Initial Thoughts
Up until now Debonaire has only had two cigars in their portfolio. Those two cigars were the same binder and filler yet they utilized different wrappers, a Habano and a Maduro. This Debonaire Daybreak release is the first release under the Debonaire house since joining up with Drew Estate to handle the sales and distribution of the brand. The Debonaire Daybreak was first announced back in 2017 at the IPCPR show and has been on shelves for a while now. It’s available in 6 sizes: First Degree: 4 x 44 Sagita: 5 1/2 x 38 Corona: 6 x 46 Robusto: 5 x 50 Toro: 6 x 50 Belicoso: 6 x 54 Looking at the makeup of this cigar it employs an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that has been aging for two years. The binder is Dominican and the filler is various Nicaraguan leaf. It’s the same make up as the previous releases the Maduro and the Habano from this line. I have previously reviewed the Debonaire Natural which is the Habano wrapper and it was fantastic. So I’m really looking forward to this Debonaire Daybreak to see what all it has to offer up. Lets dive in.
Looks
This Debonaire Daybreak is a fairly simple looking cigar and packaging. The band is identical from the other releases from what I can see. It’s a large black and gold band. There is a horse drawn carriage as the main focal point within the band as well. One thing that I think would help this cigar differentiate from the other lines is a secondary band. They get away with it because the cigars are in cellophane on the shelves and it has the name on the back but a second band could be nice. With the Debonaire name in white lettering across the middle. One thing that always catches my eye is at the bottom of the band it says ‘Ultra Premium’. After talking w/ Phil Zanghi the owner of Debonaire I know they go to extraordinary lengths and put a lot of effort into the manufacturing of their cigars. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper on this Debonaire Daybreak is gorgeous. It’s a soft brown with minimal veins and very smooth. Looking at the foot you can see some very dark tobacco is rolled into the filler. It’s such a stark contrast to the rest of the leaf in the filler that it is very noticeable. Let dive on it and see what this Debonaire Daybreak has to offer up.
Smoking
One thing that I remember specifically from the Debonaire Natural cigar is how clean the cigar smokes. Most of the time the smoke the pours out feels like smoke. However, when I was puffing on the Natural / Habano release the retrohale didn’t feel like smoke. I have to say, the Debonaire Daybreak was nearly the same. The smoke wasn’t quite as clean and clear, but it definitely was less smokey than most other cigars. I’m not sure what contributes to that attribute of the cigar but I do love it. Throughout the entirety of this cigar it was a great draw, great burn and just a clean smoking experience. I’m not sure if I can say much more about it though. It was fantastic.
Flavor
Right from the get-go on the pre-light this Debonaire Daybreak gave a wide range of flavors. Up front I got some traditional notes of oak and cedar. Followed by a musty leather note that was actually very exciting. Once I got the cigar lit that clean smoke was pouring out. I picked up some subtle hints of white pepper as well as a backing note of earth and mineral. Nothing was really right in your face they were all blended together very well. The finish offered a good dose of cream and tobacco flavors that lingered around for awhile.Would I Buy It Again?
Without a doubt. This Debonaire Daybreak is a little on the higher end of my range but still after smoking one or two you realize that it’s not an everyday smoke, unless you’re in a higher tax bracket. However, I do feel like it’s a smoke that you can reach for every now and again as a ‘Ultra Premium’ smoke.Is It an Every Day Smoke?
Would I Buy a Box?
I think this is the best way to buy this cigar. I would love to have a box that is sitting and aging.Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is the Debonaire Daybreak?
The Debonaire Daybreak is a medium to full-bodied cigar. Check our full review above for strength and body notes from first light to the nub.
What are the flavor notes of the Debonaire Daybreak?
See the Flavor section above for a full tasting breakdown of the Debonaire Daybreak across all three thirds, including retrohale notes and finish.
[sotr_cigar_widget]Where can I buy the Debonaire Daybreak?
The Debonaire Daybreak is available at Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, and Amazon. See the Where to Buy table below for current pricing and availability.
How much does the Debonaire Daybreak cost?
The Debonaire Daybreak retails for approximately $12 per stick depending on the retailer and vitola. Prices may vary by box size.
What bourbon pairs well with the Debonaire Daybreak?
Our top bourbon pairings for the Debonaire Daybreak are Knob Creek 9 Year, Old Forester 1920, Russell’s Reserve, chosen based on complementary flavor profile scoring. See the Pairing section below for details.
Where to Buy Debonaire Daybreak
Average retail: ~$12 per stick. Prices vary by retailer.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Smoke Shop | ~$12/stick | ✅ In Stock | Shop Now → |
| Cigars International | ~$12/stick | ⚠️ Check Stock | Shop Now → |
| Amazon (samplers) | Varies | ✅ Available | Search Amazon → |
Stogies on the Rocks may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Best Bourbon Pairings for the Debonaire Daybreak
As a full-bodied, high-strength Nicaraguan torpedo, the Cojonu 2006 demands a bourbon with presence. Here are our top three pairings based on complementary flavor profiles.
#1 — Knob Creek 9 Year
High-rye character and oak depth complement the earthiness and spice of the Cojonu perfectly.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →#2 — Old Forester 1920
Rich toasted oak and dark fruit lift the nutty, creamy second third beautifully.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →#3 — Russell’s Reserve
A balanced, full-bodied pour with just enough rye spice to match the cigar’s pepper backbone.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →Pairing suggestions based on the Stogies on the Rocks flavor profile scoring system. Browse all bourbon reviews →
Conclusion
Seriously, if I haven’t convinced you to go out and buy a Debonaire Daybreak by now, I’m not sure what else I can say about it. This is a great cigar with a great flavor profile that smokes perfectly. Just go out and try one and I know you won’t be disappointed.
