Drew Estate Liga Privada Unico Serie UF-13 Dark Cigar Review
Drew Estate Liga Privada Unico Serie UF-13 Dark Cigar Review
This 5.5×50 stick features a very dark brown broadleaf wrapper with a firm, dense pack, slight tooth and slick oil sheen, minimal veins, tight seams, large double cap with flared pigtail and a sweet cedar and manure aroma. First light reveals (more…)
Press Release: Drew Estate Unveils “Kentucky Fire Cured”
Drew Estate Unveils “Kentucky Fire Cured” line extension toMy Uzi Weighs a Ton brand of cigars.
Miami, FL – Drew Estate Inc. announced today the impending release of Kentucky Fire Cured Cigars,an extension to the MUWAT brand also to be produced at the Joya de Nicaragua factory. Indevelopment for over 2.5 years, this extension to the MUWAT line of premium cigars was inspiredduring a trip to the Dominican Republic where Jonathan Drew and Steve Saka were visiting theUniversal Leaf tobacco pre-industry facility.“I remember it as if it were yesterday” states JD. “Fritz Bossert (President of Universal Leaf), SteveSaka and I were smoking Liga Privada T52s in the fermentation area when I noticed a pilon of KentuckyFired Cured tobacco. We took the wrapper off the T52 and placed a thick Kentucky Fire Cured leaf in itsplace. The taste and aroma were simply amazing, but there was just one huge problem – the cigar wouldnot burn properly, and is (more…)
Drew Estate My Uzi Weighs A Ton Cigar Review
Drew Estate My Uzi Weighs A Ton Cigar Review
This 5.5×52 stick features a dark brown mottled wrapper with a firm even pack, minimal veins, tight invisible seams, double cap, slight oil sheen, soft satin feel and rich barnyard aroma. First light reveals a snug draw with good smoke output showing medium-full bodied flavors of a deep earth and musty damp slightly sweet chocolate with a long full finish. The first third burns very slowly taking 30 minutes to end, with the flavors shifting to a deep musty earth dropping the chocolate and adding a little zing to the finish. 45 minutes in at the 1/2 way point flavors shift a little bringing in a bit of sweetness to the draw while the finish goes to a shorter parched earth. Ending at 1:15 the last third went back to a damp earth, dropping the sweetness.
This is a filler review since I borked the video, filming the whole darn thing – with my mic off. Sigh.
Edit: to be more clear this is only a written review.
Press Release: Executive Promotions at Drew Estate
Press Release: Executive Promotions at Drew Estate
Miami, FL – On August 2nd, Drew Estate announced two simultaneous promotions within its executive team to
enhance and expand the management of its growing organization. Michael Cellucci has been promoted to the
President position and Steve Saka has been named as the Chief Executive Officer of Drew Estate.
“Even during the ongoing recession, Drew Estate has been experiencing high double digit growth and has now
become the manufacturer of over 90,000 handmade, premium cigars daily, the employer of nearly 1,300 people
worldwide and the distributor of many of today’s best and fastest growing brands,” shares Drew Estate’s Owner
and Cofounder, Marvin Samel. He continues, “The company is aggressively entering new markets both
domestically and internationally in a variety of market categories, in the process of (more…)
Drew Estate Natural Dirty Torpedo Cigar Review
Drew Estate Natural Dirty Torpedo Cigar Review
This 5×52 stick features a dark chocolate wrapper with small veins, tight seams, a slight dry tooth and pungent artificially sweet aroma not unlike most of their other lines. First light reveals (more…)
Drew Estate Acid Blondie Belicoso Cigar Review
Drew Estate Acid Blondie Belicoso Cigar Review
This 5×54 torpedo is of the blue line from Acid and is flavor infused. It has a thin medium tan wrapper with just a slick buttery feel, almost no veins and tight seams. The aroma is unique. Acid cigars are infused with oils, and this smells like something for Christmas. Very herbally, like sweet potpourii, vanilla extract, sandalwood, etc. First light reveals (more…)
Drew Estate Liga Undercrown Gran Toro Cigar Review
Drew Estate Liga Undercrown Gran Toro Cigar Review
This 6×52 cigar features a very dark brown, oily slightly toothy firm wrapper with a couple small veins, tight seams, double cap and rich chocolate tobacco aroma. First light reveals (more…)
Drew Estate Natural Limited Pimp Stick Cigar Review
Drew Estate Natural Limited Pimp Stick Cigar Review
This 6×52 perfecto cigar features a dark brown velvety wrapper with small veins, tight seams, a slightly open foot, even spongy give and soapy earth aroma. First light reveals (more…)
Drew Estate La Vieja Habana Connecticut Chateau Corona Cigar Review
Drew Estate La Vieja Habana Connecticut Chateau Corona Cigar Review
This 5.5×46 stick features a medium tan oily and butter smooth wrapper with a few small veins, tight seams, a double cap and strong hay aroma. First light reveals a good draw with very good smoke output, (more…)
Press Release: The original Cremo Cigar, an icon of early America
Press Release:
The original Cremo Cigar, an icon of early America and the most successful cigar brand of the early 20th century, made a commitment to providing their customers with value. The company which rose out of beautiful Manhattan, New York City attained the largest sales of any cigar in its class. The brand was also famously linked to musician Bing Crosby in the early days of Broadcasting Radio. (more…)
Are Cigars Sometimes Dyed – Or Not?
I have read many stories reports and reviews over the years of very dark maduro wrapped cigars being suspect for using dyes for coloring. This is presumably for marketing appeal, to even out the color of a wrapper, to make it more appealing to a consumer. Maybe to play on the myth of the darker cigars being stronger/richer/more expensive that many new smokers believe. (more…)
Specs On New Drew Estate Cigars
Liga Privada Único Serie “L40” Lancero”
La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, S.A.
Esteli, Nicaragua
In our ongoing creation of the Liga Privada line, hundreds of different, distinct blends and vitolas are crafted in our ceaseless search for the perfect smoke.Most samples are dismissed with only a rare, select few being deemed worthy,but regretfully due to tobacco limitations, costs, construction limitations, etc.most of these blends can not be made into a their own stand-alone line.However, they are so perfect in flavor and aroma, we continue to selfishly make them for ourselves to smoke. This is not our desire, we want the Liga Privada connoisseur to enjoy the very same cigars our “El Jefe” smokes regardless of any reason. And with this in mind, we have created the Único Serie – a home for these unique ones. All of the cigars within this series are not only different in size and recipe, but they are extra special, extremely limited and exceptionally delicious.
Blend Summary for Único Serie “L40” Lancero:
Capa: CT River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano Leaf
Capote: Plantation-Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Tripa: 3 Extra-Choice Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Strength: Medium-Full
Packaging: 15-ct SBN Cabinet Boxes
Taste Profile:
Cocoa, loam and cafe with a tempered spice – very nuanced
and complex with a creamy, long finish.
Cigar Style: Elegant, refined and epicurean.
Frontmarks Color Size Shape Qty p/box MSRP p/cigar
“L40” Lancero EMS 7×40 Parejo 15 $12.95
Additional Info:
The “L40” Lancero is a unique blend, differing from other LP blends. “L40” refers to the slightly larger ring size than is typical of a lancero format. This additional girth was necessary to accommodate the desired blend of tobaccos. Contains 5 different tobaccos – extremely unusual for this vitola. Most lanceros are “one note”, this one is a symphony. Its recipe was in development for 2+ years prior to release.
“My Uzi Weighs A Ton”
Subculture Studios & Joya de Nicaragua, S.A.
Esteli, Nicaragua
“The Collaboration: “My UZI Weighs a Ton” by Subculture Studios and JDN is the first formal cigar blending collaboration between Drew Estate Tobacco Company and Joya de Nicaragua.” “The 411: The UZI story began on the very first final consumer blending session at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in late 2010 during a Cigar Safari tour with the B.O.T.L. group. After conducting blending sessions for the previous 3 years at the Drew Estate factory, we were amped up to extend the concept to JDN. While the B.O.T.L. group crafted their blends, I worked with the JDN team utilizing DE tobaccos, including a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Binder and hearty Brazilian Mata Fina Filler, coupled with Nicaraguan fillers provided by JDN. The blend proved to be rich and earthy, with a bright, sweet undertone.” “As months of blending passed, I felt this blend was most noble in the 6×60 format and began calling this cigar “The Uzi.” We all had a good laugh at the name, but when
I went back to their factory to pick up the round of 50 sticks, I said, “Damn, My UZI’s Weigh a Ton!” – and the brand was officially born. The initial sizes are 5×60, 6×60, and 7×60 – with the infamous “Bait Shop” (4×44) to follow.” – Jonathan Drew
Blend Summary:
Capa: San Andreas Negro
Capote: Connecticut Valley Broadleaf
Tripa: Brazilian Mata Fina Oscuro, Nicaraguan Seco Jalapa, Nicaraguan Viso Condega and Nicaraguan Esteli Ligero.
Strength: Medium
Packaging: 5 & 10-ct Kraft Paper Bundles
Taste Profile: Rich and earthy with a bright, sweet undertone.
Cigar Style: Big, bold cigars with even bigger flavors.
Frontmarks Color Size Shape Qty p/bdl MSRP p/cigar
5 x 60 SMS 5.00 x 60 Parejo 10 $8.95
6 x 60 SMS 6.00 x 60 Parejo 5 & 10 $9.95
7 x 60 SMS 7.00 x 60 Parejo 10 $10.95
“Bait Fish” [Later Release] SMS 4.00 x 44 Parejo TBD TBD
Undercrown
La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, S.A.
Esteli, Nicaragua
Undercrown is a liga blended on our factory floor by the best of our Liga Privada torcedores for themselves due to our request that they smoke less of the cigars they were crafting. Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos, but of different vintages and primings, the cigar they created was no mere replacement. Earthy, creamy, spicy with a delicious black tobacco sweet finish, Undercrown is an exceptional smoking experience of uncompromising quality and flavor that deserves to be smoked by all.
Blend Summary:
Capa: Otapan Negro Último Corte
Capote: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano
Tripa: Select Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Strength: Medium to Medium-Full
Packaging: 25-ct Display Cabinet BN Boxes
Taste Profile: Lush, smooth and creamy with a natural inherent sweetness.
Cigar Style: Refined and balance with excellent depth for the smoker.
Frontmarks Color Size Shape Qty p/box MSRP p/cigar
Undercrown Robusto SMS 5.00 x 54 Parejo 25 $7.45
Undercrown Gran Toro SMS 6.00 x 52 Parejo 25 $7.95
Undercrown Belicoso SMS 6.00 x 52 Belicoso 25 $8.45
Undercrown Corona Doble SMS 7.00 x 54 Parejo 25 $8.95
Undercrown Gordito SMS 6.00 x 60 Parejo 25 $9.95
Additional Info:
The Undercrown blend was originally created by our torcedors for themselves to smoke in Nicaragua – their own “liga privada.” The capa is a unique strain of San Andreas Negro maduro seed grown exclusively for us whose harvest is intentionally delayed by 4+ weeks to allow for additional field and sun time resulting in a higher natural sugar content and a richer, creamier flavor. “Otapan” is the name of the vega on which it is grown and “Último Corte” translates to “last cut”; a reference to its delayed harvesting.
Press Release: Willy Herrera Joins Drew Estate
Miami, FL – On June 15th, Willy Herrera, formerly the blender and master cigar maker of El Titan de Bronze,joined Drew Estate. Willy is bringing his unique cigar skills and talents to this dynamic, rapidly expandingpremium cigar manufacturer. He will be responsible for creating and crafting handmade, traditional cigar blendsunder his own moniker within their Esteli, Nicaragua-based La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate and will report directly toDrew Estate’s executive board.
Herrera is best known for overseeing and directing daily operations and production at Little Havana’s El Titan deBronze (ETB) located on Miami’s famed Calle Ocho for the last 6 years. Established in 1995, this family ownedand operated “fabriquita” hand rolls cigars utilizing Cuban entubado techniques and manufacturers premiumhandmades for wholesale and retail sale. Also, ETB is the manufacturer for Miami Cigar’s new Casa Mirandabrand and the reblended Padilla “8&11” to be reintroduced at this year’s IPCPR tradeshow. ETB will continue tobe operated successfully as an independent factory under the watchful eye of its owner, Sandy Cobas.
“I have decided to join Drew Estate for many reasons,” says 38-year old Herrera, “first and most importantly, I’veknown Jonathan for a number of years and separate of business, we have become good friends. I have longadmired his approach and innovative style and I feel that we can combine Drew Estate’s sense of style and freshnew ideas with my old school, traditional Cuban way of making cigars. Their factory is amazing and more so theirproduction team is top flight. Plus, DE has deep inventories of exceptional tobacco and great relationships with allthe top growers which will afford me the opportunity to have at-will access to amazing leaf. I am very anxious toget started and know I will be able to create fantastic cigars for consumers to enjoy.”
Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate’s Co-Founder and Master Cigar Maker, states, “What I respect most about Willy isthat he’s authentic. Let me explain further. When I moved to Nicaragua to manufacture cigars in 1998, I onlyknew how to blend. I knew nothing about the inherent characteristics of heavy leaf, how to determine good cropsfrom bad, how to ferment tobacco through pre-industry, or how to make the entire process functional in a factorysetting. It took my young team and I many years to become what we have and we learned through the school ofhard-knocks. Nothing came easy.” Drew continues, “Watching Willy make magic in his small factory in Miami wasinspirational to me and a major reason why I pursued the new relationship. Willy ran his factory for over sixyears, including the purchasing of tobacco, curing, blending and quality control – he has earned his rank as a realmanufacturer, plus he’s humble, honest, and cool as hell. He’s a real Don.”
“Our goal is to give Willy the freedom to create his own unique style of cigars within our operation,” explainsMarvin Samel, DE’s Co-Founder and Executive VP. “Almost a factory within a factory, so as to allow him tosucceed on his own merit. Ultimately the intent is for there to be brands that are not only ‘Willy Hererra’ byname, but are ones that are truly those of his creation and efforts, not just some marketing gimmick.”According to Steve Saka, Drew Estate’s President, “We are very excited to be adding Willy to the team. Six yearsago when I joined Drew Estate many thought I was crazy, but I saw something in JD, Marvin and the companythat many didn’t. I knew they could become world-class, master cigar makers and that they were capable ofdoing much more, they just needed to be directed and nurtured. Today we are known for not only making greatinfused cigars, but also some of the very best traditional cigars in the world, in what is arguably the besthandmade premium cigar factory in Nicaragua. I see the same spark in Willy, he has the talent to become fargreater than he already is, he just needs the environment and resources to blossom. We can provide both.”
“Although Willy is very anxious to get started, we are going to make him take a deep breath,” adds Saka. “Weare going to afford him the opportunity to spend the upcoming year in Nicaragua, to work with our team, to feel,to smoke and to blend with our and other new tobaccos. We also want to afford him the chance to spend sometime on the road visiting cigar smokers around the country not only to introduce himself, but to listen and learn.There is no rush or timetable, what is important to us is that Willy become part of the team and for him to focussolely on creating the great cigars we know he is capable of.”
Herrera will be joining Drew Estate at this year’s annual International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers tradeshowin Las Vegas, Nevada this July 17th thru 21st, 2011.About Drew Estate, Inc.
Established in 1996, Drew Estate Inc. is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of innovative and traditionalpremium cigars for today’s cigar smoker. In just over ten years, Drew Estate’s ACID line of premium cigars hasbecome one of the top five selling premium cigar brands in the nation. Regarded as the pioneer and leader in theinfused cigar® market, Drew Estate’s Nicaraguan factory handcrafts ACID by Drew Estate®, Natural®, Java byDrew Estate®, and other unique cigars along with its traditional Liga Privada®, La Vieja Habana® andUndercrown® marks. For more information, please visit: www.drewestate.com.®ACID, Natural, Java by Drew Estate, Undercrown, La Vieja Habana and Liga Privada are registered trademarksof Drew Estate and/or affiliated companies.###
