AshMap
Overview
There is a particular silence that falls when a cigar is built with this much intention. The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro doesn't announce itself; it simply occupies the room with a quiet, golden authority. From the first cold draw—which tastes of sweet hay, dried apricot, and a faint, almost imperceptible tingle of white pepper on the lips—you understand this is not a cigar of volume, but of vocabulary. It speaks in a language of precision, where each note is articulated with the clarity of a well-tuned instrument, and the narrative arc is one of graceful development rather than dramatic upheaval.
The opening third is a study in textural elegance. The smoke is dense and creamy, coating the palate with a sensation akin to fresh dairy butter melting over warm brioche. Beneath this, a distinct toasted almond note provides a savory counterpoint, while the retrohale delivers a delicate but unmistakable white pepper spice that cleanses the sinuses without ever turning sharp. There is a clean, almost ethereal sweetness here, reminiscent of acacia honey, which interplays beautifully with the structural backbone of fresh cedar shavings. It is a symphony of restraint, where every element is present but nothing overstays its welcome.
As the ash holds its firm, silver-white column, the second third deepens the conversation. The initial creaminess persists, but now it serves as a canvas for more intricate flavors. A gentle wave of baking spice—nutmeg leading, with a whisper of cinnamon—washes over the profile, adding a warm, aromatic complexity. The toasted almond evolves into a richer roasted cashew, while a new layer of light, sun-dried hay introduces a subtle vegetal sweetness. The most captivating addition, however, is a ghost of dried stone fruit, specifically white peach or apricot, which lingers on the finish, adding a delicate, almost perfumed quality that is the signature of well-aged Dominican filler. The cedar remains, but it has shifted from fresh shavings to a more seasoned, aromatic plank.
The final third is where the cigar demonstrates its true architectural genius. Rather than fading, it tightens gracefully, concentrating its flavors into a more resolved, profound expression. The toasted oak becomes more pronounced, carrying a subtle, refined earthiness that grounds the experience. The almond note returns, but now as almond skin, carrying a gentle, pleasant bitterness that adds a final layer of complexity. The creaminess, which has been a constant companion, now takes on a slightly tannic grip, a textural shift that prepares the palate for the conclusion. The white pepper spice returns on the finish, not as a blast, but as a clean, lingering farewell that leaves the palate feeling refreshed and remarkably well-resolved. It is a masterclass in finishing a story without a single wasted word.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut (Sun-Grown) — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic (Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano, aged) |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (Davidoff's La Romana / General Cigar collaboration; primary factory: Tabadom, Santiago) |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6.0 x 50 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $28–$34 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling; finished cigars rested before boxing |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening presents a refined, creamy creaminess — fresh dairy butter, toasted almonds, and a delicate white pepper spice on the retrohale. There is an immediate sense of clean sweetness reminiscent of mild honey and fresh cedar shavings.
Second Third
The center third develops more complexity as baking spice (nutmeg, light cinnamon) layers over a sustained creaminess. Notes of roasted cashew, light hay, and a whisper of dried stone fruit — apricot or white peach — emerge, with cedar remaining the structural backbone.
Final Third
The final third tightens gracefully into a richer expression of toasted oak, a refined earthiness, and lingering almond skin. Creaminess persists but takes on a slightly tannic grip; white pepper spice returns on the finish, leaving the palate clean and well-resolved.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is characteristically Davidoff — flawless. The draw is open with just the right resistance, the burn line razor-straight, and the ash a firm, tight silver-white that holds confidently for 1.5 to 2 inches before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Single malt Scotch from the Lowlands or Speyside — Glenkinchie 12, Auchentoshan Three Wood, or a light Highland expression like Glenmorangie Original. Alternatively, a well-aged blanc Cognac such as Hine Rare VSOP.
Wine
A white Burgundy with some age — Meursault Premier Cru or a Puligny-Montrachet. If red is preferred, a cool-climate Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley or Chambolle-Musigny works beautifully without overwhelming the cigar's subtlety.
Non-Alcoholic
A well-pulled flat white using a washed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe — the coffee's bright citrus acidity and floral notes mirror the cigar's clean, aromatic character without competing.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of bold, peppery maduros and limited-edition releases, but finds themselves reaching for them less and less. You are a professional in your mid-forties, perhaps an architect or a literary agent, who has just wrapped a significant negotiation and needs a 75-minute decompression on your terrace, not to be knocked over, but to be engaged. You already appreciate the quiet complexity of a well-aged single malt or a pour-over coffee with a bright, floral acidity. This cigar is for the moment when you want to think, to savor, and to be reminded that true power lies in restraint. It will not challenge your palate with force, but it will reward your attention with a level of detail and finesse that you will find yourself craving again and again.
Bottom Line
The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro is a flawless expression of elegance, a cigar that proves technical perfection can be the ultimate luxury. It is an essential smoke for the connoisseur who has moved beyond strength and into the realm of subtlety, offering a deeply satisfying and cerebral experience from first light to final draw.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Davidoff Grand Cru cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and unobtrusive, providing a relaxed, cerebral experience rather than a physical rush. You will feel a mild, pleasant calm, but no heaviness in the chest or lightheadedness, making it suitable for any time of day.
What does Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro taste like?
The flavor profile is a study in refined elegance. The first third offers fresh dairy butter, toasted almonds, and a delicate white pepper spice on the retrohale. The second third introduces baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, alongside roasted cashew, light hay, and a whisper of dried apricot or white peach. The final third tightens into toasted oak, refined earthiness, and lingering almond skin, with the white pepper returning on the clean finish.
How long does Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro take to smoke?
Given its Toro vitola and 6.0 x 50 dimensions, you should expect a leisurely 60 to 75 minute smoking session. The draw is open with just the right resistance, and the burn is razor-straight, allowing for a consistent and unhurried experience from start to finish.
What is the best pairing for Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro?
For a spirit, a Lowland or Speyside single malt Scotch like Glenkinchie 12 is ideal; its light, floral, and slightly sweet character mirrors the cigar's own creaminess and delicate fruit notes without overpowering them. Alternatively, a well-aged blanc Cognac such as Hine Rare VSOP complements the cigar's toasted almond and baking spice profile with its own refined, fruity elegance.
Is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro good for beginners?
While its Mild-Medium strength is approachable, the $28–$34 price point makes it a significant investment for a palate that is still developing. A beginner might not fully appreciate the cigar's subtlety and nuanced transitions, which are its primary virtues. It is better suited for someone who has already explored a range of cigars and is now seeking to understand the pinnacle of elegance and craft.
Where can I buy Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro?
As a prestige-tier cigar, it is best purchased from a reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconist that carries a dedicated Davidoff humidor, or from an authorized premium online retailer. Be wary of deeply discounted prices, as this is a prime target for counterfeiters. Your local shop can also ensure you are getting a properly humidified product.
What is the price of Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro?
The Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro commands a premium price of $28 to $34 per cigar. This reflects the use of exclusively Dominican fillers aged for a minimum of two years, the meticulous hand-rolling process, and the brand's rigorous quality control, positioning it firmly within the prestige tier of the market.
Is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged for a minimum of two years prior to rolling and the finished cigars are rested before boxing, this Toro can benefit from additional humidor time. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is delicate, and 1-3 years of careful aging will allow the flavors to further meld and integrate, softening any remaining edges and deepening the creamy, cedary core into an even more seamless and profound experience.
What wrapper does Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut (Sun-Grown) wrapper, which presents a warm golden-tan color with a silky sheen. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's signature creaminess, subtle sweetness, and delicate white pepper spice, providing a refined and elegant canvas for the aged Dominican fillers to express themselves.
Where is Davidoff Grand Cru No. 2 Toro made?
It is made in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at the primary factory Tabadom, which is part of the Davidoff/General Cigar collaboration. This facility is renowned for its exacting standards, and the Grand Cru line, introduced in 1990, is a flagship all-Dominican expression, showcasing the finest Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano tobaccos from the region.