In the world of haute cuisine and refined indulgence, certain rituals remain untouched by time. Lighting a cigar — deliberately, reflectively — is one such act. It is less about habit than about presence. When Davidoff commemorates a milestone, it does so not for sentimentality but to explore complexity and craft. This spring, the brand celebrates ten years of its Escurio line with a limited-edition gran toro cigar that invites aficionados to linger, to pair thoughtfully and to savour without distraction.
A DECADE IN RHYTHM
The Escurio line has always danced to its own rhythm. Introduced in 2015 as part of Davidoff’s Black Band Collection, it represented a departure from the brand’s classic Dominican foundation, bringing the intense spice of Brazilian Mata Fina into the fold. This tenth-anniversary release, however, adds a deeper layer to that dialogue. This is a cigar shaped by geography and weather, patience and precision. The marriage of Brazilian and Dominican tobaccos, the careful ageing, the attention to detail — every element speaks to the craft behind it.
The blend features tobaccos aged for a combined 45 years, culminating in a larger-format cigar that commands attention. One of the Dominican fillers has been fermented in a bourbon cask, which is a labour-intensive process of six months, during which the tobacco gets flipped every other week and naturally absorbs the aromas of the cask’s wood. This results in a subtle sweetness and adds depth to the taste profile. What follows is a cigar of remarkable balance: it opens with notes of cappuccino, dark praline and vanilla bean, then shifts towards leather and dried apricot before closing on dark chocolate, almond and a lingering hint of acacia honey. It is a composition as much as it is a blend — measured, elegant and engaging throughout.
BOURBON OLD FASHIONED — A MIRROR TO ESCURIO’S DEPTH
A MODERN COMPANION: THE COLD FASHIONED
For those seeking refinement in a refreshing mocktail, the Cold Fashioned offers a strikingly sophisticated alternative. Built around cold brew coffee, with orange bitters and a touch of syrup, the drink complements the cigar’s early flavour arc beautifully. The cappuccino-like creaminess, the roasted nuance, the sweetness gently layered beneath — it is all mirrored here, just with a modern, daytime appeal. The Cold Fashioned allows the cigar to remain centre stage while quietly echoing its complexity.
Ultimately, the right pairing is not about matching flavour for flavour but about creating a shared experience. Whether with a classic bourbon cocktail or a considered mocktail creation, the Escurio 10th Anniversary Limited Edition reveals its character slowly, rewarding curiosity as much as connoisseurship.
Find out more about the Davidoff Escurio line here