Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gordito

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? Master blender, Willy Herrera, challenged the rollers to come up with a premium Connecticut version that would satisfy his palate. With Herrera’s input and assistance, the Undercrown Shade was born. The result is nothing less than outstanding and Cigar Aficionado agreed with a very well deserved 91 rating. Rolled to near perfection, this stogie starts with a handsome Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that hugs a Sumatran binder and a rich and complex blend of Dominican criollo ‘98 and Nicaraguan corojo and criollo long-fillers. Together this mild smoke will lend notes of toast, nuts, subtle spice, and cream with a long sweet finish. Our panel recommended pairing it with a shandy on a warm summer afternoon.

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.