Drew Estate: Brand Story
Cigario editorial
"The rebirth of cigars" — from infused Acids to the cult Liga Privada.
Brand history
Drew Estate was founded in 1996 in New York by Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel under the motto "the rebirth of cigars". First they scandalised traditionalists with infused Acid cigars, then won over even the most demanding with the cult Liga Privada line. Today it is one of the most creative brands in Estelí.
Origins
The company began as a small kiosk in New York and nearly went bankrupt before finding its identity in flavoured cigars. Production eventually moved to Estelí in Nicaragua, where it grew into a huge yet still unconventional factory.
History
The turning point came with Liga Privada No. 9, which Jonathan Drew reportedly first rolled just for himself and friends — today it is one of the most sought-after cigars around. The brand was rounded out by hits like Undercrown, Herrera Estelí and the smoky Kentucky Fire Cured.
How & where it’s made
Drew Estate makes its cigars in Estelí and is famous for experimentation — from infusing with herbs and oils (Acid) to fire-cured tobacco (Fire Cured). Its premium lines, meanwhile, rest on a classic Nicaraguan base and top-grade wrappers.
Style
The portfolio ranges from sweetly aromatic Acids to the full, dark and oily Liga Privada with notes of bitter chocolate, espresso and earth. Few brands cover such a wide spectrum of tastes.
Did you know
The Acid line brought a whole new generation of smokers into cigars — blasphemy to traditionalists, a stroke of genius for the market. Drew Estate now even hosts its own Barn Smoker festival right on the tobacco farms.
