At the end of July we looked at the Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro in a review; but this morning on the way into work the urge to smoke the Robusto, which comes in a gorgeous tube, took control of my thoughts. So when I got into work, I purchased one from the shelves at Two Guys Smoke Shop.
The Davidoff website describes the cigar as “Inspired by Zino Davidoff’s pioneering spirit. We at Davidoff continue our mission to allow the modern aficionado to experience innovative, unique blends and unforgettable cigars. That mission led us to craft an exciting Brazilian cigar that delivers an intense, spicy sweet palate stimulation, coupled with the signature Davidoff refinement and sophistication. We found our inspiration in Rio, the soul of Brazil, and in the rhythms, intrigue, and rich experiences of its nights. And, just like an adventurous evening in this vibrant city, this complex and original cigar will carry you along on a taste adventure with unexpected twists and turns. Allow us to introduce to you, the Davidoff Escurio.“
Cigar Review: Davidoff Escurio
Size: 4.5 x 54 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Brazil Cubra
Filler: Brazil Cubra, Brazil Mata Fina, Dominican Republic San Vicente, Dominican Republic Hybrid Olor/Piloto, Dominican Republic Piloto
Strength: Medium
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look (9/10): The Davidoff Escurio is a cigar with a perfect presentation. The Robusto cigar which comes in a tube format looks similar to the Davidoff Nicaragua which is expected, becuase they are part of the Black Label line of cigars. Below the classic Davidoff label is the moon-like logo of Escurio utilizing the colors of Brazil. The milk chocolate color wrapper has some veins that detract slightly from the overall beauty. The cigar itself is flawlessly rolled with an above average weight and a well packed foot. Simple and elegant, is often better than complex and loud.
The Notes (34/35): The cold draw of the Davidoff Robusto has some elements of hay and earth but they are more in the background as a molasses note is front and center. The syrupy sweet note is intoxicating and very different then we’ve come to expect from Davidoff. The aroma off the foot of the cigar prior to being lit serves up the same notes as the cold draw with a hint of cinnamon.
Once the cigar is lit the initial notes of the cigar offer a contrast of sweetness and spice which is to be expected, given the blend of the cigar. In the Robusto format I find the San Vicente tobacco, which is a classic component of Davidoff, to be less evident in the first third of the cigar then I expected. As we work further into the cigar some elements of licorice and chocolate emerge with some wood on the finish. Through the nose there is a nice amount of pepper present which is very different for a Davidoff cigar.
As we enter the second third the San Vincente tobacco that is synonymous with Davidoff begins to emerge and the notes of earth and hay become front and center. There is also an element of cinnamon present with a wood base. Through the nose there is still some pepper joined by a slight vanilla note. The cigar is deeply complex and enjoyable as we move into the last third.
With an inch and a half to go on the Escurio from Davidoff I wish the cigar was a little bit longer, as I am sad to see it coming to a close. The notes of grass and hay remain the primary notes with some wood and coffee thrown in along with a touch of spice. Pushing some of the smoke through the nose on the retrohale adds a touch of vanilla to the finish.
The Burn (32/35): The Davidoff Escurio is a slow burning cigar that becomes slightly warm on the last third if you draw a little too fast. Smoking it slowly keeps it cool and enhances the notes experienced. The burn of the cigar is razor-sharp with a medium colored ash that hold for almost half the cigar. The draw of the cigar is a bit loose, so smoking this one slowly is key to keeping it cool.
The Finish (19/20): If you listened to the show this past weekend we discussed whether or not price should be a factor in a cigar, and to a degree, I feel it should be. When I smoke a cigar with a higher price point, I often ask if I feel that it met expectations more than a lower price point. The answer for the Davidoff Escurio is a resounding yes. A complex cigar that changes things up for Davidoff, Escurio is truly original and intriguing.
Score: 94
Price: $15.99 @ 2guyscigars.com
Bullet Points
- Driving into work I often think about what cigar I will smoke; but this morning the cigar itself took control of my thoughts.
- There are a two packaging elements I truly love; one of them is a tube. The other is a foot band.
- When I first smoked through the Escurio samples, the Gran Toro was my favorite but the Robusto has surpassed that as it is a bit more complex to me.
- The Davidoff Escurio was the first cigar I smoked in almost 48 hours.
- I paired the cigar with coffee, black and no sugar.
- Smoking Time was 1 hour 35 minutes.
Davidoff Escurio Robusto
Davidoff Escurio Robusto Foot
Davidoff Escurio Robusto Burn
