AshMap
Overview
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro represents a deliberate and confident departure from the house's storied legacy. Launched in 2015, the Escurio line was conceived as a bold narrative shift—one that places Brazilian tobacco at the center of the stage, rather than as a supporting player. This is not the Davidoff of restrained elegance alone; it is Davidoff demonstrating that complexity can be found in earth, spice, and brooding power. The Gran Toro vitola, a commanding 6 x 58, serves as the ideal canvas for this expression, offering ample surface area for the Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper—a deep Colorado Maduro with a slightly toothy texture and an earthy sheen—to assert its character from the very first draw. The cigar is hand-rolled at the Oettinger Davidoff factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and its construction bears the hallmark precision of the brand: a triple cap, a firm draw, and a burn line so steady it borders on architectural. Within the premium cigar landscape, the Escurio Gran Toro occupies a singular position: it is a bridge between Davidoff's cultivated refinement and the raw, unapologetic force of Brazilian terroir. It is not an entry-level curiosity, but rather a study in balance—one that rewards the patient smoker with a layered experience that unfolds over the course of nearly ninety minutes. For the aficionado who has followed Davidoff's journey through Dominican, Nicaraguan, and now Brazilian tobacco, this cigar is arguably the most intellectually satisfying release the brand has produced in the past decade. It dismantles the silk-gloved reputation and proves that Davidoff can play in bold, earthy territory without losing its compositional rigor. The Brazilian tobacco story is told with clarity and authenticity, making this essential for those who want Davidoff complexity without Davidoff restraint.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Brazilian Arapiraca — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Brazilian Mata Fina |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged tobaccos blended for body and complexity |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (Davidoff's Oettinger Davidoff factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 58 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $28–$35 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed by Davidoff |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is assertive and distinctive — roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, and a pronounced earthiness that immediately signals the Brazilian wrapper's character. A note of black pepper and toasted nuts anchors the profile while a subtle sweetness emerges on the retrohale.
Second Third
The midpoint brings increased complexity — leather, dried dark fruit (fig and prune), and a cedar backbone emerge alongside lingering cocoa. The strength builds steadily without aggression, and the sweetness from the Mata Fina binder integrates beautifully with the roasted core.
Final Third
The final third intensifies into espresso and charred wood with a long, earthy finish. Dark spice returns on the palate and a molasses-like sweetness rounds out what becomes a rich, full-bodied experience. It never turns harsh if properly humidified.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable — expect an even, slow burn with a firm, slightly resistant draw that produces dense, creamy smoke. Ash holds firm to an inch or more and the burn line stays straight throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Guatemalan rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a peated Scotch like Laphroaig 10-year — both complement the Brazilian earthiness and roasted notes without overpowering
Wine
Argentine Malbec (Achaval Ferrer or Catena Zapata) — the dark fruit and structure mirror the cigar's dried fruit and cocoa character
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a Brazilian Cerrado single-origin pour-over — the geographical resonance with the wrapper is intentional and rewarding
Who Should Smoke This?
The Escurio Gran Toro is crafted for the experienced cigar enthusiast who has already explored the classic Davidoff canon and is seeking a more assertive, terroir-driven smoking experience. This is not a cigar for the novice; its medium-full strength and richly layered profile demand a palate attuned to subtle shifts in flavor—roasted coffee, dark chocolate, leather, and dried fruit. It is best reserved for a deliberate, unhurried evening after a substantial meal, or a weekend afternoon when a full 90 minutes can be dedicated to the ritual. The smoker who will love this cigar appreciates intellectual depth and appreciates the story behind the leaf—particularly the Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper and Mata Fina binder. It is for those who want a Davidoff that smokes with conviction and character, yet still finishes with the precision the brand is known for.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro is a masterclass in bold equilibrium: it takes the precision of Swiss-Dominican craftsmanship and marries it to the untamed soul of Brazilian tobacco. For the aficionado seeking complexity without restraint, this is an essential addition to the humidor.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Escurio cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro a strong cigar?
Yes, it is classified as medium-full (4/5) in strength. The blend of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican tobaccos builds in intensity through the final third without becoming harsh, provided it is properly humidified.
What does Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro taste like?
The flavor profile opens with roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, pronounced earthiness, black pepper, and toasted nuts. The second third introduces leather, dried dark fruit (fig and prune), cedar, and cocoa. The final third intensifies into espresso, charred wood, dark spice, and a molasses-like sweetness.
How long does Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro take to smoke?
Plan for a deliberate 90-minute smoke. The 6 x 58 Toro vitola, combined with impeccable construction, yields a slow, even burn that demands patience and full attention.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
Aged Guatemalan rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or a peated Scotch like Laphroaig 10-year complement the earthy and roasted notes. For wine, an Argentine Malbec (Achaval Ferrer or Catena Zapata) mirrors the dark fruit and cocoa. Non-alcohol: a double espresso or Brazilian Cerrado single-origin pour-over aligns geographically with the wrapper.
Is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro good for beginners?
No. This cigar is recommended for experienced smokers due to its medium-full strength, complex flavor transitions, and the requirement for a 90-minute dedicated session. Novices may find the intensity and time commitment overwhelming.
Where can I buy Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
It is available at select premium cigar retailers, Davidoff flagship stores, and authorized online merchants such as Davidoff.com, cigar.com, or famous-smoke.com. Due to its premium tier and limited production, it is advisable to verify availability and purchase from authorized dealers.
What is the price of Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro?
The price ranges from $28 to $35 per cigar, depending on the retailer and local taxes. It is sold in boxes of 12 or 24.
Is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, so the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. However, additional aging in a controlled humidor (60–65% RH) may further integrate and mellow the flavors, though Davidoff does not disclose specific aging times. It is worth experimenting with if you have a well-maintained collection.
What wrapper does Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro use?
It uses a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper in a Colorado Maduro shade. The wrapper is deep reddish-brown with a subtle earthy sheen and a slightly toothy texture, providing the primary flavor profile of earth, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Where is Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at Davidoff's Oettinger Davidoff factory, ensuring the same quality control and construction standards as the brand's other premium lines.