Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour

Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour

Step into the world of nocturnal brilliance with the Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour, a groundbreaking cigar that captures Sir Winston Churchill’s most creative moments. This exceptional blend represents the first Davidoff release to feature tobacco aged in finest Scotch single malt whisky casks for six months, creating an unprecedented fusion of flavor and tradition that speaks to those who command their destiny after dark.

Key Features

• Revolutionary scotch barrel aging process infuses Nicaraguan Condega Visus tobacco with whisky complexity
• Rich Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper delivers bold chocolate notes and visual appeal
• Full-bodied profile featuring wood, spice, dark coffee, chocolate, and vintage leather
• Mexican San Andrés binder provides perfect combustion and flavor balance
• Hand-rolled in Dominican Republic with meticulous attention to construction
• Available in multiple vitolas including Churchill, Toro, and Robusto formats

Detailed Description

The Late Hour series emerged in 2017 as a tribute to Churchill’s legendary after-dark productivity sessions, when the British statesman would work through the night with whisky and cigar in hand. Working closely with Randolph Churchill, Sir Winston’s great-grandson, Davidoff created this blend to reflect those intense moments of strategic thinking and literary creation. The cigar showcases an Ecuadorian Habano Marron Oscuro wrapper with an oily texture and deep chocolate coloring that immediately signals its robust character.

What sets The Late Hour apart from every other Davidoff offering is its revolutionary aging process. The Nicaraguan Condega Visus filler tobacco undergoes six months of maturation in premium Scotch whisky barrels, allowing the leaves to absorb aromatic compounds and residual whisky essence. This innovative technique creates layers of complexity impossible to achieve through traditional aging methods. Combined with Dominican filler tobaccos and a Mexican binder, the blend delivers waves of flavor progression from robust oak and black pepper through decadent dark chocolate and espresso, finishing with hints of dark fruit and caramelized sweetness.

Construction quality meets Davidoff’s exacting standards with each cigar displaying perfect draw resistance, even burn characteristics, and ash that holds firm throughout the smoking experience. The smoke production is generous yet refined, releasing an intoxicating room note that combines leather, cedar, and subtle whisky undertones. Each format offers its own interpretation of the blend, with the Churchill providing maximum complexity through extended smoking time, while the Robusto intensifies the flavor concentration for those seeking bold palate stimulation.

Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: 20
• Region: Dominican Republic
• Strength: Medium-Full to Full
• Binder: Mexican San Andrés
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Marron Oscuro
• Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan (barrel-aged)

What makes Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour unique?

The Late Hour stands apart as the first Davidoff cigar to feature tobacco aged in Scotch whisky barrels. This six-month aging process in single malt casks infuses the Nicaraguan Condega Visus tobacco with complex whisky notes, creating unprecedented depth and character that perfectly captures Churchill’s nocturnal creative spirit.

How does The Late Hour compare to the original Winston Churchill blend?

While the original Churchill blend offers smooth, creamy characteristics, The Late Hour delivers a bolder, more intense experience. The darker Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper and barrel-aged tobacco create fuller body and strength with pronounced notes of dark chocolate, espresso, oak, and spice compared to the original’s refined elegance.

Which size Late Hour should I choose?

The Churchill format (7×48) provides the complete flavor journey with maximum complexity developing over 90+ minutes. The Toro (6×54) offers excellent balance between flavor concentration and smoking time at 60-75 minutes. The Robusto (5×52) intensifies the blend’s bold characteristics in a shorter format, perfect for when time is limited but quality cannot be compromised.

What beverages pair best with The Late Hour?

This cigar pairs magnificently with peated or smoky Scotch whiskies that echo the barrel-aging process. Complex spiced rums, robust port wines without excessive sweetness, and slightly bitter ales complement the oak, caramel, and malt characteristics. For non-alcoholic options, espresso or dark roast coffee enhances the chocolate and roasted notes.

How should I store Late Hour cigars?

Store at 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F for optimal preservation. The oily Ecuadorian wrapper benefits from consistent conditions to maintain its sheen and prevent cracking. Allow cigars to rest in your humidor for at least two weeks after purchase to stabilize moisture levels, particularly important given the unique barrel-aged tobacco components.

Is The Late Hour suitable for beginners?

The Late Hour’s medium-full to full strength and complex flavor profile make it better suited for experienced smokers or ambitious beginners ready to explore bolder territories. Those new to premium cigars might first try the original Winston Churchill blend before graduating to The Late Hour’s more intense character.

What occasions call for a Late Hour cigar?

This cigar excels during contemplative evening moments, important celebrations, or strategic thinking sessions. Its complexity rewards focused attention, making it ideal for solitary reflection, intimate conversations with fellow aficionados, or marking significant achievements. The extended smoking time encourages unhurried enjoyment.

How long does each Late Hour format smoke?

The Churchill typically provides 90-120 minutes of smoking pleasure, while the Toro delivers 60-75 minutes of enjoyment. The Robusto offers 45-60 minutes of concentrated flavor, and the Petit Panetela provides a 30-minute experience perfect for shorter occasions when quality remains paramount.