Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour: Diplomacy in Smoke
The Swiss master pays tribute to history's most famous cigar aficionado
Score Breakdown
Winston Churchill smoked an estimated 250,000 cigars in his lifetime. Davidoff's tribute to the great statesman is a cigar worthy of the name.
Winston Churchill's love of cigars is legendary. He smoked them through the Blitz, during negotiations with Roosevelt and Stalin, and reportedly even in the bathtub. Davidoff's Winston Churchill collection pays tribute to this icon, and the Late Hour blend is the most ambitious expression of that tribute.
The Concept
The "Late Hour" refers to Churchill's famous habit of working through the night, cigar in hand. The blend is designed to evoke the mood of those late-night sessions — complex, contemplative, and deeply satisfying.
The Wrapper
The wrapper is a dark, oily Ecuadorian Habano — a significant departure from Davidoff's typically lighter offerings. The color is a deep colorado maduro, and the surface has a beautiful, slightly toothy texture.
Construction
Davidoff's construction standards are among the highest in the industry, and the Late Hour is no exception. The cigar is perfectly rolled, with a clean triple cap and an even, firm pack throughout.
Flavor
The Late Hour opens with a sophisticated blend of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a subtle earthiness. This is a more complex and full-bodied Davidoff than most aficionados expect from the brand.
As the cigar progresses, notes of leather, dried fruit, and a distinctive sweetness emerge. The Ecuadorian wrapper contributes a unique character — slightly spicy, with a long, satisfying finish.
Score: 93/100
The Winston Churchill Late Hour is a triumph — a cigar that honors its namesake while showcasing Davidoff's mastery of the craft.
Tasting Notes
First Third
The Late Hour opens with a sophisticated blend of dark chocolate and roasted coffee — more complex and full-bodied than most Davidoff offerings. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributes a subtle earthiness that grounds the sweeter notes beautifully.
Second Third
The middle third reveals the cigar's considerable depth. Notes of leather and dried fruit develop alongside a distinctive spice from the Ecuadorian wrapper. The sweetness that is characteristic of Davidoff blends emerges, providing balance to the more powerful elements.
Final Third
The final third delivers a satisfying and complex finish. The spice intensifies slightly while remaining elegant, and the chocolate and coffee notes deepen. An oak note emerges in the final inches — a sophisticated addition to the profile.
Pairing Recommendations
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
The blended Scotch's complexity and smoothness match the Late Hour's sophisticated character perfectly.
Hennessy XO Cognac
The cognac's dried fruit and spice notes create a harmonious pairing with the Ecuadorian wrapper's character.
Champagne (Blanc de Noirs)
Churchill himself favored champagne with his cigars. A full-bodied Blanc de Noirs provides a fascinating contrast.
Final Verdict
The Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour is a triumph of Swiss craftsmanship applied to Honduran tobacco. It is the boldest and most complex Davidoff in the collection, and a worthy tribute to the man who smoked his way through the twentieth century with such distinction.
Expert Pro Tip
Smoke the Late Hour after 10pm, as the name suggests. The contemplative, complex character of this cigar is best appreciated in a quiet, unhurried setting. A crystal glass of cognac is the ideal companion.
Buying Guide
The Late Hour retails for $25–$35 per stick depending on vitola. The Toro is the most popular size. Available at all major premium cigar retailers — Davidoff's distribution is excellent.
Reviewed By
Marcus Ashford
Founder & Lead Reviewer
Marcus has been reviewing premium cigars for over 15 years. A former tobacco importer with deep connections in Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, he brings unparalleled expertise to every review. He has personally visited over 40 tobacco farms and rolling factories across the Americas.
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Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Robusto
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Davidoff's precision construction deserves a precision cut. The Xi2 delivers a clean, consistent cut every time.
