Davidoff 2000 Recipe

Prepare filler blend

Sort the Dominican long-filler tobacco into three classes by leaf type: ligero (for strength and body), seco (for flavor and burn), and volado (for combustion). For a mild-to-medium profile that delivers cream, earth, and subtle nut notes, assemble a blend of approximately 50% seco, 35% volado, and 15% ligero by weight. Gently fluff and remove any overly thick stems. Aim for a total weight of about 12 g for a 5.0" x 43 corona.

Bunch the filler

Lay the selected filler leaves together and create a uniform bunch that will form the cigar's core. Roll and compress the leaves by hand to a consistent density appropriate for a corona: not too tight (which chokes draw) and not too loose (which causes uneven burn). The filler should feel springy and allow an easy draw.

Apply binder

Place the Dominican binder leaf on a flat rolling surface with the vein side down. Position the bunched filler on the binder and wrap it tightly, overlapping the binder seam. Use a small amount of natural pectin or water-based cigar glue (about 1–2 tsp) to seal the binder seam. Smooth the binder so it forms an even cylinder around the filler.

Shape and cap the head

Transfer the bindered bunch to a cigar mold sized for a corona (approximately 43 ring gauge). Press in the mold for 30–60 minutes to set the shape. After molding, remove and prepare the Connecticut wrapper. Cut the wrapper to length, ensuring a clean edge. Apply a thin line of cigar glue along the inside edge of the wrapper. Wrap the wrapper leaf tightly around the binder, smoothing out veins and wrinkles as you go. Leave extra leaf at the head to form a triple cap: fold, spin and apply small dabs of glue as needed to secure the cap.

Final trimming and quality check

Trim the foot to create a straight, even opening about 5.0" long from head to foot (total cigar length). Check construction by pinching gently along the length to confirm even firmness and by drawing through the head (pre-light draw) to ensure a clear, even draw. Inspect the wrapper for any tears or large veins; repair with a tiny patch of wrapper leaf and a dab of glue if necessary.

Rest the finished cigars in a humidor set to 65–68% relative humidity and 18–21°C (65–70°F). Place a Boveda 65% pack (or equivalent) in the humidor to stabilize RH. Allow the cigars to rest for a minimum of 2 weeks to let the flavors marry and the wrapper relaxation to reduce any residual bitterness from handling. For optimal balance of cream, earth and nutty notes, age for 4–8 weeks.

Apply cigar band if desired: slide a band onto the cigar (just below the cap) and secure it gently. Store cigars in a single layer or stacked with air channels to maintain even humidity exposure. When ready to smoke, cut the cap with a straight guillotine or punch, toast the foot evenly with butane flame, and smoke slowly to appreciate the mild-to-medium profile with creamy, earthy, and subtle nut notes.