Liga Undercrown 10’s celebrates the brand’s 10th anniversary in 2021. Drew Estate is getting “All Decked Out,” a tag line that denotes elegant packaging and reinforces the pride of Undercrown’s ten years of excellence. The new, sophisticated packaging is surpassed only by Undercrown 10’s complex, rich and bold blend of ultra-premium aged tobaccos that includes the highest priming of Mexican San Andres dark wrapper, the very finest Broadleaf binder from the Connecticut River Valley, and a tripa blend of select and rare Nicaraguan tobaccos.
“Undercrown 10 offers smokers an experience of Mexican hot chocolate … naturally sweet with hints of raisin and cacao … waves of intense black pepper … along with notes of sun-dried cherries, espresso, woodiness and earthiness,” says La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate Factory Spokesman, Pedro Gomez.
The global release of this bold new ultra-premium edition to Undercrown’s current premium lineup became another hit overnight! Together with Katman’s 92, Cigar Coop’s 90 and Stogie Press’ astounding 96, you get the message…….. the ratings are in!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: High Priming Mexican San Andrés
Binder: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 15 years since then Drew Estate President Steve Saka created this amazing world class cigar. This artfully crafted four country blend of seven different tobaccos gave Steve the Master Blender status he so richly deserved. Aging the near black, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper for 18 months wasn’t enough. Before boxing them, they’re allowed to sit and stew for another year. The complex full bodied, robust tobacco taste of this slow burning masterpiece yields a thick heavy flavor of natural tobacco. Despite being jammed packed with vintage long leaf fillers and binder leaves and being almost hard to the touch, it draws effortlessly. This brand has an extremely loyal fan base that will grab any available size. Hence, my advice is to get them when we have them and SERIOUSLY enjoy!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf No. 1 Darks
Binder: Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduran & Nicaraguan
Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented is probably one of Drew Estate’s most exclusive and elusive brands.
There is no dispute that the Pappy Van Winkle line is one of the most sought after cigars on the planet. When Drew Estate decided to produce a more complex blend, the industry took serious notice. With extreme attention to detail, this extraordinary cigar is made by soaking Kentucky fire-cured tobacco in Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels for 12-18 months. The tobacco is then combined with prime Mexican and Indonesian tobacco and hand-rolled in very limited quantities in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Stay tuned to The Cigar Thief for availability. And when they’re in, get them! Any size is always a top pick for these.
Check out all the Pappy Van Winkle cigars we carry when they’re available HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés) & U.S.A. (Kentucky Tapa Negra)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua & U.S.A. (Kentucky)
Pappy Van Winkle is probably one of Drew Estate’s most exclusive and elusive brands. This amazing cigar is a representation for the Van Winkle family who produces some of the most highly sought after bourbon and rye.
With attention to detail, these amazing cigars feature an ultra-complex combination of extensively aged fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic that are blanketed with a flawless Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper. Premiering in 2017 at IPCPR, the cigar has a delicate blend that balances strength, spice flavors, and aroma.
As most people know, they’re very rare and are in and out of stock quickly. Stay tuned to The Cigar Thief for availability. And when they’re in, get them! Any size is always a top pick for these.
Check out all the Pappy Van Winkle cigars we carry when they’re available HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Nicaraguan & Dominican Republic
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Jonathan Drew, Willy Herrera
The T52 edition is the most interesting one of the Liga Privada series. The use of stalk cut leaves adds another dimension to its overall character. Normally, leaves are cut off from the plant’s stalk and then allowed to ferment. In this case, part of the blend is composed from leaves that are allowed to age while still being attached to the plant which has been cut from its base and hung upside down. This rarely used process enables all the resin and oils from the entire plant to move into the leaves giving these fillers a truly district taste. Aging the leaves from 24-36 months adds to this blends complexity as well.
The bottom line is a medium to full bodied cigar with a ton of natural tobacco flavors yielding notes of wine, syrup and spice. Another winner for sure. And like the other two, get them while we have them.
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Wrapper: Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Sun Grown Habano
Binder: Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
Joya De Nicaragua Antaño 1970 was first introduced in 2001. This full bodied, robust, Cuban Style smoke has been highly rated by virtually every critic that smokes it. For over 20 years, this cigar has been and is continuing to be enjoyed by countless connoisseurs and seasoned smokers throughout the world.
Joya de Nicaragua was established in 1968 and is the oldest cigar brand in Nicaragua. Drew Estate is the exclusive distributor for these fantastic cigars in the United States.
If you consider yourself of fan of rich, powerful and flavorful smoking experiences, this amazing cigar is a must try. In fact, Cigar Aficionado revisited this classic in January of 2023 and yes…..an astounding 93 rating!
FYI: No matter what strength, taste and body your palate prefers, there’s a Joya blended with you in mind. Check out all the other Joya De Nicaragua cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez, Alejandro Martinez Cuenca
Herrera Esteli Norteno is another very highly rated creation from famed cigar maker Willie Herrera. In fact, this full bodied, Maduro expression is the first blend released from the Drew Estate factory since Herrera was named Master Blender in June, 2014.
The Norteno blend showcases extensively aged tobaccos from the Esteli, and Jalapa growing regions of Nicaragua, coupled with a spicy Honduran Binder, and a rich Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper in the 5 core vitolas.
When rated at 94 by Cigar Aficionado Magazine, their description was spot on.”Each cigar in the box has a lush, substantial draw that layers the palate with copious amounts of dense smoke. The combustion and performance are exemplary.”
What more can we say? Herrera Esteli Norteno is a winner!
Rocky Patel Java Red is the latest edition of this hugely popular line of sharply box pressed premium cigars. What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar was a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
Java Red combines the smooth Java signature taste with a hint of chocolate along with the gentle infusion of wild cherry flavors!If you are a fan of Drew Estate and Rocky Patel, this one is a must try.
Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Binder – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Wrapper – Corojo [Undisclosed]
Shipping Restrictions:
What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar was a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
The sharply box pressed Latte edition blend has been ever so slowly infused with just more than a hint of Mocha Java. This medium bodied, very smooth and deceivingly sweet cigar also has an amazing aroma as well.If you’re looking for a great smoking experience any time of the day or night, Java Latte a must try for sure! The old school pigtailed cap is a nice touch!
Wrapper – Connecticut shade / Binder and Filler – Nicaragua
Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Shipping Restrictions:
Rocky Patel Java Maduro is one of the four sharply box pressed editions of this hugely popular line of premium cigars. What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar was a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
Don’t let the dark, oily Maduro wrapper scare you! This Java style’s long fillers have been slightly infused with Espresso and Cocoa beans offering you the classic smooth Java medium bodied signature taste combined with a chocolatey coffee twist! A perfect match with any after dinner drink!
If you are a fan of Rocky Patel and Drew Estate, this Java is a must try! Any size you choose is a top pick!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Binder – Nicaraguan [Undisclosed]
Wrapper – Brazilian [Undisclosed]
Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Shipping Restrictions:
What our headline doesn’t state about the great Java Brand is that this cigar is a joint collaboration between Rocky Patel and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate fame! These two masters created a brand that is still going strong after 16 years!
Java Mint is a sharply box pressed cigar gently infused with mint and chocolate. It is made with a Brazilian Mata Fina maduro wrapper and a blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers. The cigar is yields a rich, traditional, medium-bodied flavor with hints of mocha, coffee, vanilla, and mint. The slow burn is silky-smooth and creamy down to the nub, leaving behind a lovely sweetness after each puff.
These very tasty cigars can be enjoyed any time of the day or night!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper -Brazilian Mata Fina
Check out the other Java blends available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Shipping Restrictions:
When Drew Estate launched the Liga Undercrown brand back in 2011 not only did it get a 91 rating, it was placed in the top 25 cigars of that year. Those of us that have enjoyed the coveted, super exclusive Liga Privada brand over the years looked twice! Not only is this cigar made in the image of Liga Privada, it uses some of its signature blends blends as well.
This Sungrown edition is another superb smoke that’s actually available available to us all in ample supply. While still a medium to full flavored masterpiece, it actually offers a unique sweetness to the experience. We highly recommend the amazing Flying Pig size when we have them. But if not, the 93 rated Belicoso will do just fine! Get your favorite whiskey, bourbon, beer or wine in hand and enjoy.
Liga Undercrown Sun Grown is another winner from Master Blender Willie Herrera!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Sun Grown
Binder: Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut/Cured Sun Grown Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
Just in case you didn’t know, Undercrown is made in the image of the coveted limited production Liga Privada line from Drew Estate. The company describes it as follows. “Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos of different vintages and primings, this cigar is no mere replacement.”
Those smokers that felt the Undercrown maduro was a bit too strong will absolutely love this Shade edition. The most compelling evidence is the great reviews. Halfwheel @ 90. Blind Man’s Puff @ 93 and Stogie Press @ an astounding 95! And this is just a few! One taster says it best.“Want a smoke that’ll blow your pants off with delicious medium bodied notes of vanilla wafers and pancakes, pick this one up now!” What more would you like to know? This Undercrown is another winner for sure.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
The Maduro and Sun Grown versions offer more medium to full bodied flavor and are equally wonderful!
When Drew Estate launched Liga Undercrown Maduro back in 2017 not only did it get a 91 rating, it was placed in the top 25 cigars of that year. Those of us that have enjoyed the coveted, super exclusive Liga Privada brand over the years looked twice! Not only is this fantastic cigar made in the image of Liga Privada, it uses some of their signature blends blends as well.
This well balanced medium to full bodied beauty is a superb smoke that’s actually available available to us all in ample supply. The amazing Flying Pig is a top pick…..when we have them! Get your favorite whiskey, bourbon, beer or wine in hand and get ready for a superb smoking experience!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Otapan Negro Ultimo Corte
Binder: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano
Fillers: Brazilian Mata Fina, Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Blender: Willy Herrera
Nica Rustica Broadleaf is another great brand from Drew Estate that came to market in 2013. Worth noting is that this cigar was blended by Master Blender Willie Herrera himself! The bonus for all of us is the affordable price.
This Original Nica Rustica entry is a medium to full strength cigar blended to showcase native Nicaraguan tobaccos from Esteli and Jalapa. Aficionados will enjoy this rustic smoke that is robust and deeply satisfying. Genuine Connecticut Broadleaf encases Nica Rustica and imparts a subtle natural tobacco sweetness and spice. The Robusto is a top pick for around $4.00!
Check out all Nica Rusticas available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Mexican San Andres Negro
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli and Jalapa)
Blender: Jonathan Drew and Willy Herrera
La Vieja Habana Corojo is another one of Drew Estate’s masterpieces that are totally affordable for everyone to enjoy!
Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! Handmade from the quality leaf left over from the manufacture of Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, the La Vieja Habana is an exceptional smoking value. This tripa mezclado cigar consistently delivers a great flavor with an excellent draw and burn.
This cigar combines a beautiful Cuban Corojo wrapper with filler tobaccos from Estelí and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua. Like the other styles, it is a mixed filler cigar with a premium wrapper. Medium bodied with lots of flavors, it has an earthy taste with hints of spice and a pleasant aroma.
But Beware! Due to the popularity of these these cigars, they are in and out of stock frequently. So if you’re looking for an affordable, hand made smoke that can be enjoyed everyday, pick one we have and enjoy!
Check out the other styles of La Vieja Habana available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Cuban Corojo Seed
La Vieja Habana Maduro is another one of Drew Estate’s masterpieces that are totally affordable for everyone to enjoy! Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! Handmade from the quality leaf left over from the manufacture of Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, the La Vieja Habana is an exceptional smoking value. This tripa mezclado cigar consistently delivers a great flavor with an excellent draw and burn.
The toothy, oily and dark Brazilian wrapper covers mixed filler tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua. This cigar is medium bodied with rich flavors and lots of character with hints of chocolate and coffee. The La Vieja Maduro leaves you with a slightly sweet aftertaste that would have you craving for more. Great after a hearty steak with your favorite scotch.
But Beware! Due to the popularity of these these cigars, they are in and out of stock frequently. So if you’re looking for an affordable, hand made smoke that can be enjoyed everyday, pick one we have and enjoy!
Check out the other styles of La Vieja Habana available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Brazilian Maduro
Believe it or not, La Vieja Habana was Drew Estate’s first brand! This great mixed filler value priced line is affordable to everyone!
Handmade from the quality leaf left over from the manufacture of Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, the La Vieja Habana is an exceptional smoking value. This tripa mezclado cigar consistently delivers a great flavor with an excellent draw and burn.
This Connecticut edition mixed filler cigar has a blend of Nicaraguan Tobaccos from the Jalapa Valley and Estelí and covered by a pristine Connecticut shade wrapper. It is mild and smooth with hints of coffee and a short finish that leaves with a nutty aftertaste. This creamy smoke makes for an excellent morning cigar, especially if paired with a steamy latte.
But Beware! Due to the popularity of these these cigars, they are in and out of stock frequently. So if you’re looking for an affordable, hand made smoke that can be enjoyed everyday, pick one we have and enjoy!
Check out the other styles of La Vieja Habana available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Joya De Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco was created in 2015 to celebrate the company’s 45th anniversary.
With attention to detail, the 5 year old tobaccos are stored in oak barrels and continue to age producing a complex, medium-full bodied smoke with amazing flavors. Giving it a respectable 92 rating, Cigar Aficionado’s description is short and sweet” Box-pressed with a full draw. The cigar starts sweet with hints of molasses that segue into spicier elements and big notes of hickory.”
With this in mind, it’s no surprise why so many seasoned smokers are rediscovering this time honored brand. Cuatro Cinco stick is still one of today’s true Luxury cigars.
See all the Drew Estate brands available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua SA
Isla Del Sol is another masterpiece from Drew Estate. This hand made Nicaraguan and Sumatran beauty is priced literally so everyone can enjoy them. You’ll notice a bit of sweetness when your tongue touches the cap and a hit of infused coffee/cocoa beans throughout. Depending on your taste this cigar steers toward the mild to slightly medium spectrum.
One thing that will not disappoint is the fine construction and aromatic smoke production, the latter of which Drew Estate has definitely mastered. These totally affordable well made cigars are smartly packaged and adorned with tobacco leaves inside.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper – Sun Grown Sumatra
This masterfully crafted Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro proves yet again just how great Willy is at blending cigars. Herrera himself describes this complex cigar perfectly. “With the Brazilian Maduro, I wanted to bring the Mata Fina to the forefront of this blend. This tobacco has such a unique texture and it showcases the lush floral and earthy notes I wanted to capture in this cigar. In addition, now that the Herrera Esteli line has been repackaged blending modern simplicity with classic Cuban style, it really shines on our retailers’ shelves and brings unity to the brand.”
With Cigar Authority rating it at 91 and Stogie Press at 92, there’s no doubt that this Brazilian Maduro is another winner,
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender:Willy Herrera
Isla Del Sol Maduro is another masterpiece from Drew Estate.
As found with the Original Sungrown blend, this darkly encased edition offers an enjoyable smoke with hints of infused coffee/cocoa beans. The big difference is the oily maduro wrapper which gives way to a smooth medium bodied taste. The bonus is that this one is priced right for all of us to enjoy as well.
One thing that will not disappoint is the fine construction and aromatic smoke production, the latter of which Drew Estate has definitely mastered. These totally affordable well made cigars are smartly packaged and adorned with tobacco leaves inside.
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Maduro
Factory Smokes Sweets are one of four of Drew Estate’s entries into the ever growing handmade Budget-Value category for all of us to enjoy for under $2 a stick!
With attention to detail, all Factory Smokes are made by hand. The big difference is the tobacco inside is made up of mixed fillers available at the factory. To put it another way, these leaves are the same crop used in their premiums! And on top of this, Factory smokes were created by Master Blenders Willie Herrera and Jonathon Drew himself!
This well made sweet capped cigar is medium bodied with definite hints of vanilla and coffee along with bits of gentle spices. For those who want a good tasting cigar without the associated price tag, Factory Smokes are surely the way to go!
Check out the other three Factory Smokes blends available at the Cigar Thief Here
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Indonesian Sumatra
Filler: Indonesia Sumatra
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blenders: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
Factory Smokes Sungrown is one of four of Drew Estate’s entries into the ever growing handmade Budget-Value category for all of us to enjoy for under $2 a stick!
With attention to detail, all Factory Smokes are made by hand. The big difference is the tobacco inside is made up of mixed fillers available at the factory. To put it another way, these leaves are the same crop used in their premiums! And on top of this, Factory smokes were created by Master Blenders Willie Herrera and Jonathon Drew himself!
A point often overlooked is that bundled cigars are rarely review and rated. But it’s no surprise that many critics were duly impressed. With this in mind, here’s what some had to say about Factory Smokes Sungrown:
Smooth burn/Clean finish/Notes of cedar and spice/Good draw/No sour or bitter tastes/Great taste/
Notes of cream, natural tobacco, and sweet woodsy nuances
You be the judge. But without a doubt, these cigars are worth more than their price for sure!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano Sungrown
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Indonesia
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blenders: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
