AshMap
Overview
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro represents a watershed moment in the Geneva-based blender's recent history—a deliberate, uncompromising pivot toward Brazilian tobacco that abandons the house's customary European restraint in favor of genuine terroir expression. Introduced in 2015, the Escurio line emerged as Davidoff's first Brazil-forward offering, and this Gran Toro vitola (6.0 x 58) stands as the line's primary large-format statement. Hand-rolled at the La Romana factory in the Dominican Republic, the cigar marries a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper and binder with aged Dominican and Brazilian long-fillers to create a medium-full profile that builds methodically across its 90-to-105-minute runtime.
What distinguishes the Escurio from the broader Davidoff portfolio is its intellectual honesty. Rather than dilute Brazilian character with gentler tobaccos, the blend doubles down: the deep mahogany, slightly toothy Colorado Maduro wrapper signals dark fruit, earth, and spice from the first light. The opening delivers roasted espresso, charred cedar, and tamarind-tinged dark fruit sweetness—already a full-bodied proposition. By the midpoint, leather, toasted walnut, and bittersweet dark chocolate assert themselves while oregano and thyme notes emerge on the retrohale, accompanied by sustained black pepper. The final third intensifies into roasted malt and peaty earthiness, yet the construction—impeccably even burn, creamy dense smoke, firm silver-grey ash—never surrenders to harshness. This is precision engineering in service of complexity, not simplicity.
The Gran Toro is built for deliberation: it rewards undivided attention, a spirit pairing (aged agricole rum or Speyside single malt), and a post-dinner setting where its earthy-sweet Brazilian DNA can unfold without distraction. This is a cigar for the Davidoff devotee who craves bite alongside Swiss-precision construction, and for the aficionado drawn to Mata Fina's underappreciated terroir as interpreted by a house with the resources and restraint to honor it.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Brazilian Mata Fina (Bahia) — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Brazilian Mata Fina |
| Filler | Dominican Republic and Brazilian tobaccos, aged minimum two years |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Toro |
| Size | 6.0 x 58 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $28–$35 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling; Escurio blends typically rest in cedar-lined rooms post-rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dark cocoa, dried fig, and a whisper of barnyard earthiness characteristic of Mata Fina. Once lit, the first third delivers roasted espresso, charred cedar, and a pronounced dark fruit sweetness — think tamarind and prune — with a medium-full body building steadily from the first puff.
Second Third
The midpoint sharpens the profile considerably: leather, toasted nuts (walnut and cashew), and bittersweet dark chocolate deepen while the Brazilian earth note becomes more assertive. A secondary layer of dried herbs — oregano and dried thyme — emerges alongside a lingering black pepper finish on the retrohale.
Final Third
The final third intensifies into roasted malt, dark molasses, and an earthy, almost peaty richness with sustained spice on the palate. Construction holds firm and heat remains controlled, allowing the complexity to shine rather than devolve into harshness — a hallmark of the Escurio blend's Brazilian DNA.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is Davidoff-grade impeccable — the draw is effortless with optimal resistance, producing dense, creamy smoke; the burn line is razor-even and the ash is firm, silver-grey, and holds one to one-and-a-half inches with ease.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged agricole rum (Rhum Clément XO or Rhum J.M. VSOP) or a rich Speyside single malt such as GlenDronach 18 — the caramel and dark fruit notes mirror the Mata Fina's sweetness without overwhelming it
Wine
Amarone della Valpolicella or a Priorat — the dried fruit intensity and tannic structure of these wines stand up to and complement the cigar's Brazilian earthiness and bittersweet cocoa
Non-Alcoholic
A double-shot flat white using single-origin Brazilian Santos beans, or a cold-brew concentrate with a touch of turbinado — the roasted coffee notes echo and amplify the cigar's espresso character
Who Should Smoke This?
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is best suited to experienced aficionados with a developed palate for medium-full-bodied, earth-forward profiles. This is not an introductory cigar; its Brazilian intensity and spice demand appreciation. It appeals to Davidoff loyalists who want complexity and assertiveness beyond the house's signature refined style, as well as to tobacco enthusiasts specifically drawn to Mata Fina's character. Reserve this 90-to-105-minute smoke for a focused evening session—post-dinner contemplation rather than quick leisure. This cigar demands and rewards patience, a comfortable setting, and undivided attention.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is a masterclass in terroir-driven blending executed with Swiss precision—an intellectually honest departure from the house style that delivers genuine complexity without hedging. For the experienced aficionado seeking Brazilian character and construction excellence in a prestige format, this is essential.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Escurio cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro a strong cigar?
Yes, with a medium-full strength rating (4/5), this cigar builds steadily from the first puff through the final third. The Brazilian Mata Fina tobacco delivers pronounced spice, black pepper on the retrohale, and assertive earth notes that intensify as the cigar progresses. This is not a mild smoke and requires an experienced palate.
What does the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro taste like?
The flavor arc spans roasted espresso and charred cedar in the first third, evolving into leather, toasted nuts, and bittersweet dark chocolate in the midpoint, with secondary notes of oregano and dried thyme. The final third intensifies into roasted malt, dark molasses, and peaty earthiness, all underpinned by the signature earthy, slightly barnyard character of Mata Fina tobacco.
How long does the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro take to smoke?
Plan for 90 to 105 minutes. The Gran Toro's 6.0 x 58 format and optimal draw resistance make it an extended contemplation cigar rather than a quick smoke—ideal for a focused post-dinner session.
What is the best pairing for the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
Aged agricole rum (Rhum Clément XO or Rhum J.M. VSOP) or a rich Speyside single malt such as GlenDronach 18 complement the cigar's dark fruit sweetness and cocoa notes. For wine, Amarone della Valpolicella or Priorat stand up to its Brazilian earthiness and bittersweet character. A double-shot flat white with Brazilian Santos beans also mirrors its espresso-cocoa profile.
Is the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro good for beginners?
No. With its medium-full strength, assertive earth notes, and complex flavor progression, this cigar is best suited to experienced aficionados with a developed palate. Newer smokers should begin with lighter, more approachable Davidoff expressions before exploring the Escurio line.
Where can I buy the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is available through authorized Davidoff retailers, premium cigar specialists, and online humidors. As a prestige-tier release, availability may vary by region. We recommend verifying stock with established retailers before purchasing.
What is the price of the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
Retail pricing ranges from $28 to $35 per cigar, positioning it in the prestige category. Pricing may vary slightly depending on retailer location and market conditions.
Is the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling, and the blend typically rests in cedar-lined rooms post-production. The cigar is built for immediate enjoyment rather than extended cellaring, though well-stored examples will develop further complexity over several years.
What wrapper does the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro use?
The cigar features a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper from Bahia in a Colorado Maduro shade—deep mahogany brown with a slightly toothy texture and subtle earthy sheen. The binder is also Brazilian Mata Fina, making this Davidoff's first Brazil-forward expression.
Where is the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro made?
The cigar is hand-rolled at Davidoff's La Romana factory (Tabacalera de Garcia) in the Dominican Republic. The filler consists of aged Dominican and Brazilian tobaccos, all aged a minimum of two years before rolling.