Cigar Review: Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed Robusto

The Nicaragua line was a stark departure for Davidoff when it was launched in 2013. It was Davidoff’s first Nicaraguan line—a Nicaraguan puro, to be exact. “This is a major step for Davidoff to expand to a new territory,” said CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard at the time. “Davidoff’s mission is to bring aficionados delightful experiences regardless of territory.”

A new direction? Yes. But a predictable one. In recent years, Nicaragua has grown to become (arguably) the epicenter of the cigar world. And that means even classic brands with strong identities to other countries of origin—like Davidoff and the Dominican Republic—have to consider cashing in on Nicaragua’s rise in popularity.

Davidoff Nicaragua launched in four formats: Diadema (6.5 x 50), Short Corona (3.75 x 46), Toro (5.5 x 54), and Robusto (5 x 50). A limited production Belicoso (5.25 x 52) was also made.

Then, in early 2016, Davidoff decided to capitalize on the apparent success of the Nicaragua line to launch an offshoot called Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed. While the name might suggest this new line simply applies a box press to the existing Davidoff Nicaragua vitolas, that isn’t the case. Nicaragua Box Pressed, while still a Nicaraguan puro, sports a new recipe. The wrapper is now Habana Oscura, as opposed to Habana Rosado. And an extra ligero leaf was added for more strength.

There are two Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed sizes: Toro (6 x 52) and Robusto (5 x 48). The latter retails for $14.50 and features a silky, clean wrapper that—to my eyes, at least—is barely darker than the wrapper on the original Davidoff Nicaragua line (fortunately, Davidoff denotes “Box Pressed” on the secondary band, so nobody should have any trouble telling the two apart). The box press is noticeable, albeit not terribly sharp. At the foot, I find delicate pre-light notes of honey, hay, and sugar. The cap clips to reveal a smooth cold draw.

The initial profile is well-balanced, spicy, full-bodied, and delicious. Flavors include dry cedar, white pepper, espresso, sweet cream, and roasted nuts. There is a bit of cayenne heat on the aftertaste, and the texture is rich and chalky. After an inch, the strength dials down a bit and some of the spice recedes. Still, even at its lowest strength level, the Robusto clocks in at medium- to full-bodied. Then, towards the finale, the boldness ramps up again. The flavors tend to remain consistent throughout.

In typical Davidoff fashion, the combustion characteristics are superb. The burn line remains straight and true from light to nub, the ash holds firm off the foot, the draw is clear and consistent, and the smoke production is above average with a mouth-watering aroma.

The Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed Robusto is considerably more than just a bolder box-pressed version of the original Davidoff Nicaragua line (a blend I really enjoy, by the way). It delivers ample strength along with a complex cast of flavors to create excellent harmony. Without question, Davidoff’s first box-pressed line is a winner. I rate the Robusto four and a half stogies out of five.

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–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys