Drew Estate T52 Robusto
(Skip the next paragraph to get straight to the review)
Background
Drew Estate has been producing some very popular cigars over the past few years, namely the Unico Serie line (Dirty Rat & Flying Pig), and the Liga Privada line ( #9, & T52). The T52 uses what is called a stalk cut leaf for the Habano seed Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Rather than harvesting leaves little by little from the tobacco plant, the entire plant is cut at the base and cured. As the entire stalk hangs in the curing barn the tobacco retains its natural sap, oils, sugars, and other nutrients. This results in an incredibly rich, thick, oily and sweet wrapper leaf. The binder is a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper grown by J Fuego, who also makes quality cigars. The filler is a combination of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Honduran tobaccos. Each cigar rests for a year after completion.
Prelight
The wrapper on this cigar is quite simply stunning. It is literally shiny and glistening with oils, looking as if youll get your fingers wet just touching it. It is heavily packed, and has significant heft in the hand.
The cold draw gives up barnyard earthy sweetness. After clipping, the cold draw is sweet and slightly spicy.
First Third
The T52 started off extremely complex Dark chocolate, cloves, black pepper, and toasted cashews up front with sweet earth and espresso in the backdrop to wonderfully balance the flavor profile. A lengthy finish of cocoa and cashews pleased the palate until the next draw.
Excellent burn, producing a tightly patterned, solid ash. Along the even burn line I could see just how thick the wrapper was.
Second Third
As expected, the flavor profile intensified through the second third, yet remained very smooth. Notes of dried fruit and raisins darted in and out, tasting distinctly like the J Fuego Origen line (and reminding me that the binder was indeed produced by J Fuego). Notes of strong black pepper, cloves, nuts and the aforementioned dried fruit up front, with earthy espresso and sweetness balancing things out in the back. The burning qualities and smoke production of this cigar were remarkable Tons of smoke on each draw, and a consistent stream of smoke from the foot. The draw was nearly perfect, with just enough resistance to pull nicely and burn evenly. The craftsmanship and construction is top notch. The aroma reminded me of pine sap.
Last Third
Like a thoroughbred heading for the finish line, this cigar really took off during the final third Tons of pepper, spice and other complex notes were so nicely complimented and tempered by the sweet wrapper. I tasted dark pumpernickel bread, cloves, toasted cashews, espresso, cocoa, cloves, and dried fruit Just a lot of complexity in this blend. A smooth and creamy mouth texture throughout, as well as an even burn and solid ash No touch ups required by the torch. Despite the smoothness, this cigar had my head spinning!
Closing
Without a doubt, this was the best cigar I have enjoyed in the past 10 years, and definitely in the top three I have ever smoked.
The tobacco is thoughtfully sourced and expertly blended providing a balance that is rarely found in the industry. The construction and craftsmanship are superb.
In an era where many cigars are rushed to market, the T 52 is created with patience, and succeeds in delivering a wonderfully enjoyable cigar.
(Skip the next paragraph to get straight to the review)
Background
Drew Estate has been producing some very popular cigars over the past few years, namely the Unico Serie line (Dirty Rat & Flying Pig), and the Liga Privada line ( #9, & T52). The T52 uses what is called a stalk cut leaf for the Habano seed Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Rather than harvesting leaves little by little from the tobacco plant, the entire plant is cut at the base and cured. As the entire stalk hangs in the curing barn the tobacco retains its natural sap, oils, sugars, and other nutrients. This results in an incredibly rich, thick, oily and sweet wrapper leaf. The binder is a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper grown by J Fuego, who also makes quality cigars. The filler is a combination of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Honduran tobaccos. Each cigar rests for a year after completion.
Prelight
The wrapper on this cigar is quite simply stunning. It is literally shiny and glistening with oils, looking as if youll get your fingers wet just touching it. It is heavily packed, and has significant heft in the hand.
The cold draw gives up barnyard earthy sweetness. After clipping, the cold draw is sweet and slightly spicy.
First Third
The T52 started off extremely complex Dark chocolate, cloves, black pepper, and toasted cashews up front with sweet earth and espresso in the backdrop to wonderfully balance the flavor profile. A lengthy finish of cocoa and cashews pleased the palate until the next draw.
Excellent burn, producing a tightly patterned, solid ash. Along the even burn line I could see just how thick the wrapper was.
Second Third
As expected, the flavor profile intensified through the second third, yet remained very smooth. Notes of dried fruit and raisins darted in and out, tasting distinctly like the J Fuego Origen line (and reminding me that the binder was indeed produced by J Fuego). Notes of strong black pepper, cloves, nuts and the aforementioned dried fruit up front, with earthy espresso and sweetness balancing things out in the back. The burning qualities and smoke production of this cigar were remarkable Tons of smoke on each draw, and a consistent stream of smoke from the foot. The draw was nearly perfect, with just enough resistance to pull nicely and burn evenly. The craftsmanship and construction is top notch. The aroma reminded me of pine sap.
Last Third
Like a thoroughbred heading for the finish line, this cigar really took off during the final third Tons of pepper, spice and other complex notes were so nicely complimented and tempered by the sweet wrapper. I tasted dark pumpernickel bread, cloves, toasted cashews, espresso, cocoa, cloves, and dried fruit Just a lot of complexity in this blend. A smooth and creamy mouth texture throughout, as well as an even burn and solid ash No touch ups required by the torch. Despite the smoothness, this cigar had my head spinning!
Closing
Without a doubt, this was the best cigar I have enjoyed in the past 10 years, and definitely in the top three I have ever smoked.
The tobacco is thoughtfully sourced and expertly blended providing a balance that is rarely found in the industry. The construction and craftsmanship are superb.
In an era where many cigars are rushed to market, the T 52 is created with patience, and succeeds in delivering a wonderfully enjoyable cigar.
