AshMap
Overview
When Davidoff introduced the Escurio line in 2015, the brand made an audacious declaration: we are not defined by Dominican tobacco alone. The Escurio Short Robusto is the concentrated argument for that position—a 4.5 x 50 vitola that places Brazilian Mata Fina at the center of a Davidoff blend and refuses to apologize for the shift. This is a cigar that respects the house style of impeccable construction and refinement while pivoting decisively toward earth, cocoa, and leather rather than the brightness and cedar-forward elegance Davidoff devotees have come to expect. The Mata Fina wrapper—a deep Colorado Maduro with lightly oily skin and fine tooth—signals intent immediately; the cold draw delivers dark chocolate and dried fig before the first light ignites a surge of roasted espresso and barnyard character that builds with confidence throughout the smoke.
What makes the Short Robusto the overlooked gem of the Escurio lineup is its format. At 45 to 55 minutes, this vitola concentrates the Brazilian tobacco's intensity in a way the longer Gran Toro cannot match. The middle third is where the blend truly sings—unsweetened baking chocolate, toasted cedar, and a subtle dried cherry fruitiness converge into a creamy, textured experience that feels both bold and balanced. The construction, predictably, is flawless: a straight, even burn, a slightly resistant draw that produces dense smoke, and ash that holds firm past an inch. Davidoff's Oettinger-Imex factory in Santiago delivers the hand-rolled precision the brand's name demands.
This is not a cigar for those seeking Davidoff's classical profile—it is a cigar for those ready to meet Davidoff somewhere new. The final third intensifies with concentrated espresso and dark earth, warming spice building without harshness, finishing long and dry with a mocha aftertaste that lingers. For the Davidoff loyalist seeking more body without abandoning refinement, and for the serious aficionado who has overlooked Davidoff's more recent innovations, the Short Robusto is a calculated risk that pays dividends. It is a reminder that heritage brands can evolve without losing their identity.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Brazilian Mata Fina — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican |
| Filler | Brazilian and Dominican long-fillers, selected for compatibility with the Mata Fina wrapper |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (Davidoff's Oettinger-Imex factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Short Robusto |
| Size | 4.5 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$22 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed by Davidoff |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw hints at dark cocoa and dried fig before the light reveals an immediate surge of roasted espresso and Brazilian dark chocolate. A leathery base supports pronounced earthy depth, with subtle black pepper on the retrohale.
Second Third
The Mata Fina asserts itself fully here — rich cocoa deepens toward unsweetened baking chocolate, while notes of toasted cedar and barnyard leather weave in. A subtle fruitiness, reminiscent of dried cherry or raisin, emerges at the midpoint with a creamy texture developing on the palate.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with concentrated espresso and dark earth, a warming spice building gradually without becoming harsh. Leather and dark cocoa remain dominant as the blend tightens beautifully, finishing long and dry with a persistent mocha aftertaste.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent, as expected from Davidoff — the draw is slightly resistant (ideal), producing a dense, slightly cool smoke with a tight, firm ash that holds well past an inch. The burn line is straight and even throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum with Brazilian or Caribbean character — Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively a peated single malt Scotch like Lagavulin 16 to counterpoint the chocolate notes
Wine
A fruit-forward, full-bodied red with dark berry character — Argentine Malbec (Achaval Ferrer) or a Châteauneuf-du-Pape with garrigue earthiness
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Brazilian dark roast coffee — black, no sugar — or a cold brew concentrate to echo and amplify the mocha core of the blend
Who Should Smoke This?
The Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto is ideal for the experienced smoker—someone comfortable with medium-full strength and seeking more body than Davidoff's traditional profile offers. This vitola suits the focused afternoon break, the 45-to-55-minute interlude between obligations, or the post-lunch palate reset when a 90-minute commitment feels excessive. It appeals equally to Davidoff loyalists ready to explore the brand's Brazilian-forward departure and to boutique aficionados who have underestimated Davidoff's recent releases. Beginners should approach with caution; the strength and intensity demand familiarity with full-bodied, earthy tobacco. This is a cigar for the deliberate smoker who savors construction quality and nuanced flavor development.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto proves that calculated risks pay off: a Brazilian-forward departure from Davidoff tradition that concentrates dark chocolate, earth, and leather intensity into a 45-minute smoke of remarkable refinement. This is the overlooked vitola of the entire Escurio line, and it deserves the attention of any serious aficionado.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Escurio cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto a strong cigar?
Yes. At 4/5 strength (medium-full), it is considerably more robust than most Davidoff offerings. The Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper and long-filler blend deliver pronounced earth, leather, and dark cocoa alongside roasted espresso notes. It suits experienced smokers comfortable with full-bodied profiles.
What does the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto taste like?
Expect roasted espresso and dark chocolate in the opening, deepening to unsweetened baking chocolate, toasted cedar, and barnyard leather through the middle third. A subtle fruitiness—dried cherry and raisin—emerges mid-smoke, with the finale concentrating espresso and dark earth into a mocha aftertaste.
How long does the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto take to smoke?
The 4.5 x 50 vitola is a 45-to-55-minute smoke, making it the most approachable vitola in the Escurio lineup by smoking time. It is ideal for an afternoon break or focused session without committing to a 90-minute evening experience.
What is the best pairing for the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto?
Aged rum with Caribbean character (Ron Zacapa 23, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) complements the blend beautifully, as does a peated single malt like Lagavulin 16 to counterpoint the chocolate. A full-bodied red wine—Argentine Malbec or Châteauneuf-du-Pape—works equally well. For non-alcoholic pairings, a single-origin Brazilian dark roast coffee or cold brew amplifies the mocha core.
Is the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto good for beginners?
No. At medium-full strength with pronounced earthiness, leather, and dark cocoa intensity, this cigar demands familiarity with robust, full-bodied tobacco. It is best suited for experienced smokers comfortable with bold profiles.
Where can I buy the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto?
The Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto is available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in Davidoff products. Verify retailer authorization to ensure authenticity.
What is the price of the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto?
The Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto is priced between $18 and $22 per cigar, reflecting its premium positioning within Davidoff's contemporary portfolio.
Is the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto worth aging?
Davidoff tobaccos are aged prior to rolling according to the brand's specifications; specific aging duration is not publicly disclosed. The cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional cellaring may allow the blend to integrate further, though it is not necessary.
What wrapper does the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto use?
The cigar features a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper in Colorado Maduro shade—a deep mahogany brown with light oil and fine tooth. The Mata Fina is the defining characteristic of the Escurio line, representing Davidoff's departure from their traditional Dominican profile.
Where is the Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto made?
The Davidoff Escurio Short Robusto is hand-rolled at Davidoff's Oettinger-Imex factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The blend combines Brazilian and Dominican long-fillers with a Dominican binder, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality construction.