Davidoff Royal Release Salomones Review: An Exquisite Journey in Flavor

Brand: Davidoff
Line: Royal Release
Size: 6 1/4" x 54 (Salomones)
Wrapper: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Medium-Full
Price: £599 (Box of 10)

The Davidoff Royal Release Salomones is a premium cigar that exemplifies luxury and craftsmanship. Join me as we explore the finer points of this exceptional product.

Look & Feel: 19/20

The Davidoff Royal Release Salomones showcases an impressive appearance with its smooth, golden-brown wrapper that glistens with natural oils. Measuring 6 1/4" x 54, it has a substantial feel in hand, and the elegant shape adds to its visual allure.

Upon close inspection, the Salomones display a flawless construction, with minimal veins and a silky finish. It feels perfectly rolled with just the right amount of give when squeezed, indicating a well-packed cigar that promises an enjoyable smoking experience. 

Pre-Light: 15/20

Before I lit the Royal Release Salomones, I took a second to appreciate its construction. While it’s true that there’s a lot of cigars that impressed me even more during this pre-light inspection, this Davidoff product certainly didn’t fall short. However, the best is most definitely yet to come. 

Burn: 16/20

Upon lighting, the Salomones ignite smoothly, producing a steady burn that remains even throughout the smoking experience. The first few puffs deliver a rich, creamy smoke that envelops the palate with flavor. The ash holds well, typically reaching about an inch before falling, although it may require occasional touch-ups.

Flavor: 18/20

The flavor profile of the Davidoff Royal Release Salomones is a delightful exploration of rich, evolving tastes that embody the sophistication of the brand:

1. First Third (0-20 minutes):
   From the first puff, the Salomones opens with a smooth and creamy profile, featuring notes of cedar and rich coffee. A gentle sweetness weaves through, reminiscent of caramel and toasted nuts, creating a balanced and satisfying beginning. The smoke is rich and well-rounded, promising an exciting journey ahead.
2. Second Third (20-40 minutes):
   As I delve deeper, the flavors become more pronounced and complex. The coffee notes transition into a deeper espresso flavor, while hints of dark chocolate emerge, adding richness to the profile. Spicy undertones start to develop, introducing a delightful contrast with the sweeter elements. Final Third (40-60 minutes):
   In the final third, the Salomones reveals its full character. The spice intensifies, beautifully harmonizing with the underlying sweetness. Notes of leather and earthiness come forward, adding depth and complexity to the experience. The retrohale offers a captivating mix of flavors, with a lingering finish that invites me to savor every moment.

Overall Experience: 20/20

The Davidoff Royal Release Salomones delivers outstanding performance and really does stand at the very top of the cigar world when it comes to the experience it provides. The mix of all the aforementioned factors contributes to the overall experience and makes this piece a must-try.

Comparative Analysis

To fully appreciate the Salomones, it's valuable to see how it stacks up against other cigars in a similar price range:

The Davidoff Royal Release Salomones stands out in this group for its exceptional balance of quality and flavor. While other cigars may offer their own unique profiles, the Salomones remains a staple for its dependable construction and delightful taste.

Pairings

To elevate your experience with the Davidoff Royal Release Salomones, consider these pairing options:

• Aged Cognac: The rich, smooth flavors of aged cognac complement the creamy notes of the cigar beautifully.
• Single Malt Whisky: The complexity of a well-crafted single malt enhances the cigar's earthy and spicy flavors.
• Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-quality dark chocolate pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cocoa flavors while adding a touch of sweetness.

Final Look 

The Davidoff Royal Release Salomones is for me a must-try cigar, easily scoring 90+ out of 100. The exact score of 92 is thanks to its exquisite flavor profile, state-of-the-art craftsmanship, and rich smoking adventure that this cigar is taking you on.

James Peasley

James started out in the cigar industry in 2009, working for the leading cigar specialist in the UK for nearly a decade, slowly crafting his deep knowledge of cigars and developing a very refined palate. There's not many Cuban cigars he hasn't tasted, including Limited Edition Habanos and pre-embargo Davidoffs, as well as a large section of the New World offerings. When away from his desk he's usually found out walking in the countryside, or following other hot pursuits.