ACID 20 Robusto Box-Pressed

Introduced in 1999 and part of the Drew Estate portfolio, ACID cigars are known for their unique flavors and aromatics. Over the years, Drew Estate has released a wide multitude of unique brands, but perhaps none more intriguing than ACID. These cigars are rolled with tobaccos which have undergone an unusual curing process in a cuarto aromático (aroma room). Each cuarto contains a wide array of different essential oils, herbs, and botanicals, the characteristics of which become infused into the tobacco as it cures for several months. The resulting smoking experience is truly unique.

Hailing from Nicaragua, the ACID 20 was created to celebrate the company’s 20th Anniversary. It starts with a gorgeous, sweet-tipped Mexican San Andrés wrapper that secures an Indonesian binder and an array of Nicaraguan fillers. To finish, this smoke is boxed pressed to perfection. Light it up and your palate will be greeted with medium-bodied notes of earth, mocha, and sweetness that will evolve to tobacco core notes then again evolve into some coffee notes. Keep in mind that every smoke is unique due to the curing process so some flavors will differ, but either way, you’re in for a treat! Our panel recommended pairing the smoke with an Old Fashioned.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.