Cusano Exclusivo C25

“Fascinating” was the way a couple of our panel members chose to describe this remarkable cigar, which was created by Davidoff as a special anniversary blend commemorating their 50th year of selling cigars in China. Part of the intrigue lies in the fact that Davidoff cigars, including the popular Cusano line, are generally regarded as being on the milder side. But this cigar is quite full-bodied. Yet it is so remarkably smooth and creamy that you actually get the peculiar sensation that you are sipping the flavors off of the cigar! The Xclusivo is the premier line from Cusano made by Hendrik Kelner in the Dominican Republic (a fellow who gets around in the cigar world—he was mentioned in our Avo #9 write up above), everything about the Xclusivo is special. From the choice wrappers and exquisite construction, to the very rare filler leaf that stimulates the taste buds on the side of your tongue and actually makes your mouth water! To sweeten the deal, they use a hybrid Cuban/Connecticut Shade wrapper (same as that found on the Cuban Sancho Panza line) which they’ve double-fermented to leathery perfection. This wrapper has a true dual nature—it is strong and smooth. The wrapper’s strength comes from its Cuban pedigree and its smooth creaminess from its Connecticut Shade side; both elements are blended together to disguise its power under a cool, smooth, literally mouth-watering smoke! Note a gorgeous oily leaf and a beautiful build, we loved this cigar, and we know you will too! Highly praised by the cigar critics too, SMOKE magazine says: "Very reminiscent of a Cuban cigar… Lots of flavorful smoke up front with excellent character and a big finish… excellent construction and big, big taste without the big, big bite…”