AshMap
Overview
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is a study in controlled rebellion. It is the sound of a Geneva-based house clearing its throat before speaking in a dialect it rarely uses — loud, earthy, and unapologetically Brazilian. From the first cold draw, there is a sense of trespass; the familiar Davidoff polish is present, but the soul of this cigar is a wilder, more primal thing. The Mata Fina wrapper, dark as wet mahogany and faintly toothy, promises a depth that the blend delivers with a measured, almost arrogant confidence. This is not a cigar that asks for your attention; it commands it, rewarding the patient with a narrative that unfolds like a slow, deliberate conversation between Old World refinement and New World vigor.
Once lit, the opening act is a masterclass in savory-sweet tension. A dense, roasted espresso note hits first, carrying the weight of the medium-full body, but it is immediately shadowed by a dark fruit sweetness that recalls tamarind paste and stewed prunes. The charred cedar adds a structural backbone, while a whisper of barnyard earth — that unmistakable signature of Mata Fina — grounds the experience in terroir. The smoke is thick and creamy, coating the palate with a texture that feels almost tactile. By the end of the first third, the strength has built to a steady hum, not a shout, setting the stage for the complexity to come.
The second third is where the blend’s intellectual honesty shines. The sweetness recedes, and the profile sharpens into a more savory, angular territory. Leather takes center stage, flanked by toasted walnuts and cashews that provide a rich, oily counterpoint. The bittersweet dark chocolate deepens, but it is the emergence of dried oregano and thyme that elevates this section — a herbal, almost Mediterranean complexity that dances with the now-assertive Brazilian earth. The retrohale delivers a lingering black pepper finish that is sharp but never harsh, a testament to the two-year-aged filler tobaccos. This is the heart of the cigar, where the blend’s dual personality — the precision of the rolling and the wildness of the leaf — is most fully realized.
As the final third approaches, the cigar gathers its strength for a powerful denouement. The roasted malt and dark molasses notes create a rich, almost peaty foundation, while the spice on the palate intensifies into a sustained warmth. The earthiness becomes more pronounced, but it never tips into bitterness. The construction holds firm, the draw remains effortless, and the heat stays remarkably controlled, allowing the complexity to resolve into a long, satisfying finish. This is a cigar that knows exactly how it wants to end — not with a whimper, but with a resonant, earthy chord that lingers long after the ash is tapped. It is a rare feat: a cigar that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally satisfying, a true departure that still feels unmistakably Davidoff.
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?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of flawless, cool-smoking Dominican classics and has begun to feel a quiet restlessness. You are the smoker who has memorized the profile of a standard Davidoff, who appreciates the precision but secretly craves a little grit. You are sitting on a quiet Tuesday evening, the house is still, and you have a full 90 minutes to yourself. You pour a glass of aged agricole rum, not as an afterthought, but as a deliberate companion. You want a cigar that will not just accompany your thoughts but challenge them, one that offers a new detail with every puff. You already enjoy the earthy depth of a good Brazilian cigar, but you want to see what happens when that character is refined by Swiss-style craftsmanship. This Gran Toro will give you that conversation — a complex, demanding, and ultimately rewarding dialogue between two very different worlds of tobacco.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is a bold, beautifully constructed paradox — a cigar that uses the house’s legendary precision to showcase the untamed soul of Brazilian tobacco. It is a must-smoke for anyone seeking a complex, full-flavored experience that defies easy categorization. This is not a casual smoke; it is an event.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Escurio cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Medium-Full (4/5). This means the nicotine strength is substantial and builds steadily from the first puff, providing a noticeable physical presence that is more intense than a mild or medium cigar. It is not a nicotine bomb, but it will command your attention and is best smoked on a full stomach.
What does Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. It opens with roasted espresso, charred cedar, and a dark fruit sweetness of tamarind and prune. The middle third shifts to leather, toasted walnuts and cashews, and bittersweet dark chocolate, with a secondary layer of dried oregano and thyme. The final third intensifies into roasted malt, dark molasses, and an earthy, peaty richness with sustained spice.
How long does Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro take to smoke?
Given its Gran Toro vitola (6.0 x 58), you should set aside a solid 90 to 105 minutes. The large ring gauge and dense filler provide a long, slow burn that is not to be rushed.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
An aged agricole rum, such as Rhum Clément XO, is an excellent choice. The rum's natural caramel and dark fruit notes directly mirror the cigar's own sweetness from the Mata Fina wrapper, creating a harmonious echo that amplifies the experience without overpowering the tobacco's earthy complexity.
Is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. The Medium-Full strength can be overwhelming for a palate not yet accustomed to nicotine, and the $28–$35 price point is a significant investment for a smoke that requires experience to fully appreciate. A novice would be better served starting with a milder, more affordable Davidoff signature blend.
Where can I buy Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
Cigars of this prestige tier are typically found at authorized Davidoff retailers, which include high-end brick-and-mortar tobacconists and select online stores that are official dealers. You can use the store locator on the official Davidoff website to find a verified point of sale.
What is the price of Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is priced in the premium range, typically retailing between $28 and $35 per cigar. This price reflects the use of rare Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper and binder, aged Dominican fillers, and the high level of craftsmanship involved in its production.
Is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years pre-roll, this blend can benefit from additional humidor time. The Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper is known for its aging potential, and a year or more of rest in a cedar-lined humidor can help further integrate the bold flavors, softening any remaining sharp edges and allowing the earthy and sweet notes to meld into a more cohesive, refined profile.
What wrapper does Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro use?
It uses a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper from the Bahia region. This wrapper is a deep, Colorado Maduro shade and is known for its slightly toothy texture and earthy, sweet character. It is the primary driver of the cigar's distinctive dark fruit and earth notes, and its use in both wrapper and binder is a rare and defining feature of the Escurio line.
Where is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro made?
It is hand-rolled at Davidoff's La Romana factory, Tabacalera de Garcia, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This is the brand's primary production facility, where the blend is crafted under the same rigorous quality control standards applied to all their premium lines.