Review: Zino Platinum Grand Master
The Philosophy of Zino
While at the Big Smoke in Vegas last year, one couldn’t help but notice the Zino display near the entrance of the event. It stood well over 20 feet tall as a silver doorway to the gala, catching the eyes of everyone who walked in. Upon researching the man that is Zino Davidoff, I couldn’t help drawing parallels to the impressive eye catching display and the life the life he once led. One word sums up the life and times of Zino Davidoff, impressive.
Zino had leaded a life rich in the development and trends that encapsulate the cigar community today. He had paved the roads to success with one simple philosophy; to enrich life through enjoying its good things. Since 1924, Zino had been engulfed by the world of cigars, first by teachings from his father on how to produce blends of tobacco for cigarettes and pipes, to opening a cigar department in his Fathers shop shortly after his studies on the tobacco culture in South America. In 1991 he helped launch the sudden “boom” we’ve seen by introducing the “New Generation of Davidoff Cigars”. Shortly thereafter, in 1994, Zino Davidoff passed away, only to leave a legacy of truly great smokes. The Zino Platinum Grand Master is an example of true craft in the world of cigars.
The first distinguishing figure of this cigar is its band. Bound like a platinum ring, the silver and black contrast on the rich mahogany tones of the wrap couldn’t be any more striking. The construction of this cigar is well crafted without any visible blemishes to take away from its beauty. The fill is tightly packed and the size (52 x 5 ½) makes the Grand Master feel like it was made to fit the hand in perfect harmony.
Upon lighting up, the burn remained even and the initial ash was solid, structurally in place throughout the first half of the smoke. Given it’s solid construction, I found the draw to be somewhat easy, and would have preferred a little more effort, however that may take away some of the attention to flavor. With a bold palate containing earthy hints of spice while avoiding a bitter burn, a bit of sweetness came through as the complex flavor continued its rush on the senses. The smoke emitted was light and flavorful as well, ensuring that it will not offend. You’ll find the balance of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Peru finishes not with force, rather with a subtlety that will have you coming back form more.
Zino had leaded a life rich in the development and trends that encapsulate the cigar community today. He had paved the roads to success with one simple philosophy; to enrich life through enjoying its good things. Since 1924, Zino had been engulfed by the world of cigars, first by teachings from his father on how to produce blends of tobacco for cigarettes and pipes, to opening a cigar department in his Fathers shop shortly after his studies on the tobacco culture in South America. In 1991 he helped launch the sudden “boom” we’ve seen by introducing the “New Generation of Davidoff Cigars”. Shortly thereafter, in 1994, Zino Davidoff passed away, only to leave a legacy of truly great smokes. The Zino Platinum Grand Master is an example of true craft in the world of cigars.
The first distinguishing figure of this cigar is its band. Bound like a platinum ring, the silver and black contrast on the rich mahogany tones of the wrap couldn’t be any more striking. The construction of this cigar is well crafted without any visible blemishes to take away from its beauty. The fill is tightly packed and the size (52 x 5 ½) makes the Grand Master feel like it was made to fit the hand in perfect harmony.
Upon lighting up, the burn remained even and the initial ash was solid, structurally in place throughout the first half of the smoke. Given it’s solid construction, I found the draw to be somewhat easy, and would have preferred a little more effort, however that may take away some of the attention to flavor. With a bold palate containing earthy hints of spice while avoiding a bitter burn, a bit of sweetness came through as the complex flavor continued its rush on the senses. The smoke emitted was light and flavorful as well, ensuring that it will not offend. You’ll find the balance of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Peru finishes not with force, rather with a subtlety that will have you coming back form more.
As Zino has often stated, “It’s the real things in life that make it worth living”. Take these words to heart, and ponder what it is that fulfills your life while enjoying the beauty that is a Platinum Grand Master.
Zino Davidoff
posted by Fumo Santo | 11:53 AM
2 Comments:
I just got one from my girlfriend. Cant wait to try it.
I'm enjoying my first Zino (a Chubby) as i write this, and I could not agree more with your review of this exceptional smoke. Keep up the great work on the blog.
happy herfing!
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