Nica Rustica by Drew Estate

[Churchill]

Nica Rustica by Drew Estate

This stick debuted last year but I haven’t had an opportunity to smoke one until today, and I haven’t seen it reviewed here so I thought I’d offer my impressions.

Appearance/Construction-True to it’s name, the Nica Rustica has a rugged, rustic appearance. It is rolled with a dull medium brown wrapper featuring a shag foot and a small pigtail cap. Pre-light aroma is earthy and this note carries over prominently into the flavor profile. Small veins are present, seams are nearly indiscernible. Draw is just about perfect. No unraveling issues or flame touch ups required . Burn was very even, ash was initially loose but after an inch tightened up. The Nica Rustica is offered in one size, 6x52.

Smoking/Tasting-First draw is earthy with mocha, espresso, dark cocoa notes. Marketed as a “full” strength cigar, I found it to be “med-full” with some strength building in the final third. The stick produces copious amounts of rich, dense, white, creamy smoke. Very satisfying in that regard. I would offer just one criticism of the flavors...I found them to be fairly one dimensional. I kept hoping and looking for some complexity to build, but it is not there. This is a very good cigar to be sure, just not one that will drive you nuts trying to identify a broad spectrum of different and changing flavor notes.

I smoked mine with some nice Costa Rica high grown coffee in the Bodum. The cocoa/espresso notes in the cigar ran nicely along side a good strong black coffee.

[gumby]

Nice read! I can't get past Drew Estates and their flavored "cigars" and take them seriously as a real cigar manufacturer.
But I enjoyed the read!

[Churchill]

Originally Posted by gumby

Nice read! I can't get past Drew Estates and their flavored "cigars" and take them seriously as a real cigar manufacturer.
But I enjoyed the read!

I think they are a player, Gumby. This, the Undercrown and the Liga Privada are no Acid!

[mrdiver]

Originally Posted by Churchill

I think they are a player, Gumby. This, the Undercrown and the Liga Privada are no Acid!

Werd, brother. The 'Crown is one of my go-to's.

[spiridon]

Thanks for the review. I've got one of these in my humidor, been meaning to give it a try. Guess I'll need to do just that in the next day or so!

[mrdiver]

Originally Posted by spiridon

Thanks for the review. I've got one of these in my humidor, been meaning to give it a try. Guess I'll need to do just that in the next day or so!

I got a box with one or two with your name on Jon.

[Churchill]

Originally Posted by gumby

Nice read! I can't get past Drew Estates and their flavored "cigars" and take them seriously as a real cigar manufacturer.
But I enjoyed the read!

I was thinking a bit more about this comment and how marketing and product line development influences consumers. Not just in the cigar world, but in general. Its interesting how our impressions are formed and how we develop impressions about a brand. For example recently there was a thread about Ghurka cigars and what auto brand they would be if they were a car. I applied that concept to Drew Estate and I came up with Hyundai . When Hyundai hit the market, they were sort of low-end with limited appeal. Most "car guys" regarded them as crap. Now they are a solid brand with some high end alternatives to Mercedes, Lexus, etc.

Just my rambling thoughts this morning...

[CSMAnderson]

I've been curious about this cigar, thanks for the review. Would you buy this cigar again?

[Churchill]

Originally Posted by CSMAnderson

I've been curious about this cigar, thanks for the review. Would you buy this cigar again?

Absolutely.

[Mad Dawg]

Originally Posted by gumby

I can't get past Drew Estates and their flavored "cigars" and take them seriously as a real cigar manufacturer.

You have no clue what this misconception is causing you to miss out on, Robert. Try something from the Herrera Esteli line. The short coronas in particular are outstanding cigars.