ACID Cigars are not like anything else in the cigar world. While most premium cigars let the tobacco speak for itself, ACID takes a completely different approach. Each cigar is infused with a proprietary blend of over 150 herbs, botanicals, and essential oils, creating flavors and aromas that you simply will not find anywhere else.
Love them or not, there is no denying their impact. ACID is one of the best-selling cigar brands in the United States, and for many smokers, it is the cigar that first got them interested in the hobby. Here is everything you need to know about the brand, the process, and every blend in the lineup.
The Story Behind ACID Cigars
ACID is made by Drew Estate, a company founded in 1998 by Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel. The two met as college students in New York City and shared a passion for cigars. With almost no business experience, they traveled to Esteli, Nicaragua to learn the craft of cigar-making firsthand.
Drew Estate quickly made a name for itself by doing things differently. While the rest of the industry focused on traditional blends and conventional marketing, Drew Estate leaned into creativity, street culture, and innovation. ACID Cigars launched in 1999 and became the brand's breakout hit, introducing a style of cigar that had never been seen before in the premium market.
Today, Drew Estate operates one of the largest cigar factories in Nicaragua and produces several acclaimed brands. For a deeper look at their full lineup, including Liga Privada, Undercrown, and Herrera Esteli, read our Drew Estate brand guide.
What Makes ACID Cigars Different
The defining characteristic of ACID Cigars is the infusion process. Before the cigars are rolled, the tobacco is stored for months in sealed rooms called cuarto aromaticos
(aroma rooms). These rooms are lined with over 150 different essential herbs, oils, and botanicals. Over time, the tobacco absorbs these aromas and flavors at a molecular level.
This is not the same as spraying or dipping a cigar in flavoring after it has been rolled, which is how many flavored machine-made cigars are produced. The ACID infusion happens slowly and deeply, resulting in a more complex and integrated flavor experience.
Every ACID cigar is handmade in Nicaragua using all-natural ingredients. The tobacco itself is premium quality, and Drew Estate uses the same skilled torcedores who roll their traditional (non-infused) lines. The difference is what happens to the tobacco before and during the aging process.
A Guide to Every ACID Cigar Blend
One of the things that sets ACID apart is the sheer variety of options. There are over 20 different blends in the lineup, ranging from mild and sweet to full-bodied and earthy. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options and what to expect from each.
The Classics
These are the core ACID blends that have been in production the longest and remain the most popular.
ACID Kuba Kuba This is the flagship ACID cigar and one of the best-selling infused cigars in the world. It features a Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan long filler in a fat robusto format (5 x 54). The flavor profile is medium-bodied with notes of cocoa, caramel, floral sweetness, and a smooth, creamy finish. If you are trying ACID for the first time, this is the place to start.
ACID Blondie A small but mighty cigar wrapped in a Connecticut Shade leaf. The Blondie is slightly sweet with a smooth, approachable flavor that makes it one of the most popular short smokes in the cigar market. At just 4 x 38, it is perfect for a 15 to 20 minute break. It consistently ranks among the top-selling cigars at retailers nationwide.
ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro The same beloved Kuba Kuba blend wrapped in a dark Connecticut Broadleaf maduro leaf. The maduro wrapper adds richness, depth, and a chocolatey sweetness that complements the infusion beautifully. Medium to full-bodied.
ACID Toast One of the newer additions to the core lineup. The Toast features a dark, oily maduro wrapper and delivers a rich smoking experience with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and black cherry. Mellow and sweet with good body.
ACID Blondie Maduro The Blondie formula with a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Earthier and slightly richer than the original Connecticut Shade Blondie, with a deeper flavor profile that still stays smooth and approachable.
Extended Lineup
ACID 1400cc A robusto-sized cigar presented in a glass tube. Connecticut Shade wrapper with a creamy body and strong aromatic qualities. The tube makes it a great option for gifting or travel.
ACID Blondie Belicoso Takes the popular Blondie flavor and puts it in a larger belicoso format, giving you more smoking time (roughly 30 to 40 minutes) with the same smooth, sweet profile.
ACID Blondie Red A rich twist on the classic Blondie. Slightly bolder than the original with a deeper flavor foundation.
ACID Blondie Gold Possibly the smoothest cigar in the entire Blondie family. Extremely mild and creamy, making it one of the most approachable infused cigars available.
ACID Blondie Candela Wrapped in a green candela leaf, this Blondie variant offers unique notes of tea and sugar that set it apart from the rest of the family. Visually distinctive and an interesting conversation piece.
ACID Kuba Deluxe Tubo A toro-sized version of the Kuba Kuba presented in a tube. Sumatra wrapper, smooth and mellow, with a longer smoking time than the original Kuba Kuba.
ACID Kuba Grande An even bigger version of the Kuba Kuba at 6 x 60. Same great flavor in a larger format for those who want to extend the experience.
ACID Kuba Kuba Candela The Kuba Kuba formula in a green candela wrapper. Sweet, unique, and visually striking.
ACID Cold Infusion Tea As the name suggests, this cigar features a tea-inspired infusion. Smooth Connecticut wrapper with a mellow, refreshing flavor profile that is unlike anything else in the lineup. A great warm-weather smoke.
ACID Nasty Do not let the name scare you. The Nasty is a hearty, slightly spicy blend wrapped in a Cameroon leaf. Expect notes of earth, leather, and black pepper with a touch of sweetness. One of the bolder options in the ACID range.
ACID Roam A churchill-sized cigar with a Connecticut wrapper and a mild to medium body. Aromatic herbs and botanicals come through clearly, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor complemented by cinnamon and spice notes.
ACID C-Notes Small cigarillos with a Sumatra wrapper. Medium-bodied and rich for their size, these are perfect for a quick 10 to 15 minute smoke.
ACID Deep Dish Sumatra wrapper with a rich, velvety smoke and toasty sweetness. A satisfying everyday option.
ACID Earthiness A corona-sized cigar with a Sumatra wrapper. Very full-bodied for an ACID cigar, this one leans more toward the tobacco side with earthy, robust flavors layered beneath the infusion.
ACID Extra Ordinary Larry A massive cigar with a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. Sweet spice flavors with tremendous smoking time. For the smoker who wants a long, indulgent session.
ACID Liquid Connecticut Shade wrapper in a robusto format. Fuller and richer than many of the other Connecticut-wrapped ACIDs, with a satisfying depth of flavor.
ACID Wafe A super-thin, box-pressed cigar with a Sumatra wrapper. Despite its slim profile, it delivers surprisingly bold flavor. Unique shape and a great option when you want something different.
ACID Kong A cone-shaped cigar with a Cameroon wrapper. The tapered shape provides an excellent draw that changes as you smoke through the widening body. Fun format with good flavor complexity.
ACID One A limited-edition torpedo with a Cameroon wrapper and a non-aromatic profile. This is the ACID cigar for people who generally prefer traditional (non-infused) cigars. Rich and complex with cedar, leather, and a hint of citrus.
ACID Plush Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with rich, hearty, fuller flavors. A solid medium to full-bodied option for experienced ACID smokers.
Which ACID Should You Try First?
If you have never smoked an ACID cigar before, here is a simple guide based on what you are looking for:
- First time with any cigar: ACID Blondie. It is small, mild, sweet, and approachable. You will know within 15 minutes whether infused cigars are for you.
- First time with ACID but experienced with cigars: ACID Kuba Kuba. It is the definitive ACID experience and shows you what the brand does best.
- Prefer darker, richer flavors: ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro or ACID Toast. Both deliver depth and sweetness without being overwhelming.
- Want something bold: ACID Nasty or ACID Earthiness. These lean heavier on tobacco with the infusion playing more of a supporting role.
- Prefer traditional (non-infused) cigars: ACID One. It uses the ACID name but does not have the aromatic infusion. Cameroon wrapper with classic flavor notes.
- Quick smoke: ACID C-Notes or ACID Blondie. Both are under 20 minutes.
- Long session: ACID Extra Ordinary Larry or ACID Kuba Grande. Both give you well over an hour of smoking time.
For more help choosing the right cigar for your taste, check out our guide on how to choose a cigar.
ACID Cigars vs Traditional Premium Cigars
If you are coming from the traditional cigar world, ACID is a very different experience. Here is how they compare:
- Flavor source: Traditional cigars get 100% of their flavor from the tobacco, its origin, fermentation, and aging. ACID cigars add herbs, botanicals, and essential oils to the equation.
- Aroma: Traditional cigars have the natural scent of tobacco. ACID cigars fill the room with a sweet, floral, herbal aroma that non-smokers often find much more pleasant.
- Flavor transitions: Traditional premium cigars evolve through three distinct stages as you smoke. ACID cigars tend to have a more consistent flavor throughout, with the infusion providing a steady baseline.
- Construction: Both are handmade with long filler tobacco in Nicaragua. ACID cigars are built to the same quality standards as Drew Estate's traditional lines.
Some cigar purists dismiss infused cigars, but there is no reason you cannot enjoy both. Many experienced smokers keep a few ACIDs in their humidor for variety or for when they want something lighter and more aromatic.
To understand more about how traditional cigars differ from infused and machine-made options, read our guide on handmade vs machine-made cigars.
Storing ACID Cigars
Because ACID cigars are infused, they have a strong aroma that can transfer to other cigars stored nearby. If you keep both ACID and traditional cigars, store them separately. Use a dedicated humidor, a sealed plastic bag with a humidity pack, or a separate section of a larger humidor with a divider.
Like all premium handmade cigars, ACIDs should be stored at 65% to 72% relative humidity. The infusion does not make them immune to drying out. For complete storage instructions, read our cigar storage guide. You can find humidors and storage accessories in our accessories section.
Where to Find the Best Prices on ACID Cigars
ACID Cigars are widely available from online cigar retailers. Prices vary significantly between stores, especially on boxes and multi-packs. Use CigarFinder to compare ACID prices across 17+ retailers and make sure you are getting the best deal.
You can also check our coupon codes page for current promotions from top online cigar shops. Buying boxes rather than singles is the best way to save if you have found an ACID blend you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ACID cigars good for beginners? Yes. ACID cigars, especially the Blondie and Kuba Kuba, are some of the most popular first cigars for new smokers. Their smooth, sweet flavor profile is approachable and does not have the intensity that some traditional premium cigars carry. Check our best cigars for beginners guide for more starter options.
Are ACID cigars considered premium? Yes. Despite being infused, ACID cigars are handmade in Nicaragua with long filler tobacco, natural binder, and natural wrapper. They meet the definition of a premium handmade cigar. The infusion is an additional process, not a shortcut. Learn more about what qualifies as premium in our guide on what is considered a premium cigar.
Do ACID cigars have nicotine? Yes. ACID cigars are made from real tobacco and contain nicotine like any other cigar. The infusion adds flavor but does not remove nicotine. If you are sensitive to nicotine, start with smaller sizes like the Blondie or C-Notes. Read more about why some cigars give you a buzz.
What drinks pair well with ACID cigars? ACID cigars pair well with sweeter beverages. Coffee (especially lattes or mochas), rum, port wine, and cream-based cocktails all complement the sweet, aromatic profile. Sparkling water also works well for cleansing the palate. For more pairing ideas, read our cigar and drink pairing guide.
Can I store ACID cigars with regular cigars? It is not recommended. The strong infused aroma can transfer to traditional cigars stored in the same humidor. Keep them in a separate humidor or a sealed bag with a humidity pack.
What is the most popular ACID cigar? The ACID Kuba Kuba is the most popular blend in the lineup and one of the best-selling infused cigars in the country. The ACID Blondie is a close second, largely due to its small size and affordable price point.
Explore More on CigarFinder
- Compare ACID Cigar Prices
- Drew Estate Brand Guide
- Best Cigars for Beginners
- Developing a Taste for Cigars
- Cigar Sizes Guide
- Best Cigars Under $10
- Browse All Cigar Brands
- Browse Premium Cigars
- Cigar Accessories
- Compare Prices on CigarFinder
- Coupon Codes & Deals
