounds really nice and I've always liked the stellar look these sticks have had.

[ky toker]

Very elaborte review, Punch. I've never had a Davidoff, so maybe I need to just bite the tag and snatch one up. Thanks for the read.

[vudu9]

Great review! The Gran Cru series has never let me down and is consistently my favorite in the Davidoff line.

[omowasu]

Nice, I had smoked a Davidoff Grand Cru (but not #3) a while ago and I left impressed. I may pick up a #3 one of these days and go for a test herf. It is a little pricey for regular smoking though...........

[deslni01]

My parents just returned from Las Vegas for their 30th anniversary and to my huge surprise brought me back a Davidoff Gran Cru #3 and a #2. I am so excited to smoke these (at least one, I might pay my father back by giving him one to smoke with me)...only I don't know when that will be. I can't think of a special occasion to smoke these for!

Great review it makes me want to smoke them right now!

[Fistville]

I always get criticism for liking davidoff, but I just think there is so much to say about a company that has standards so high. I love the fact that I have never ever had a bad cigar from them and that each one is silky smooth in both taste and texture.

[ScottishSmoker]

Davidoffs are my absolute favorite line of smokes...all the white labels are very good! I love the Grand Cru #1....especially after a year of aging on them! AWESOME review....Thanks!

[JCK]

Great Review on what sounds like an excellent smoke. I enjoy the Davidoff products myself.

[Fistville]

I had a double R a few weeks ago and that was one hell of an experiance. Just enough power and smoothness. Davidoff's blender, (I can't recall his name now, Henrich something?), is an absolute genius.

[WanderingUgly]

My top 5 in NC's is the Grand Cru #4. I think its a bit more reasonable. Now if we can just find a way to get bulk discounts on Davidoff.

[deslni01]

Originally Posted by WanderingUgly

My top 5 in NC's is the Grand Cru #4. I think its a bit more reasonable. Now if we can just find a way to get bulk discounts on Davidoff.

Maybe if we all combine our money and buy in bulk from Davidoff we can get a bulk discount...

[JohnnyFlake]

A very interesting review, well done!

Johnny