Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Review: A Tribute to Flavor and Heritage

Brand: Davidoff

Line: Winston Churchill Late Hour

Size: 7" x 48 (Churchill)

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Strength: Full

Price: £497 (Box of 20)

This Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour offers a distinguished cigar that pays homage to one of history’s most iconic figures. As a cigar enthusiast, I find its robusto blend combines exquisite craftsmanship with a rich flavor profile, making for a luxurious and memorable smoking experience.

Look & Feel: 19/20

I was immediately impressed with the appearance of the Winston Churchill Late Hour Churchills. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is beautifully crafted, showing off a rich, dark chocolate hue with an oily sheen that caught the light perfectly. 

Looking closer, I noticed the construction was flawless, smooth to the touch, with minimal veins. It felt solid when I gave it a gentle squeeze, with just the right firmness that speaks to expert rolling and top-tier quality control.

Pre-Light: 15/20

After cutting the cap, I was happy to find a perfect draw, always a good sign before lighting up. The cold aroma was inviting, full of rich leather, cocoa, and just a touch of dried fruits. On the cold draw, I picked up hints of spice and earthiness that gave me high hopes for the complexity to come. It really set the stage for what felt like a premium smoking experience.

Burn: 16/20

Once I lit the cigar, it came to life effortlessly. The burn stayed mostly even from start to finish, with only a minor touch-up here and there. The first few puffs delivered smooth, creamy smoke that blanketed my palate with flavor. 

I also appreciated how well the ash held, about an inch before falling, which showed the cigar was rolled with care and consistency.

Flavor: 18/20

The flavor profile of the Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Churchills really stood out for me. It was a rich, evolving journey of taste that felt unmistakably refined. This review wouldn’t be complete without pointing out how masterfully each third transitioned, a true showcase of what Davidoff does best when it comes to blending.

• First Third (0-20 minutes):
  From the first puff, the Late Hour Churchills opens with a creamy texture, featuring notes of rich leather and cocoa. A gentle sweetness weaves through, reminiscent of honey and toasted nuts, creating a balanced and satisfying introduction. The smoke is rich and well-rounded, setting a luxurious tone for the journey ahead.
• Second Third (20-40 minutes):
  As I delve deeper into the cigar, the flavors become more pronounced and complex. The leather notes transition into a bolder, spicier profile, while the cocoa evolves into a deeper, darker chocolate flavor. Hints of cedar and espresso begin to emerge, adding depth and character to the smoking experience.
• Final Third (40-60 minutes):
  In the final third, the Late Hour Churchills reveals its full character. The spice intensifies, beautifully harmonizing with the underlying sweetness. Notes of dark fruits, leather, and a touch of earthiness come forward, creating a contrast with the richer flavors. The retrohale offers a captivating mix of spices and creaminess, leaving a satisfying finish that invites me to savor every moment.

Throughout the entire smoke, the aroma was just as impressive, rich with toasty notes and deep tobacco. I even got a few compliments from people nearby, which added to the experience.

Overall Experience: 20/20

While this review focuses on the Churchill's size, I’ve found that many of the same luxurious traits carry over to other vitolas as well. In fact, in my Davidoff Winston Churchill Robusto review, I found the craftsmanship and flavor complexity just as impressive, even in a shorter format.

The Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Churchills offers a refined, well-balanced experience. Its rich flavors and smooth finish make it a cigar I always enjoy returning to.

Comparative Analysis

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

The Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Churchills stand out in this group for its exceptional balance of quality and flavor. While other cigars may offer their own unique profiles, the Late Hour Churchills remains a staple for its dependable construction and delightful taste.

Pairings

To elevate your experience with the Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Churchills, consider these pairing options I discovered. As with any Davidoff Winston Churchill review, pairing recommendations can greatly enhance the cigar’s nuances and bring out the best of its complex profile:

• Aged Scotch: The smooth, peaty notes of an aged Scotch complement the creamy and spicy notes of the cigar beautifully.
• Rich Espresso: The bold flavors of a rich espresso enhance the coffee notes within the cigar, creating a harmonious combination.
• Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-quality dark chocolate pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cocoa flavors while adding a touch of sweetness.

Is it Worth it?

Without a doubt, this Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour has led me to one clear verdict; it’s absolutely worth it.

The Churchill's vitola delivers a refined, elegant smoking experience that I rated an 88/100. Its flavor profile is layered and satisfying, with just the right balance of spice, cocoa, and earthiness. While it may not be the boldest cigar out there, I personally appreciate its subtle complexity and smooth delivery.

It’s the kind of cigar I reach for during meaningful moments, whether it’s a quiet evening of reflection or a celebratory nightcap. It honors Winston Churchill's legacy with poise and leaves a lasting impression from first light to final draw.