Baccarat 1871 Cigar Review | Whiskey Gambler
Baccarat 1871
Over 150 years old and still one of the best entry points into the hobby. The Baccarat 1871 is not trying to impress veterans. It is trying to welcome newcomers -- and at that job, it is nearly perfect.
The Baccarat 1871 has been around since Carl Upmann launched it over 150 years ago. Today it is produced by Davidoff at the old Camacho factory in Honduras, and it has changed very little in that time. That kind of longevity means one thing -- it found its audience and never let go. That audience just happens to be people who are new to cigars, or connoisseurs who want something completely approachable for a casual occasion.
What makes the Baccarat instantly recognizable is the sweetened cap. Indian gum is applied to the tip giving the cigar a sugary, caramel sweetness right from the first draw that makes it unlike almost anything else in this category. It is a deliberate construction choice and one that either pulls you in completely or reminds you that you have outgrown it. For newer smokers, it is a revelation. For experienced connoisseurs, it is a one-note performance.
The Connecticut shade wrapper is pale gold, smooth, and lightly veined. Construction is excellent for the price point -- no soft spots, even fill, and a draw that opens right up. Davidoff does not cut corners on build quality even at this price tier, and that shows immediately.
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First Third
The sweetened cap delivers immediately -- caramel and vanilla coat the palate from the very first draw. Behind the sweetness, light toasted bread and a mild cedar note provide some structure. Pepper is nearly absent. Smoke output is creamy and generous. The draw is wide open and effortless. For a newer smoker this first third is genuinely impressive. For the experienced palate, it is pleasant but thin.
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Second Third
The caramel sweetness mellows slightly and a light coffee note joins the profile. Nutmeg and cocoa show up briefly, adding just enough complexity to keep things interesting. Mild throughout -- this cigar never challenges the palate. The burn stays razor sharp and the ash holds clean. Experienced smokers will notice the flavor profile is not evolving much from where it started. What you got in the first third is largely what you have here.
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Final Third
The final third stays consistent with the rest of the smoke -- mild, sweet, and clean. Light leather and toasted wheat round out the finish without adding significant new character. No bitterness, no harshness, no heat. The cigar finishes exactly as politely as it started. Burn stays true all the way through. For what it is, the consistency is actually impressive. Just do not expect any surprises at the end.
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| Construction | Davidoff-level build quality at a budget price -- even fill, clean seams, razor burn, solid draw from start to finish | ★★★★★ |
| Aroma | Caramel, vanilla, and light cedar -- approachable and pleasant, designed to welcome not intimidate | ★★★☆☆ |
| Flavor | Sweet, creamy, and mild with caramel leading throughout -- enjoyable but one-dimensional for experienced palates | ★★★☆☆ |
| Complexity | The honest answer is there is not much here -- consistent from first third to last, which is great for beginners and limiting for veterans | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Value | For a beginner cigar at this price point with Davidoff-backed construction, the value proposition is genuinely strong | ★★★★☆ |
Affiliate Partner -- Cigars International
Ready to Add the Baccarat 1871 to Your Humidor?
Cigars International carries the full Baccarat 1871 lineup at pricing that makes this the perfect introduction cigar or casual rotation pick. Great for gifting to someone just getting into the hobby. Stock a few and keep them ready.
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