With time running short again this week, I searched through my coolidor for some potentially interesting subjects for a first impressions video. I offered a few options to my fellow Stogie Review compadres, and the nearly unanimous choice was the Dunhill 100th Anniversary Edition. I’d never smoked a Dunhill before, let alone this special limited release, and I struggled to find information about this cigar online, so I really had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that it was based on the Dunhill Signed Range, but with “a little more finesse and sweetness,” and that I had received it in a trade with my good buddy @YoungBuckBOTL.
The Dunhill 100th Anniversary Edition was released as a limited run of 20,000 cigars in 2008 to celebrate 100 years of the Dunhill brand, which began in 1907. Originally a Cuban brand, Dunhill has gone through several iterations, including manufacturing stints in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. From what I understand, when the cigar hit the market, the guys at Casa de Montecristo liked it so much that they snapped up the entire production, essentially turning the 100th Anniversary Edition into a store exclusive.
Dunhill 100th Anniversary Edition by the numbers:
Size: 5.5×50 (estimated)
Vitola: Double Robusto
Wrapper: Nicaragua*
Binder: Cameroon*
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua*
Strength: Medium-Full
Factory: Toraño in Esteli, Nicaragua
No. smoked for review: 1 (first impressions)
Duration: 1 hour
Source: cigar trade with @YoungBuckBOTL from MikesStogies.com
Price: $20.00 (only available at Casa de Montecristo)
* blend info for the Dunhill Signed Range, upon which this cigar is based
At $20 a pop, expectations were running pretty high. Could it deliver?
(Video length: 10:52)
Soundtrack: “Fly” by MC Jack in the Box (courtesy of ccMixter.org)
Suffice it to say, this cigar blew me away. It was well-balanced, featured tons of complex flavors, and burned beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, and caramel, together with the creamy, woody, nutty notes and the undertone of peppery spice. I don’t know how this cigar performed when it was released over three years ago, but with this much age, it’s absolutely rocking right now. In my mind, the only downside is the relatively steep price and limited availability, but believe me, the Dunhill 100th Anniversary Edition is worth the price of admission and the legwork required to track it down.
About Charlie:
Charlie has been enjoying cigars since 2000 and generally prefers a medium-bodied, full-flavored smoke. A USAF vet, he is currently pursuing a PhD in computer science, focusing on artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. Originally from Connecticut and now residing in Delaware, Charlie is also a fan of football, science fiction, political philosophy, and single malt scotch. You can contact Charlie on Twitter @greenbacker.
I haven’t had this particular Dunhill, but I have had the Signed Range. It was awesome. I still have one left. I may have to go look for it.
Sounds delicious thanks for the review! Also thanks for ios compatible- seems nobody else is doing that anymore!
Mark – all or most of the videos that are embedded on the site are naturally iOS compatible. I can play them all on my iPhone and iPad. With my iPhone I have to change orientation to reveal the play button but it should work.
What do you mean change orientation? I use my iPhone and never see a way to watch most videos!
Flip iPhone so that its in orientation mode. You should see a black box with a play button inside it.