Review: Java by Drew Estate

Cup-O-Cigar

If there’s one thing that captures the essence of Americana in today’s modern society, it's the growing number of Starbucks coffee houses populating nearly as many street corners as McDonalds in every city and suburb of this great nation of ours. Not so many years ago it was common to find the only coffee available outside of the home was at the local greasy-spoon in Anytown, USA. Fifty cents was the going rate for an average cuppa-joe, and we’ve now seen the popularity rise in such demand that we think nothing of shelling out $2.00 for the caffeine enhanced nirvana we find in the venti white cups donning the ever popular green Starbucks crest. With the booming bean business and the increasing interest and demand for quality cigars, it was only a matter of time before a marriage of the two. Thankfully the masters of the flavored cigar, Drew Estate, have released what could be their most enjoyable flavor to date, Java.

From the initial look of the box and band, the Java cigar does not attempt to showboat (such like various other lines from Drew Estate). With a simple yet bold logo, the relaxing tones of gold and burgundy compliment the rich, dark tones of the oily maduro wrapper. With four sizes to choose from as large as the Toro (6.0 x 54) down to the smallest Wafe (a unique super-slim parejo), there shouldn’t be any reason to not enjoy this cigar. The following sense that’s elevated is smell, for the sweet hints of mocha rise from the box as they would from that first steaming cup in the morning. Taste is consistent throughout, with a rush of sweet flavor overwhelming the cap. I was a bit reserved at first thinking the flavor was so dominant prior to lighting up that it would turn bitter and dissipate as the smoke tapered down, however it became even more complex and turned from sweet and smooth to robust with a solid mocha/cocoa richness pouring out towards the end.

Java lights up with ease, and the draw is very pleasurable. The burn throughout is even, and the Nicaraguan fill and oily wrapper produce a beautiful smoke. With the changing complexities of flavor as this stick burns down, it never turn hot. With solid construction and attention to detail, this one is easily enjoyed down to the end.

Normally a glass of Oban is enjoyed with any cigar I’ve smoked in the past; however I’d have to go with coffee on this one. Naturally, the flavors of a fresh brew will compliment the richness of the cigar, and I’d suggest this as a late night pleasure. Another solid success for Drew Estate, and now it’s time to head to Starbucks.



A nice rich cup of Java