Davidoff is one of the most respected names in the world of premium cigars, known for consistency, craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality. While today the brand is associated with luxury cigars and meticulously blended collections, its origins are far more modest, rooted in a family tobacco business and one man’s lifelong pursuit of perfection in smoking enjoyment.
We explore the history of Davidoff Cigars, so you can understand more about what drives this incredible brand, and the cigars they offer.
The Origins: Zino Davidoff and a Passion for Tobacco
The story of Davidoff begins with Zino Davidoff, who was born in Kyiv in 1906 before his family relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1911. His father, Henri Davidoff, opened a small tobacco shop in Geneva, which quickly became a gathering place for pipe and cigar smokers.
From a young age, Zino was immersed in the world of tobacco, learning not only about products but about the rituals, culture and pleasure associated with fine smoking.
In the 1920s, Zino travelled extensively through South and Central America, visiting tobacco-growing regions like Cuba and Nicaragua. These journeys were crucial to shaping his philosophy.
He studied fermentation methods, ageing techniques and blending practices, building relationships with growers and manufacturers. When he returned to Geneva, he applied this knowledge to transform his father’s shop into a destination for serious cigar aficionados, offering expertly selected and aged cigars long before this became common practice in Europe.
Early Innovation With Humidors
One of Zino Davidoff’s most important contributions to cigar culture was his early focus on proper storage and ageing. At a time when many retailers stored cigars in basic conditions, he invested in climate-controlled humidors to preserve flavour and construction.
He invented the very first desktop humidor, which allowed cigars to be properly stored at home, changing the entirety of the cigar industry.
This dedication to quality control helped establish the Davidoff shop as one of the finest in Europe and laid the groundwork for the brand’s future reputation.
Work With Cuban Manufacturers
The Davidoff shop sold Cuban cigars, and they had great success in marketing the Hoyo de Monterrey Chateau line, so much so that they caught the attention of Cuban manufacturers.
In 1967, Cubatabaco, the state-run organisation that controls the Cuban cigar industry, approached Zino Davidoff with a proposal to create a personal brand of cigars. These cigars were blended to his exact specifications and sold under the Davidoff label, appealing to a growing clientele seeking refined, elegant smoking experiences rather than overly strong or inconsistent cigars.
The first official Davidoff cigars were produced in 1968 at the El Laguito factory in Havana, including the No. 1, No. 2, and Ambassadrice. Said to be similar to the Cohiba, but with a lighter wrapper and smoother smoke.
Splitting With Cuba
For several decades, Davidoff cigars were produced in Cuba, and the brand became closely associated with Cuban craftsmanship. However, by the late 1980s, Zino Davidoff became increasingly dissatisfied. Davidoff claimed that Cuba was increasing production volume in a way that resulted in a decline in quality.
In 1989, in a dramatic move, he ordered the destruction of 130,000 Cuban Davidoff cigars that did not meet his standards, reportedly burning them in front of the factory.
The partnership with Cuba ended in 1990, with production moving to the Dominican Republic.
Move to the Dominican Republic
Davidoff officially ended its relationship with Cuban manufacturers and fully relocated production to the Dominican Republic by 1991. This was a bold and risky decision at a time when Cuban cigars still dominated perceptions of prestige, but it ultimately allowed Davidoff to regain full control over blending, fermentation and construction standards.
After leaving Cuba, Davidoff partnered with Hendrik “Henke” Kelner, a highly respected master blender who became instrumental in rebuilding the brand’s reputation. Together, they developed new blends using Dominican tobacco, complemented by leaves from Nicaragua, Ecuador and other growing regions as the brand evolved.
The Dominican Republic became the heart of Davidoff’s cigar production, with the company establishing state-of-the-art factories and investing heavily in long-term tobacco fermentation and ageing programmes. This focus on precision and consistency became a defining feature of the brand.
Rather than chasing strength, Davidoff positioned itself as offering balanced, complex cigars that could be enjoyed across different experience levels, from newcomers to seasoned aficionados.
What Davidoff Is Known For Today
Today, Davidoff is known for meticulous blending, elegant flavour profiles and exceptional construction quality. The brand places huge emphasis on tobacco ageing, often fermenting and maturing leaves for many years before they are ever rolled into cigars. This results in smoother, more refined flavours and a consistency that is highly valued by smokers who want reliability as well as complexity.
Another defining feature of Davidoff is its packaging and presentation. From carefully designed boxes to detailed band artwork, the brand presents its cigars as premium products without relying on gimmicks, reinforcing its image as a luxury choice grounded in tradition and craftsmanship.
What Do Davidoff Cigars Taste Like?
Davidoff cigars are typically associated with medium to medium-full strength rather than extreme intensity, focusing instead on layered notes such as cream, cedar, nuts, coffee, spice and subtle sweetness.
Collections such as the Signature, Grand Cru and Winston Churchill ranges showcase this refined style, while series like the Late Hour and Yamasa demonstrate that the brand is equally capable of producing bolder, richer blends when desired.
Limited Editions and Innovation Within Tradition
While Davidoff is deeply rooted in classic cigar-making principles, it is also known for its limited editions and experimental projects. These releases often explore rare tobacco origins, unusual fermentation techniques or unique ageing methods, giving enthusiasts something new to experience while maintaining the brand’s signature smoothness and balance.
Projects such as the Discovery series, Yamasa region development and various anniversary editions highlight Davidoff’s commitment to long-term agricultural investment. Rather than simply sourcing tobacco, the company actively develops growing regions, working with farmers to improve soil quality, seed varieties and curing methods over many years.
From Family Shop to Global Luxury Brand
From a small tobacco shop in Geneva to one of the most recognisable premium cigar brands in the world, Davidoff’s journey is built on a rare combination of tradition, innovation and uncompromising standards.
Today, Davidoff cigars are sold worldwide and remain a benchmark for consistency and refinement in the premium cigar industry. For many smokers, choosing Davidoff means choosing a cigar that delivers exactly what it promises: expertly aged tobacco, precise construction and a balanced, sophisticated smoking experience that reflects over a century of dedication to the craft.
Check out some of our favourite Davidoff Cigars or explore our full collection of Davidoff smokes at Havana House.
