Could it be the best cigar documentary?
Needless to say, the best thing for a true cigar lover is to grab a first-class ticket to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras or good old Cuba and follow the journey of your beloved sticks from seed to smoke. Nothing to add here, if you have the chance: do it!
The second best thing though, is watching Bespoke Unit’s “From Seed To Smoke: A Cigar's Odyssey | Davidoff Cigar Factory & Farms (How Cigars Are Made)” fabulous cigar opera.
Covering the entire manufacturing process from beginning to end, this magnificently put together piece of YouTube cigar-galore will take you on a virtual journey, a travel of senses and a digital trip right to the heart of the Dominican Republic and to the birthplace of Davidoff’s iconic cigars.
Stretched out over one hour and thirty-five minutes, the documentary is entertaining and diverting, providing just the right balance of in-depth information with hitherto unseen insights and jovial lightheartedness.
“In early 2019, Bespoke Unit Founder Paul Anthony and Editor-in-Chief Charles-Philippe were invited by Klaas Kelner to visit Davidoff in the Dominican Republic.” The result, in the form of this cinematographic piece, is a delightful tour-d’horizon for those who haven’t had the chance of visiting a manufacturing country yet, and a detailed revisitation, both literally and figuratively, for those who want to refresh their cigar knowledge.
The pleasure of going on such a thoroughly assembled tour, organized and hosted by Klaas Kelner, soon-to-be industry legend and son of already-hall-of-famer Henke Kelner Sr., is usually reserved to the most dedicated cigar professionals or loyal Davidoff partners.
Charles-Philippe and Paul Anthony therewith provide an opportunity to all mundane mom-and-pop passionados, who just as much love to learn more about their favorite cigars, including all the intricate details of how every single stick is actually being put together.
No matter how small or thorough one’s experience and expertise with smoky pleasures might be, everyone watching can easily follow the logically laid-out structure.
Following a chronological order from the very first seedlings, cross-breeding, planting and priming, over Davidoff’s very own curing barns, all the way to the fermentation department, sorting, blending, rolling and numerous quality controls: CP, Paul and Klaas take us by the hand and lead the way through the entire operational process.
I tried to limit myself to five highlights and interesting details, that you do not read about in every blog and that show a level of detail, as well as the openness of Klaas to share insights:
About agriculture and crop development: we thoroughly enjoyed the insights on various plants across different areas and stark contrasts within one harvest.
The authenticity shown when Klaas picked a leaf that was not ready yet and didn’t crack, or him choosing a leaf in the curing barn that was affected by insect. The level of humanity and casualness makes for a very comforting and relaxed atmosphere.
About the fermentation process: insights on flipping schedules that Klaas casually read out loud from a clipboard. He also elaborated on the natural processes, based on weight+humidity=heat, which then washes out all the undesired elements of the leaves.
Quality checks are exclusively conducted by women as they have better sensory skills, regarding sight and feel, thus are more capable to sort leaves by texture and color. In one scene, a lady is simply feeling the texture and oils, totally ignoring the color. Most people would assume that dark wrappers are strong, which of course is not necessarily the case!
Explanation of cellophane and why it makes sense, besides it not being plastic, obviously!
We’re very much looking forward to more content of this nature from Bespoke Unit! How about a following documentary from the Davidoff headquarters in Basel? Providing insights into how Switzerland develops new lines, editions, and concepts that are then being translated into the cigars we all get to enjoy? Just a thought.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is the fact that the documentary never feels “branded” or “advertised”, despite featuring one company’s modus operandi but rather elegantly exemplifies the quintessential steps that every hand-rolled, premium cigar has to undergo. As a matter of fact, even if you’ve never smoked a Davidoff cigar or do not particularly like their flavor profile, every passionado can gather boatloads of cigar proficiency by watching the documentary.
There’s chapter marks and time stamps for the more impatient and convenience-seeking, however Bespoke Unit also offers bite-sized chunks as short videos on their channel, snugly assembled in the “Davidoff & Tabadom, Dominican Republic” playlist or in the channel’s overall cigar segment.
And whilst we’re at it: the entire Bespoke Unit platform, be it their website or all various social media channels, are well-worth a visit! From sipping to smoking and everything in-between, “Bespoke Unit strives to provide you with accessible lifestyle expertise. Whether you want to learn about tailoring, footwear, personal grooming, fragrances, timepieces, cigars and more, Bespoke Unit will offer you everything you need to know."
Since it was founded in 2013 by Paul Anthony, Bespoke Unit has endeavoured to provide men of all ages with the ultimate guides to develop their personal lifestyle and discover their passions. Today, we continue to help over a million men every month on their own journeys.”
The documentary is en route to reaching half-a-million views on YouTube and will remain a most valuable go-to-source of cigar learning material—in a most refined, elegant and cinematographic way. Very Bespoke Unit style!
With my very best wishes and spirits, light em up!
Reinhard
Sensory expert, cigar passionado, and host of the Light ‘em Up Lounge
