Ah, the Drew Estate Tabak Especial—where the rubber meets the road in the world of premium cigars.
Let's unwrap the Tabak Especial Toro Negra:
First off, kudos to cigar.com for their shipping sorcery. Dispatched from Pennsylvania to Connecticut, these beauties arrived faster than expected, considering I’m as frugal with shipping costs as Scrooge with a penny. They showed up two days after ordering. Each cigar, swaddled in cellophane and tucked into the premium cigar box. With these cigars, I can't just order one. It's always a box at a time. As always with Drew Estate - they arrived in impeccable condition, cocooned in air-filled protective pouches. Talk about rolling out the red carpet!
The Specs:
- Strength: Medium
- Size: 6 x 52
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
- Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan Sumatra / Nicaraguan Criollo
This cigar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, rarely falling short of perfection. Its notable "shaggy foot"—where the binder and filler leaf extend beyond the wrapper—might look like it dressed in the dark, but it serves a noble purpose. This quirky design allows aficionados to taste the pure flavors of the inner leaves before the wrapper joins the party, also promoting an even burn.
Prelight Ritual:
The Tabak Especial presents itself with a flawless, dark maduro wrapper that makes even a speck of lint look suspicious. Its aroma is a heady mix of strong coffee, cedar, and cocoa—think breakfast at a lumberjack’s house. Sporting a dual band, this cigar’s aesthetic speaks to its meticulous crafting, with a rounded, oily cap and no soft spots in sight. Armed with my trusty cutter and as always, cedar matches, it was time to light up.
For me, it's the moment and the time and the process. The perfect afternoon or evening. Outside, quiet, whiskey or rum or tequila or coffee or... The list goes on. But again, it's the process. The rolling of the cigar through the fingers as the cedar match toasts the shaggy foot. The perfect light every time.
First Impressions:
Lighting was a breeze, thanks to the shaggy foot. The first draws delivered whispers of milk chocolate and coffee—a sweet morning kiss with a hint of tobacco. This mellow, sweet start was a contrast to some of Drew Estate's more robust offerings, like the Rocky Patel Java. The smoke was generous and velvety, although the ash parted ways with the cigar relatively early, which was more surprising than inconvenient.
Halfway Mark:
The draw remained consistent, a testament to its build. Light in strength but rich in flavor, the smoking experience was as relaxing as a Sunday morning. The quick-to-fall ash never became a nuisance, and the cigar's integrity was rock-solid—no signs of unraveling here.
The Finale:
I'm usually not one to smoke down to the nub, but this cigar had me hooked. Engaging thoughts with the best background tunes, podcast or not, I almost always smoke it to the bitter end, nearly singeing my fingertips in my reluctance to let go. The flavor stayed true throughout, leaving no regrets—except maybe that I didn't have another one ready to go.
Overall:
Drew Estate knocks it out of the park with the Tabak Especial. From first light to final puff, this cigar delivers on all fronts: burn, construction, draw, and flavor. Even those typically reserved for non-infused cigars might find themselves swayed by its charms.
In Comparison:
While I recently tackled a Rocky Patel - Drew Estate Java Maduro (also another favorite of mine), the Tabak Especial sets itself apart with its creamier, sweeter profile. The Java is like a shot of espresso—bold and in your face—whereas the Tabak is more like a velvety latte.
So, if you’re in the market for a cigar that marries craftsmanship with a smooth, flavorful smoke, the Tabak Especial might just be your next great love.
https://www.cigar.com/shop/drew-estate-brand-cigars/1701201/?shop=Cigars
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