We all know Michelin-starred chefs are experts at creating the perfect dish. But did you know they can also make cigars? To commemorate its 50th Anniversary, Davidoff collaborated with five of the world’s top chefs (with a total of 12 Michelin stars between them) to launch a second Chefs Edition cigar.
Thomas Keller from The French Laundry, Alvin Leung from Bo Innovation, Klaus Erfort from Gästehaus, Heiko Nieder from The Dolder Grand in Zurich, and Shaun Rankin from Ormer Mayfair in London worked together to find the perfect tobacco in the same way they scour the globe for the finest ingredients. They worked with master blenders to find a way to blend the tastes of the Dominican Republic with their home countries: Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Great Britain, and Hong Kong.
The result? A cigar with notes of licorice, oakwood, Szechuan pepper, and leather, with undernotes of coffee, cumin, and chocolate, and hints of eucalyptus and spice.
“In bringing together the creative powers of international kitchen pioneers with Davidoff’s cigar visionaries in the Dominican Republic, we intended to create an extraordinary cigar experience inspired by flavors from the four corners of the world,” Edward Simon, Davidoff’s Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement. “These highly acclaimed chefs and master blenders, whose mission is continually to push the boundaries of taste, have truly excelled in creating a blend and experience second to none.”
To celebrate the release of the cigar, Nieder and Keller came together at New York City’s famed Per Se restaurant to host a four-course themed dinner for lucky diners. Dishes like king crab and foie gras and Champignon de Paris with pear and cigar flavors were served. The dessert, complete with a smoked Old Fashioned, was then served downtown at the Davidoff cigar shop.
The Chefs Edition–50th Anniversary is limited to 5,000 boxes (50,000 cigars) worldwide and is only be available at Davidoff Flagship Stores and select appointed sellers.
