Drew Estate Undercrown – Cigar Review

I am going to try and be as professional as I can while reviewing this cigar, partially because Drew Estates has always been near and dear to my heart, and secondly… well, it’s a damn good cigar. Drew Estates burst on the cigar scene in 1998 with the unapologetic attitude nourished by the New York roots, and the intention of turning the cigar world upside down. Boldly following their motto, “The Rebirth of Cigars”, Drew Estates continues to produce innovative and premium blends, styles, and out-of-the-box offerings that please and draw in the masses, and The Undercrown is no exception.

“In early 2009 we asked our torcedores to smoke less Liga Privada cigars because they were leaving too few to be exported. This request was met with the disappointment you would expect, but rather than being disgruntled they responded by blending their own signature liga.”

“Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos, but of different vintages and primings, the cigar they created was no mere replacement. Rather it is an exceptional smoking experience of uncompromising quality and flavor that deserves to be smoked by all.”

“It is always the master makers who are heralded, but the reality is that great cigars are the product of many talented people, most of whom toil in factories with no publicity ever. They are the uncelebrated heroes who make all of our lives more pleasurable with the cigars they craft. And therefore, it is with great pleasure that we are now sharing their factory floor creation with you as Undercrown, borne of our worker’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, and passion for a great cigar.” ~ The Drew Estates Team 

What’s Inside:

• Wrapper: San Andres
• Binder: Connecticut, Habano, Sungrown
• Filler: Brazilian,  Nicaraguan 

Construction:

The rich Brazilian and Nicaraguan fillers are wrapped up neatly in the San Andreas wrapper with an expert hand and an unparalleled attention to detail. The master craftsmen and women at Drew Estates pride themselves on the layers of flavor and expertly constructed stick they turn out, and the Undercrown is a testament to their skill. With a perfect burn, even draw, and thick billowy smoke, the Undercrown is what a cigar should be.

Draw:

Now I feel like I might be getting off course here a bit, blabbing on and on about the positives of the cigar like a love-struck teenager, but there was nothing to fault. The easy draw allowed the air to filter through the layers of robust tobacco, setting the stage for nuanced characteristics to come to life with every puff.

Burn:

Continuing the quality of consistency, the Undercrown showed an even burn all the way down. From the first light to the final draw the Undercrown was even, slow, and relaxing. There was no correcting or rolling to make sure the burn stayed straight, it simply followed the path the expert rollers had worked so hard to forge.

Aroma:

Prelit :

• Toasted Hazelnuts
• Medium Roast Coffee
• Freshly Tanned Leather

Lit: 

• Cocoa Nibs
• Hints of Bing Cherry
• Candied Almonds

Flavor:

Here is where you can really get on my case. Like I said earlier, Drew Estates has always been a favorite of mine, but for good reason. Jonathan Drew set the bar for the company nearly two decades ago and continues to raise it with every endeavor. The Undercrown represents a sort of “Baby Brother” to the Liga line in the same way the Rosso di Montalcino is to the bold Brunello. This younger, more casual cigar, goes above and beyond the call showcasing the flavors of Nicaragua with balanced black pepper, sweetened almonds, and a touch of sweet Bing cherry.

Value:

Hovering around eight dollars a stick, the Undercrown is not only a great value but spans the palette range of cigar lovers. Its balance features a little punch for the brave and hints of cocoa for the lighter-bodied lovers. I wouldn’t label it a medium-bodied smoke simply because the flavor is so expansive, but for the price, you can call it whatever you want.

Buy Now: $35 (5 pack)