Cigar Review: Davidoff Escurio Robusto (Pre-Release)

In 2013, Davidoff launched a new line that was a stark departure for a brand so inextricably linked to the Dominican Republic: Davidoff Nicaragua, as it was (and is) called, a Nicaraguan puro crafted by Hendrik “Henke” Kelner.

“[Davidoff Nicaragua] is a major step for Davidoff to expand to a new territory,” said CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard at the time. “Davidoff’s mission is to bring aficionados delightful experiences regardless of territory.” For some, these statements hinted to further Davidoff expansion beyond its Dominican base.

Sure enough, this year Davidoff will be expanding to Brazil with a new line called Escurio. Escurio is intended to deliver “intense, spicy, sweet palate stimulation, coupled with the signature Davidoff refinement and sophistication.” It boasts an Ecuadorian Habano-seed wrapper, a Brazilian Cubra binder, and a filler blend that includes Mata Fina and Cubra tobaccos from Brazil paired with Dominican leaves.

Three Escurio sizes will make their debut at next month’s industry trade show: Petit Robusto (3.25 x 50, $8.50), Robusto (4.5 x 54, $15.90), and Gran Toro (5.5 x 58, $17.90). Each vitola will be sold in packs of 4 and 12.

Like Davidoff Nicaragua, Escurio sports a black Davidoff band, as well as a secondary band to denote the blend. Underneath is an oily, slightly reddish exterior leaf with a wrinkled texture and a plethora of thin veins. The pre-light notes at the foot are heavy on cocoa and sweet hay.

At the outset, the Escurio Robusto is airy, almost papery, with a very loose draw and tons of smoke production. Background notes consist of black pepper spice and espresso. After about a quarter of an inch, though, the cigar becomes more flavorful with a taste reminiscent of sweet cream, oak, dark chocolate, coffee, and natural tobacco. The resting smoke is particularly interesting, sweet, and mouth-watering.

Until the nub, the Robusto is silky—a sensation that’s offset by intense spice and red pepper. Construction-wise, the ash holds firm and the burn, while it meanders, is not an issue.

While the sizes are unfortunate—I’d prefer to see some narrower ring gauges—and the price points are intimidating, the Davidoff Escurio has much to offer in the way of flavor. Notably, it adds significant diversification to the Davidoff portfolio. I find it worthy of an admirable rating of three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys