Drew Estate Undercrown Gran Toro

The boys at Drew Estate have caused quite a stir in the cigar industry in the last few years. With the release of a multitude of unique brands, they're quickly becoming known for producing high quality, premium smokes – including the Undercrown which is in your shipment today. The Undercrown started when the rollers who were responsible for rolling their ultra-high end Liga Privada #9 were told to stop smoking the blend as the cigar production was already behind demand. The solution? The rollers themselves created their very own premium version using some of the same rare tobaccos as well as some that were similar to create a very similar smoke without the hefty price tag. The result is nothing less than outstanding. It starts with a super-rich, dark, and oily San Andres wrapper that secures a Nicaraguan binder, and finishes with a spicy blend of Brazilian and Nicaraguan long-fillers. Flawless in construction, this medium to full bodied Nicaraguan handmade starts with flavors of coffee and a hint of spice that will become more prominent as the smoke progress. Our panel liked this smoke so much that they recommended pairing it with water in order to enjoy all its smoky goodness.

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.