Zino Platinum Crown Series Double Grande Cigar Review
It was my birthday and my son-in-law Ryan and Grandson Cole McConaughey was visiting from Oregon. We’ve kind of made it a ritual that when either of us visit the other we surprise each other with a special cigar. In these tough economic times, a fine cigar is definitely a luxury item and at over $50.00 per stick this is a once in a while smoke.
Ryan asked my tobacconist at Hi-Times Liquor and tobacco what his best cigar was, and he directed Ryan to the Zino Platinum Double Grande. I've never smoked Zino Platinum before but man am I glad Ryan picked the Platinum Double Gran which is dedicated to Zino Davidoff, founder of Davidoff Cigars.
The Double Grande is a striking cigar - 7½ inches long with a 50 ring gauge, an Ecuadorian wrapper, Connecticut binder, and Dominican and Peruvian fillers. Its double bands look every bit as refined as you’d expect from a cigar in this price range.
I like to toast the foot before drawing, giving the cigar time to catch and letting the first clouds of smoke surround me. The opening was smooth and creamy, with a silky texture and notes of soft earth, faint vanilla, sweet cream, and gentle cedar. The draw was excellent, producing plenty of smoke with just a little resistance just the way I like it.
The burn stayed even throughout, with solid ash and no need for touch-ups. As the cigar settled in, lighter notes of coffee, honey, and baking spice joined the cream and cedar. In the final third, the earthiness grew more pronounced, balancing the lingering sweetness. It remained a medium-bodied smoke: flavorful and satisfying without becoming overpowering.
The Double Grande is a slow-burning cigar, best enjoyed when you have time to spare. Don't hurry this one, the smoking time will take roughly 90 to 120 minutes. We paired it with Barrel Cigar Blend Bourbon and Miles Davis’s “So What” a fitting soundtrack for a relaxed birthday smoke.
I can’t keep Zino's stocked in my humidor all the time. But when I want to spend an unhurried afternoon enjoying a smooth, beautifully constructed cigar, I know that my money will be well spent.
Thank you, Ryan, for the amazing cigar and wonderful company!
Oregon Man
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