Cigar Review - Drew Estate Java Maduro

Drew Estate - Java Maduro

Vitola: Robusto Box Pressed
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf, Ecuador
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Pairing: Café Bustello Espresso style coffee


The other day I was looking for a Java Mint, and failing to find it became convinced that Cameron had stolen it to replace his misplaced HC. Since then I've been jonesing for a Java and I just happened to have a few left in my humidor from a couple of years ago. They've just been sitting there resting and I wondered if it had changed the flavor or diminished it in any way. Today I had a nice long lunch and thought, what a perfect time to try the Java again. I also thought, you know, they're not everyone's cup of tea but some might like them and there may be some guys new to the hobby who have seen them but not tried them. Why not give a review? So here we are. :)

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Fit and Finish: This cigar has a nice dark maduro wrapper with medium veining and great seams. It has a pigtail cap which I happen to despise. I'm sure they're not a problem with a straight cut, but with punches, which used to be my go to they always caused me issues. On the nose this one is all chocolate mocha and outrageously sweet.

Draw: Today I am worried about using my Xikar v-cut on a box-pressed pigtail...why? It worked flawlessly. Man I love this cutter. The cold draw is like tasting Swiss Miss hot chocolate. It is delicious and great for a cup of coffee.

Toast/Light: Easy toasting and I'm immediately greeted with very pleasant smoke in large quantities. All sweet chocolate on the first draw, no hint of spice of any kind.

First third: Being an infused cigar you can expect it to taste like what they say it will. This one is all chocolate and coffee and fairly sweet, which I am in the mood for today. I am impressed that it still manages to have a decent tobacco undertone and that it doesn't have a weak or chemical taste. It is not complex beyond what it promises and does not change at all for this third.

Second Third: The chocolatey coffee extravaganza continues and that is just fine. Nice deep rich flavors with that enjoyable tobacco flavor underneath it remains constant.

Final Third: I know, it seems absurd to break this cigar down into thirds when it really is consistent from beginning to end. It does seem to pick up a little hint of spice toward the end though.

Final Thoughts: This was a pleasant experience from beginning to end. I really enjoy these and have from the very first one I tried. They don't pretend to be anything other than a very tasty infused cigar and on that front they are excellent. I have had other flavored cigars, the Tatiana Mocha comes to mind, where they are really just a flavored smoke and you can tell the tobacco isn't up to par. With these you don't get that feeling. It tastes like a nice cigar that happens to have some flavors kicked up a few notches. It is perfect for pairing with coffee and makes a great desert cigar. I am pleased that they haven't lost anything with a bit of rest on them. I still have about 10 in the humi and if I find a great deal I might even grab a few more just to make sure I've got them.

Total smoking time: 50 minutes