Stogie Reviews: Private Stock No. 1
29 Mar 2011
There’s so much (mis)information about this Davidoff line floating around that I didn’t want to review these until I satisfied myself that I had the straight stuff. A conversation with Michael Herklots, general manager of Davidoff’s New York stores, provided answers to my questions.
First and foremost, these long-filler handmade cigars are not Davidoff seconds, mistakes, or throwaways. “It’s a brand, just like Avo is a brand,†Herklots said. The natural’s Connecticut shade wrapper and Dominican filler is a specific blend, one that’s repeated year in and year out just like any other cigar, he said.
After going through about half a box, I have found them every bit as consistent as cigars costing three or four times more.
“We really try to go out of our way to clarify that it is not a second,†Herklots continued. He explained Davidoff ‘s strategy to control cost: simple bands and simple boxes coupled with little promotion.
And keep the price down they do. If you look around online, you can find a box of 25 of the double corona-sized No. 1 (7.75 x 48) for about $75. The Private Stock brand also includes several vitolas in maduro as well as medium-filler cigars that are even less expensive. All are parejo shapes.
If you like mild cigars, I urge you to try this cigar. Make no mistake, though. You won’t close your eyes and think you’re smoking a Davidoff Classic. While I find a little of those special Davidoff characteristics in the Private Stock, the cigar is nowhere near as complex, rich, or flavorful. But, then again, it’s a $3 cigar.
While I don’t usually favor mild cigars for newcomers because they may not get enough taste, the flavors in this case lead me to make an exception. I’d probably recommend one of the smaller sizes, though.
I plan to keep a box on hand for when I’m looking to enjoy a mild cigar. It’s tough to beat, and for me it rates four stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
I find Private Stock to be one of the best cheaper priced cigars. Mild, yes, complex, no, but always consistent quality, pleasing flavors, and, like you said, $3 a stick is hard to beat. I wish more B&Ms knew about them so that they were more available to the general public. Good review.
It probably doesn't help that at least one major online cigar outlet actually says in their product description for these that they are known as "Davidoff Seconds".
How do you know if a PS is mixed filler or long filler without cutting it open? I have had several, but the band did not look like the one pictured. But that was from a few years ago.
After smoking several of these I find that they draw and burn well and seconds do not always have this type of consistency. The flavor, as mentioned numerous times is not overly complex, but it is a very mild smoke with a very small hint of spice…Nothing that will make you think you've found the holy grail of ash. However, you will recognize the inherent value in a quite well made mild cigar with a pleasant taste profile. I'd call it a success for Davidoff and those of us who pick up a 5-pack or box.