Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour
The Davidoff Winston Churchill “The Late Hour” is a complex and intense medium-to-full-bodied cigar designed for those seeking depth and robust flavors. It represents a modern, more assertive take on the traditional Winston Churchill line, offering a darker, richer profile.
The Blend
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Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro (or Marron Oscuro).
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Binder: Mexican San Andrés Negro.
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Filler: A blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos.
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The Secret Ingredient: The defining feature of this blend is the inclusion of Nicaraguan Condega visus tobacco.
The Cask-Aging Process The Condega visus leaves are firmly pressed into the finest single malt Scotch whisky casks, initiating a controlled fermentation process. The tobacco ages in these casks for a total of six months, absorbing the aromas of the wood and whisky naturally, without any whisky being applied directly to the leaves. During this labor-intensive period, the tobacco is flipped every two weeks. This specialized aging imparts a subtle sweetness, added woodiness, and distinct whisky characteristics to the final blend.
Flavor Profile & Strength The Late Hour is known for its remarkable intensity and balanced, full-flavored profile. It is stronger than the original Winston Churchill blend but remains smooth and approachable, avoiding overwhelming strength.
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Primary Notes: Dark coffee, oak, black pepper, and leather.
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Secondary Notes: Dark chocolate, cream, and a distinct, natural sweetness derived from the whisky casks (notes of malt and caramel).
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Aroma: The whisky notes read as nuanced and rounded, never artificial or sugary.
Sizes Available The Late Hour line is offered in several formats to suit different time constraints and flavor preferences:
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Churchill (7 x 48): The favored size for many reviewers, offering a long, elegant smoke.
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Toro (6 x 54): Bold and balanced.
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Robusto (5 x 52): Concentrates the blend into roughly a 45-65 minute smoke.
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Belicoso (4 1/2 x 46): A tapered format for a fuller, creamier, and more focused draw (20-30 minutes).
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Petit Panetela (4 x 38): A slim, quick format offering immediate intensity and pronounced flavor clarity (15-20 minutes).
Pairing Recommendations As the name suggests, this cigar is ideal for the darker hours of the day. It pairs exceptionally well with the single malt Scotch its tobacco was aged near, a neat bourbon, a rich rum, or an espresso.