AshMap
Overview
In the pantheon of Davidoff’s storied releases, the Escurio Torpedo stands as a deliberate and daring departure—a proof of concept from a house long associated with pale Connecticut wrappers and restrained, floral profiles. Launched in 2016, the Escurio line marked Davidoff’s first serious engagement with Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper leaf, a dark, terroir-driven tobacco that immediately signals a shift in intent. The Torpedo vitola, at 6.0 x 52, was chosen with architectural precision: the tapered head concentrates the smoke stream, forcing the blend’s anatomy into sharp relief. This is not a cigar for passive consumption. From the first draw, the Mata Fina wrapper asserts itself with a wave of dark Brazilian cocoa, bitter espresso, and toasted Brazil nut—a flavor signature that is immediately foreign to Davidoff’s traditional lexicon, yet executed with the same impeccable refinement that defines the brand. The binder and filler, sourced from the Dominican Republic and Brazil, are aged for an undisclosed period, but the result speaks to patience: there is no harshness, no raw edge, only a seamless integration of earth, leather, and dried fruit that unfolds across three distinct acts. The burn is razor-straight, the ash dense and grey-white, the draw precise—hallmarks of the Santiago factory where each torpedo is hand-rolled. What elevates the Escurio beyond novelty is its balance. The strength climbs into the medium-full register without aggression; the earthiness of the Brazilian components is counterweighted by the sweetness of Dominican filler; the final third delivers roasted coffee, dark molasses, and anise without tipping into bitterness. This is Davidoff proving that boldness and elegance are not mutually exclusive. For the aficionado who has dismissed the brand as overly polished, the Escurio Torpedo is the recalibration—a cigar that wears its complexity with the same quiet confidence as the house’s finest white-labeled offerings, but dares to leave a deeper, darker stain on the palate.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Brazilian Mata Fina — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic and Brazilian tobaccos, aged blend incorporating Brazilian binder and filler components alongside Dom |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $24–$28 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo extended aging prior to rolling; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed by Davidoff but consist |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The draw opens with an immediate and distinctive wave of dark Brazilian cocoa, bitter espresso, and toasted Brazil nut — an unmistakable fingerprint of the Mata Fina wrapper. There is a supporting layer of cedar and dried fruit, particularly fig and raisin, with a fine white pepper tingle on the retrohale that signals the blending complexity beneath.
Second Third
The cigar's core identity emerges fully: rich bittersweet chocolate transitions into leather and charred oak, with flashes of dark cherry and cinnamon bark. The strength climbs into the medium-full register without aggression, and the Mata Fina contributes a characteristic earthiness — almost like rich Amazonian soil after rain — balanced beautifully by the sweetness of the Dominican filler.
Final Third
The finale intensifies with roasted coffee bean, dark molasses, and a pronounced nuttiness that recalls macadamia more than the earlier Brazil nut note. A touch of anise and lingering dark chocolate on the finish keeps the complexity alive without tipping into harshness. The torpedo's tapered head delivers concentration and precision through the conclusion.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — as expected from the Santiago factory. The torpedo head requires a precise cut; a straight cut just above the shoulder yields the best draw, which is effortless with a slight resistance ideal for the vitola. The burn is razor-even, the ash holds firm in dense grey-white columns, and the smoke output is generous and creamy.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged Guatemalan rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva mirrors the chocolate and dark fruit notes beautifully; alternatively, a Bual Madeira or aged Armagnac cuts through the richness with oxidative complexity
Wine
A rich, fruit-forward Malbec from Mendoza (Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard or similar) — the dark berry, chocolate, and leather of the wine echo the cigar's core notes without fighting them
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Brazilian or Ethiopian dark-roast pour-over coffee — the terroir parallels are genuine and the bitterness alignment is exceptional
Who Should Smoke This?
The Escurio Torpedo is for the seasoned smoker who has traveled through Connecticut shade and Nicaraguan ligero and now seeks a new frontier. It rewards those who appreciate terroir-driven complexity, particularly the distinctive earth and cocoa of Brazilian Mata Fina. This is not a morning cigar or a social prop—it demands a deliberate 90-minute session, best reserved for a quiet weekend evening or post-dinner contemplation. Beginners may find the medium-full strength and deep flavor profile challenging; this is a cigar built for palates that understand structure. If you are a collector of Davidoff’s most expressive work, or a smoker looking to understand why Brazil is gaining ground in premium blending, the Escurio Torpedo belongs in your rotation.
Bottom Line
Davidoff’s Escurio Torpedo is the boldest, most adventurous blend to emerge from Geneva in a decade—a masterclass in balancing Brazilian terroir with Swiss precision. It proves that refinement and power can coexist, and it belongs in the humidor of every serious collector. This is not a cigar for the timid; it is a statement.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Escurio cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Escurio Torpedo a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5) on Davidoff’s strength scale. The strength builds gradually through the second and final thirds, delivering a satisfying fullness without aggression or harshness. It is robust but balanced, not overpowering.
What does Davidoff Escurio Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile is anchored by dark Brazilian cocoa, bitter espresso, toasted Brazil nut, and rich earth reminiscent of Amazonian soil. Cedar, dried fig and raisin, leather, charred oak, dark cherry, cinnamon, and anise emerge across the thirds, with a fine white pepper tingle on the retrohale.
How long does Davidoff Escurio Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes. This is a deliberate, contemplative smoke best enjoyed without rushing—the torpedo vitola’s tapered head concentrates the draw, rewarding a slow pace.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Escurio Torpedo?
A well-aged Guatemalan rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva mirrors the chocolate and dark fruit notes. A rich Malbec from Mendoza (Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard) echoes the dark berry and leather. For non-alcoholic options, a single-origin Brazilian or Ethiopian dark-roast pour-over coffee highlights the terroir alignment.
Is Davidoff Escurio Torpedo good for beginners?
Generally no. Its medium-full strength and complex, earthy profile may overwhelm new smokers. It is better suited to experienced enthusiasts who appreciate layered flavors and a deliberate pace.
Where can I buy Davidoff Escurio Torpedo?
Davidoff Escurio Torpedos are available at authorized Davidoff retailers, premium cigar lounges, and select online merchants. Due to its prestige tier and limited production, availability may vary; checking with Davidoff’s official stockists is recommended.
What is the price of Davidoff Escurio Torpedo?
The retail price ranges from $24 to $28 per cigar, reflecting its Prestige tier status and the use of aged Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper tobaccos.
Is Davidoff Escurio Torpedo worth aging?
Yes, but with caution. The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and the blend is well-integrated at release. Additional aging of 1–3 years in a stable humidor may further marry the flavors and soften any remaining edges, but prolonged aging (beyond 5 years) could mute the distinctive Mata Fina character.
What wrapper does Davidoff Escurio Torpedo use?
It uses a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper with a Colorado Maduro shade—deep mahogany brown, silky with a subtle natural sheen and minimal veining. This leaf is the defining element of the blend.
Where is Davidoff Escurio Torpedo made?
It is hand-rolled at Davidoff’s Manufacture de Cigares in Santiago, Dominican Republic, following the brand’s exacting standards for construction and quality control.