Released in January, the Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2019 “The Traveler” is the third instalment of the brand’s alignment with the man and his family. To learn more about this range, read our review of Winston Churchill The Late Hour.
This cigar is set to represent an aspect of Churchill’s life, in this case travel. The following review shall cover the cigars blend, presentation, flavor profile and overall thoughts.
Enjoy!
Cigar Composition / Blend
This cigar is only being offered in one Robusto size vitola, in boxes of 10. There is also a limited number of 8,000 boxes, totalling a production of 80,000 cigars.
The blend of the cigar is as follows:
- Wrapper: Dominican Republic (leaf not stated)
- Binder: Mexico – Negro San Andres
- Filler: Consists of five leaves
- Dominican Republic X3: Piloto Mejorado Visus / Criollo Seco / San Vicente Mejorado Visus
- Nicaragua – Esteli Visus / Semilla A Visus
- Size: Robusto – 5″ X 50 ring gauge
- Smoking Time: Around 60 minutes
The price of each box is $300, so $30 per stick. As many of you know I’m a huge fan of Winston Churchill and Davidoff Cigars, so there was no decision to be made in purchasing a box for myself. But is it worth it? More on that later…
You can see and buy (at time of writing) this cigar from the Davidoff website.
2019 Limited Edition Presentation
At $300 for a box of 10, this is not a cheap cigar. So one should expect not only a great cigar but it also to be nicely presented.
This cigar does not disappoint in the presentation and further functionality aspects. It is presented in a sturdy faux leather embossed wooden box, with a tray suspending the cigars above a Boveda pack (see our travel humidor guide).
The box’s design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also offers the functionality of a working albeit small cigar humidor.
As you can see from the picture above this is quite an impressive display of packaging and branding, and I feel it not only meets but exceeds my expectations.
Not only in the quality, but story of the “traveller” cigar as this cigar box can also act as a fully functional travel humidor.
Once I’ve enjoyed all of these cigars, I’ll be certain to keep this box to both store future sticks and as an attractive memento.
Other Accessories
This release was also offered with a number of other accessories, including:
- Cigar cutter (see below)
- Cigar case
- Ashtray
- Humidor
All feature the Winston Churchill silhouette and the travel stamps.
Read Bespoke Units watch reviews.
Cigar Box / Humidor & Boveda Pack
As mentioned above the presentation is outstanding. The inner box is protected by an initial white cardboard outer box.
Revealing the real prize inside.
The above picture details the stunning embossing on the box with the silhouette of Churchill, in combination with several travel stamps from London to Washington and more!
Davidoff Winston Churchill Traveller Cigar Review
See our best cigar lighter guide.
But with all that being said, great presentation and functionality does not make a great cigar. In fact, it only enhances the overall experience if the cigar is a good one.
Pre Light & Initial Draw
Bespoke Unit – Best Gutters Guide
On the pre-light there are pleasant notes of hay, barnyard and a slight sweetness.
The draw is right where you’d expect a new world cigar to be.
Construction of both the head once cut and foot look perfect too. Overall the wrapper is smooth with a slight thick oily feel.
1st Third
The flavor notes I’m getting from the first third are:
- Wood
- Earth
- Spice
At the first de-ashing the cigar pictures above (and several others tested) burned perfectly forming a slight cone of the slower burning thicker filler leaves.
Further, as you saw in the first picture of this article, the ash backbone is extremely robust supporting the cigar standing on its head. Which was quite the feat on a cold winter day in Philadelphia, with slight wind gusts.
2nd Third
The cigar is evolving to reveal so some new notes:
- Cream
- Coffee
- Nuts
As for the body and flavor, I’m getting it in the medium to full category. This does not put off a large amount of thick smoke, but is all the same very flavorful.
Final Third
As I’m entering the final third the cigar, it continues to evolve in some enjoyable ways, bringing notes of:
- Wood
- Leather
- Salted Caramel
I smoked this all the way down to the nub.
I’d also like to mention the somewhat unbelievable consistency in the burn. As I enjoyed several of these in somewhat outside adverse conditions, I was impressed by its performance. But this is something one comes to expect from a Davidoff and its accompanying price point (but it does not always happen!).
Overall Impression Of The Winston Churchill Traveler Cigar
So what do I think of this cigar overall?
It’s a very solid offering from Davidoff. Do I think it’s “better” thank The Late Hour or Original for $10 more per stick? Personally, I have a strong affinity for The Late Hour, which is hard to beat. However, the Travaller does offer value from a differing flavor profile, limited edition, and outstanding presentation.
If you’re looking for a robust smoking experience with lovely earthy notes, this could be a great cigar for you.
I have no regrets buying this box, and would do so again!
Want More? Continue Reading…
- Davidoff The Late Hour Cigar Review
- All Bespoke Unit Cigar Reviews
- Bespoke Unit Cigar Home
- See All Winston Churchill Related Articles
- Read Bespoke Unit Latest Articles Across All Lifestyle Topics
"The Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2019, is a wonderful offering for any cigar and / or Churchill enthusiast. Affording the owner a robust woody smoking experience with unmatched presentation and functionality."Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
I really like the late hour cigar, shall have to try and find one of these to enjoy!
Having tried one myself, I highly recommend it too!
Best,
CP
I bought one of these and enjoyed it. Will definitely have to get myself one of those boxes!
I really enjoyed the Traveller but I’m utterly besotted by the box!
I don’t think cigar packaging should be considered to have such value in a cigar review. Juts my two cents….
Hi Ian,
Presentation plays a roll in all our reviews. We haven’t yet published our review method for cigars but the band and box contribute only 5% to the overall score. Still, it’s something we always mention as cigar bands and boxes are often overlooked pieces of artwork.
Best,
CP
Having The Traveler right now. It’s 8:46am on a Tuesday. I am working from home due to Covid-19.
This cigar is giving me the heavy eye as the nicotine is on the stronger side- it has that noticeable tingle on the retrohale.
Light puffs from the cigar give me salt and espresso. Deeper/ longer puffs give me wood, char, and spice along with a strong tingle on the top of my nostril which is making my eye water some.
I have mixed feelings about this cigar as I regret picking something so nose tingly strong first thing in the morning and my previous experiences with Davidoff have been creamy, nutty, sweet, and very enjoyable. I am finding myself searching for that easy enjoyment in this cigar but not finding it.
I have 3 of these left over and will allow them to sit for a while before going back to them.
Hi Roman,
True, they might be a little full-bodied for so early in the day. They’re a wonderful late-afternoon to early-evening smoke, though! If you’re partial to a post-breakfast cigar, we’d love to hear your thoughts on our best cigars in the morning guide.
Best,
CP