The Drew Estate Journey: Crafting Cigar Culture through Innovation and Passion
In the world of premium cigars, few brands are as distinctive, daring, and transformative as Drew Estate. The company's story isn't one of inherited legacies or multi-generational knowledge, but one of two New York fraternity brothers chasing a dream of revolutionizing the cigar industry. Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel, with their relentless drive and creativity, have turned Drew Estate into one of the most innovative and successful cigar manufacturers globally, blending daring designs with remarkable craftsmanship. From their humble beginnings at a retail kiosk in New York City to their current state-of-the-art factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the journey of Drew Estate is a tale of passion, trials, and an unwavering belief in their vision.
From Fraternity Brothers to Industry Pioneers: The Early Days
Drew Estate was founded in 1996, when Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel were fresh out of college and united by their love for cigars. They set up a small 16-square-foot retail kiosk in the World Trade Center in New York City, sharing their vision of a new cigar subculture with anyone who would listen. Despite the immense competition from established brands and the limited space of their kiosk, their charisma and persistence won them a small but dedicated following.
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to crafting cigars, Jonathan Drew made a bold move in 1998: he relocated to Estelí, Nicaragua, to establish a factory. This decision marked a significant turning point for Drew Estate, as Jonathan immersed himself in the culture, language, and tobacco-growing practices of the region. Sleeping on a mattress above a makeshift factory, he quickly earned a reputation as That Crazy Gringo,
driven by his passion for creating something new.
Meanwhile, Marvin Samel remained in New York, holding down the fort in their Brooklyn office and doing whatever it took to keep the fledgling company afloat. He managed operations with a mix of creativity, charm, and tenacity, borrowing from family and friends and convincing anyone he could to believe in their vision. Despite the financial struggles and cultural challenges, Drew Estate was slowly finding its footing, with its early blends gaining attention among adventurous cigar enthusiasts.
Innovation and the Subculture: ACID and Beyond
The real breakthrough for Drew Estate came in 1999 when Jonathan returned to Brooklyn with a set of new, unconventional blends. They needed something bold to help launch this innovative range, and they found the perfect partner in Scott ACID
Chester, an emerging artist who shared their vision. His blend of urban graffiti, industrial art, and motorcycle culture created the ideal branding for what would become the iconic ACID line.
ACID cigars burst onto the scene with their vibrant packaging and intriguing flavors, incorporating exotic spices, oils, and herbs. This unorthodox approach was a significant departure from the traditional cigars that dominated the market, but it struck a chord with smokers looking for something different. Despite initial skepticism, ACID quickly became a cult favorite and established Drew Estate as an avant-garde brand unafraid to challenge conventions.
Their next venture, Natural by Drew Estate, launched in 2000 as the yin
to ACID's yang,
offering a more traditional yet still original flavor profile. Natural cigars introduced smokers to a rich blend of aged tobaccos with alluring aromas and a range of distinctive wrappers. Their launch event—a vintage yacht sailing around Manhattan—matched the flair and character of the cigars themselves.
Drew Estate's first-ever brand, La Vieja Habana, also played a crucial role in their growth. Although its original run was cut short due to Hurricane Mitch, it returned in 2001 with renewed vigor and an Art Deco aesthetic. It blended tropical Cuban and New York styles, delivering a traditional smoke that was accessible and rich in flavor.
Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Growth
Even as the ACID and Natural lines gained traction, Drew Estate faced financial challenges, a competitive market, and the complex logistics of international production. Yet the company persevered, attracting the attention of Forbes Magazine, which featured them in an article on Cult Brands
in 2001. The recognition alongside household names like Krispy Kreme, Apple, and Harley Davidson validated their hard work and gave them the boost they needed to keep pushing forward.
In 2004, Drew Estate reached a crossroads as their factory in Estelí was producing at full capacity and the company required a more strategic direction. This challenge was met with the hiring of Steve Saka as president. With his sharp business acumen and relentless drive, Saka guided Drew Estate to the next level. His disciplined approach helped streamline operations and solidify their position in the market.
Jonathan Drew's dream of a large-scale factory became a reality in 2007 with the opening of La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate. Spanning over 96,000 square feet, it was not only the largest cigar factory in Nicaragua but also one of the largest globally. The factory became a reflection of Drew Estate's ethos, combining stunning architecture with vibrant, brand-inspired murals by the Subculture Studio artists. This environment nurtured creativity and collaboration, allowing the company to produce up to 94,000 handmade cigars daily while fostering an inclusive, positive workplace.
Iconic Blends and Revolutionary Brands
Throughout their journey, Drew Estate has maintained its commitment to pushing the boundaries of cigar culture. Their portfolio of brands reflects this ethos, offering a wide array of experiences to suit different tastes. Here are some of the most notable blends and brands:
ACID: The cornerstone of Drew Estate's identity, ACID cigars are infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals, herbs, and oils. Their unique flavor profiles and artistic packaging have earned them a dedicated following of smokers seeking a vibrant, one-of-a-kind experience.
1400cc: Featuring a Connecticut Shade wrapper and packaged in glass tubes, this robusto offers a creamy smoke with strong aromatic qualities.
Atom: Wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Atom provides a medium-full bodied smoke with a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Blondie: A small powerhouse cigar with a Connecticut Shade wrapper, Blondie delivers a slightly sweet and flavorful experience.
Blondie Maduro: With a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Blondie Maduro is earthier than its Connecticut Shade sibling, providing a distinct twist.
Blondie Belicoso: A larger version of Blondie with a Connecticut Shade wrapper, this cigar delivers the same delicious flavors in a bigger size.
C-Notes: Small cigarillos wrapped in Sumatra leaf, C-Notes are medium-bodied and rich in flavor, perfect for a quick smoke.
Cold Infusion: A lighter, refreshing taste wrapped in Connecticut Shade, Cold Infusion provides a smoother and more delicate experience.
Deep Dish: Featuring a Sumatra wrapper, this cigar has a rich, velvety smoke with a toasty sweetness.
Earthiness: Wrapped in Sumatra, Earthiness offers a very full-bodied corona that delivers bold, earthy flavors.
Extra Ordinary Larry: An enormous cigar with a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Extra Ordinary Larry provides sweet spice flavors in a full-bodied smoke.
Kong: This cone-shaped cigar with a Cameroon wrapper offers a great draw and balanced flavor.
Kuba Deluxe Tubo: A toro-sized Kuba Kuba with a Sumatra wrapper, Kuba Deluxe Tubo is smooth and mellow.
Kuba Kuba: Wrapped in Sumatra, this fat robusto delivers a medium-bodied smoke with rich flavors.
Kuba Grande: A larger 6x60 version of Kuba Kuba that provides the same flavors in a bigger, bolder size.
Kuba Kuba Maduro: A rich twist on the classic, this cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper and a flavorful, bold profile.
Liquid: Wrapped in Connecticut Shade, Liquid is a robusto with fuller, rich flavors and a more complex taste.
Nasty: This short pyramid-shaped cigar with a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper provides a strong, full-bodied experience.
Nefasto: A larger version of the Nasty, Nefasto is wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and offers a big, bold flavor profile.
One: A non-aromatic torpedo wrapped in Cameroon, One provides a rich flavor without overpowering aromas.
Roam: Wrapped in Connecticut Shade, Roam delivers a creamy taste with a light aroma for a smoother, refined smoke.
Toast: This mild and sweet cigar with a Maduro wrapper is packed with rich tobacco notes.
Wafe: Wrapped in Sumatra, Wafe is a super-thin, box-pressed smoke that's big on flavor, providing a concentrated yet distinctive taste.
Deadwood Tobacco Co.: These maduro-wrapped cigars offer aromatic and exotic flavors like the popular Sweet Jane and Fat Bottom Betty. They combine rich tobaccos with Drew Estate's signature creativity to deliver sweet, aromatic cigars with natural flavor.
Sweet Jane: Wrapped in a dark, oily Maduro wrapper, Sweet Jane offers a blend of aromatic tobaccos that result in a medium-bodied smoke with a rich natural sweetness.
Fat Bottom Betty: This cigar features a Maduro wrapper and a unique blend of exotic tobaccos, delivering a smooth, medium-full-bodied smoke with notes of caramel and earth.
Crazy Alice: With its signature tapered shape and Maduro wrapper, Crazy Alice delivers a bold, earthy flavor with hints of sweetness that complement its distinctive profile.
Tabak Especial: Fusing tobacco with Fair Trade Nicaraguan coffee beans, these coffee-infused cigars offer a blend of luscious espresso notes with rich tobacco. The unique flavors provide a velvet-like smoking experience with nuanced sweetness and spice.
Tabak Especial Cafecita: A small, coffee-infused cigar that packs a rich flavor profile with notes of dark roast coffee and sweetness, perfect for a quick and satisfying smoke.
Tabak Especial Limited Editions: Specially curated cigars combining unique blends, like the Cafe con Leche, offering a mix of Dulce and Negra wrappers that deliver layers of creamy and bold coffee flavors.
Tabak Especial Negra: Wrapped in a dark Maduro leaf, this cigar provides a bold, full-bodied profile with deep espresso notes and a touch of natural sweetness.
Tabak Especial Dulce: A creamy Connecticut Shade wrapper encases this smooth, aromatic cigar, blending mild coffee flavors with subtle sweetness for a mellow yet richly satisfying experience.
Kentucky Fire Cured: The MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured series uses fire-cured Kentucky seed tobacco, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor reminiscent of hickory and oak. The Americana-style graphics on the packaging enhance its vintage charm.
Just A Friend: A 6x52 cigar wrapped in Kentucky fire-cured tobacco, providing smoky, hickory flavors reminiscent of campfire and barbecue, along with subtle hints of sweetness.
Fat Molly: This 5x56 robusto-size cigar features a dark, Kentucky fire-cured wrapper, delivering a bold and smoky flavor profile with notes of oak and spice.
Chunky: A 4x46 cigar with a rich, smoky Kentucky fire-cured wrapper, offering a quick, full-bodied smoke with intense flavors of hickory, earth, and sweetness.
Flying Pig: With its distinctive short, rounded shape, this Kentucky fire-cured cigar provides a unique and robust flavor experience, featuring strong smoky notes balanced with a rich, savory finish.
Liga Privada Series: Originally crafted for internal use only, the Liga Privada series embodies complexity and boldness through its No. 9, T52, and H99 blends. Each features meticulously blended tobaccos that deliver exceptional flavor and quality.
Liga Privada H99 Cigars: Featuring a Corojo wrapper grown in the Connecticut River Valley, the H99 blend incorporates a Mexican San Andrés binder and a mix of Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. This complex blend offers earthy notes and a balanced, luxurious smoking experience.
Liga Privada T52: Crafted over two years, the T52 boasts a bold flavor with a Stalk-Cut Habano wrapper over a Brazilian binder and Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Honduran fillers. The result is a rich, full-bodied cigar with notes of black pepper, espresso, and spice.
Liga Privada No.9: Originally crafted for personal consumption, this blend includes seven different tobaccos from seven farms. The full-bodied smoke provides flavors of dark chocolate, leather, and espresso, creating an exceptional and consistent profile.
Liga Privada Unico Serie: A series of experimental blends and vitolas crafted to deliver unique smoking experiences, each with its own distinct flavor profile. The limited availability adds an element of exclusivity to this premium line.
Liga Privada 10 Seleccíon de Mercado: An international exclusive cigar featuring a Connecticut Criollo wrapper, San Andrés binder, and Nicaraguan-Pennsylvanian filler. This blend produces a balanced, luxurious smoking experience with undertones of espresso.
Liga Privada 10 Aniversario: Celebrating a decade of the Liga Privada line, the 10 Aniversario blend includes a rich Criollo wrapper, delivering bold, peppery spice flavors in a full-bodied cigar that's emblematic of Drew Estate's dedication to quality.
Undercrown: These cigars were developed by Drew Estate's torcedores as a more accessible alternative to the Liga Privada series. They offer a range of profiles, from the bold Maduro and Sun Grown blends to the ultra-smooth Undercrown Shade.
Undercrown 10: A bold, ultra-premium cigar commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Undercrown line. Wrapped in a dark Mexican San Andrés leaf, it provides a complex flavor profile with rich chocolate, spice, and leather notes.
Undercrown Maduro: This cigar features a dark Mexican San Andrés wrapper, offering a balanced medium-full-bodied profile with notes of chocolate, earth, and subtle spice.
Undercrown Shade: Wrapped in a silky Connecticut Shade leaf, this cigar provides a mellow and ultra-smooth smoking experience with flavors of cream, nuts, and subtle pepper.
Herrera Esteli Series: Blended by Willy Herrera, these cigars feature a Cuban influence and regional flavor profiles like the Brazilian Maduro and Habano wrappers.
Herrera Esteli Habano: A medium-plus blend with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, delivering an exceptionally creamy, balanced smoke with subtle sweetness and a hint of spice.
Herrera Estelí Norteño: Wrapped in a rich Mexican San Andrés Maduro leaf with a spicy Honduran binder, this blend is medium to full-bodied, offering bold flavors of earth, dark chocolate, and pepper.
Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro: With a dense Plantation Grown Mata Fina wrapper from Brazil, this cigar combines a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and Nicaraguan fillers for a bold, full-bodied profile with hints of cocoa and roasted coffee.
Herrera Esteli Miami: Blended by Willy Herrera and crafted by expert Level 9 rollers at the El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami, this cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper that provides a medium-full-bodied smoke with a mix of spice and sweetness.
Nica Rustica: Rustic yet satisfying, these cigars showcase robust Nicaraguan tobaccos that embody the heritage of the region.
Nica Rustica cigars offer a rustic, deeply satisfying smoking experience, blending the best of native Nicaraguan tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa. Wrapped in a genuine Connecticut Broadleaf, each medium-to-full-bodied cigar imparts a natural sweetness balanced with subtle spice. The blend of Grade A Nicaraguan fillers, combined with a Mexican San Andrés binder, creates a robust profile with a long, flavorful finish that appeals to hardcore tobacco lovers. Symbolizing the spirit of Estelí, the image of El Brujito,
a shamanic figure from Pre-Columbian civilization, adorns the box and reflects the pride of Nicaraguan culture. With its unrefined, potent character, Nica Rustica embodies tradition and passion, making it a perfect choice for aficionados seeking authenticity and a memorable, powerful smoke.
Pappy Van Winkle: The Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented cigar is a handcrafted, long-filler premium cigar produced in small batches at Drew Estate's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This historic cigar features Kentucky seed tobacco, grown and fire-cured in Kentucky before undergoing a unique barrel fermentation process. Its distinctive blend includes a “tapa negra”-style wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés base wrapper, along with aged Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. Available in 10-count boxes, the Pappy Van Winkle cigars come in two sizes: a 5.25x52 Robusto and a 6x54 Toro. This rare blend delivers a unique flavor profile, balancing smokiness and earthiness with refined richness. To learn more about the production process, explore Jonathan Drew’s video series and detailed photos at the Pappy Van Winkle website. These exclusive cigars can be ordered directly through the Pappy & Co. website for a remarkable, one-of-a-kind smoking experience.
20 Acre Farm cigars:** present a medium-bodied smoking experience with complex flavor notes of oak and cedar, accompanied by a touch of white pepper and a bright hint of citrus. This unique blend is crafted with a velvety Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, a Sun Grown Habano binder, and Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. It is further enhanced by the inclusion of the exclusive Florida Sun Grown leaf, meticulously cultivated by Jeff Borysiewicz on his pristine 20-acre farm near Clermont, Florida.
Borysiewicz, founder of Corona Cigar Co. in 1996, began growing tobacco on his small farm in 2013 to revive Florida's historical tradition of cigar tobacco cultivation, which ceased in 1977. Available nationwide in early December,
Isla del Sol Wrapped in a sun-kissed Sumatran wrapper, these cigars feature a tripa mezcaldo blend of Nicaraguan tobacco infused with a Cuban-style mojo of exotic Sumatra Mandheling bean coffee. Each handmade cigar includes a sugared tip that creates a smooth, flavorful smoke, filling the room with a delightful aroma. With their excellent flavor and affordable price, Isla del Sol cigars offer an exceptional smoking experience.
Isla del Sol Sun Grown: Wrapped in a sun-grown Sumatran leaf, this cigar contains a tripa mezcaldo blend of Nicaraguan tobacco infused with Sumatra Mandheling bean coffee. Its sugared tip enhances the smooth, flavorful smoke, and its pleasing aroma fills the room. An affordably priced cigar with exceptional flavor.
Isla del Sol Maduro: Featuring a luscious Maduro wrapper, this premium cigar is infused with coffee and crafted using a rare triple-Nicaraguan-leaf blend. The sweetened cap, cocoa notes, and mellow aroma provide a smooth, balanced smoke with a great burn and draw.
La Vieja Habana Cigars Handmade using quality leaves left over from the production of Drew Estate’s premium cigars, La Vieja Habana offers exceptional value. This tripa mezclado cigar provides consistently great flavor with an excellent draw and burn. Available in three wrapper varieties—Cuban Corojo, Connecticut Shade, and Brazilian Maduro—these cigars deliver a delightful smoking experience at an accessible price point.
La Vieja Habana Cigars: Handmade using quality leaves left over from Drew Estate’s premium cigar brands, La Vieja Habana cigars deliver exceptional value. This tripa mezclado blend consistently provides excellent flavor with a great draw and burn, available in three wrapper varieties: Cuban Corojo, Brazilian Maduro, and Connecticut Shade.
La Vieja Habana Cuban Corojo: Wrapped in a beautiful Cuban Corojo leaf over Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí and Jalapa Valley, this medium-bodied cigar offers earthy flavors with hints of spice and a pleasant aroma.
La Vieja Habana Brazilian Maduro: Featuring an oily, dark Brazilian Maduro wrapper, this cigar is filled with Nicaraguan tobacco from Estelí and Jalapa Valley. Medium-bodied, it provides rich flavors with hints of chocolate and coffee, leaving a slightly sweet aftertaste.
La Vieja Habana Connecticut Shade: Covered in a pristine Connecticut Shade wrapper over a blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos, this mild and smooth cigar has hints of coffee and a nutty aftertaste, making it an excellent morning smoke when paired with a latte.
Ambrosia Cigars During his world travels in search of tobacco, our master cigar maker learned firsthand of exotic spices that a few remote, indigenous cultures add to their smoking leaf. After two years of experimental blending of these rare spices and traditional cigar tobaccos, the Ambrosia cigar line was born.
NECTAR: Blending sweet and spicy flavors, Nectar is a delightfully aromatic cigar perfect for relaxing moments. Its balanced profile makes it a great companion for enjoying the view or savoring downtime.
VAN REEF: Van Reef combines sweetness and spice to create a flavorful smoke that delivers an aromatic experience. It's perfect for making an impression, offering a balanced blend that’s both approachable and unique.
SPICE: True to its name, Spice provides a rich, cedary, and full-bodied smoke that wraps you in aromatic plumes. With its bold, spicy character, this cigar is ideal for reflecting on the day and winding down.
MOTHER EARTH: A tribute to nature's beauty, this cigar embodies rich, natural flavors and an earthy profile that pairs well with moments of gratitude and tranquility.
TRIPLE CORONA: A full-bodied cigar with a complex blend of spiced rum, wine, and Nicaraguan tobaccos, Triple Corona offers a robust experience for those seeking a challenging yet satisfying smoke.
CLOVE TIKIS: These small cigars deliver the ultimate clove smoking experience, offering an aromatic, wonderfully spicy profile that can be your go-to for a quick yet richly satisfying smoke.
Factory Smokes by Drew Estate Skillfully produced at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate by the same artisans who craft premium cigars, Factory Smokes are economically priced due to bulk manufacturing and affordable bundle packaging. This value-priced, handmade line is perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying during casual activities like mowing the lawn or washing the car, or simply grabbing another when you're ready for more.
Factory Smokes Sweet: Wrapped in a Habano leaf, this cigar offers a hint of sweetness and a smooth draw for a satisfying, value-friendly smoke.
Factory Smokes Maduro: Featuring a dark Maduro wrapper, this cigar delivers a bold, robust flavor with earthy undertones for those who prefer a rich, full-bodied profile.
Factory Smokes Shade: Wrapped in a delicate Connecticut Shade-grown leaf, this mild cigar provides a creamy, mellow flavor that's perfect for everyday smoking.
Factory Smokes Sun Grown: With a Sun Grown Habano wrapper, this cigar balances spicy and earthy notes to create a well-rounded, medium-bodied smoke.
A Legacy of Innovation and Artistry
Over the years, Drew Estate has remained a beacon of creativity and innovation. Their commitment to combining artistry with premium craftsmanship has won them a loyal following, and their willingness to take risks has redefined the cigar industry. Jonathan Drew's vision for a Cigar Subculture
became a reality as the company developed an eclectic range of blends that cater to traditional and experimental smokers alike.
Their dedication to blending and branding has made them a pioneer in infusing tobaccos with coffee, herbs, and botanicals. Their partnership with artists has elevated cigar packaging to a new level, creating a brand image that's as much about the lifestyle as it is about the product. Whether it's the richly illustrated murals at La Gran Fabrica or the bold packaging of ACID, Drew Estate stands out for its originality.
The Endless Quest for Creativity
Drew Estate has grown from a small New York retail kiosk to a global phenomenon in premium cigars. Their journey is marked by determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief in their vision. Through it all, Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel have led a revolution in the cigar industry, fostering a subculture that thrives on artistic expression and fearless innovation.
Their brands, from ACID to Liga Privada, offer something for everyone, whether you're an adventurous smoker looking for something bold or a traditionalist seeking rich, classic flavors. Drew Estate continues to push the boundaries, experimenting with new blends and bringing fresh ideas to their growing audience.
Even as they stand at the forefront of the cigar world, the founders remain as passionate and driven as ever. Their journey has been one of trials, triumphs, and continuous evolution, and with their relentless drive to innovate, Drew Estate is just getting started.
