Cigar of the Week: La Vieja Habana

Jonathan Drew feels misinterpreted. He created the Drew Estates cigar empire starting with his unique Acid brand, which has a special flavor and aroma that comes from the infusion of botanical agents during the curing and rolling process. And in some quarters, he’s been pigeon-holed as a maker of flavored or infused cigars ever since.

He doesn’t think that’s fair and he’s right. Drew is free-spirited, but he’s also a stickler for quality and for value. That’s what makes his Nicaraguan-made La Vieja Habana line so remarkable.

Originally introduced as a serious, first-line blend in 1994, the line faded until re-introduced in 2002, when it was re-introduced as a quality, handmade cigar at a value price. It gained popularity and was revamped in 2006 to provide an excellent, high-quality cigar at a price so low that you can enjoy them every day. It’s almost a steal now.

The basic blend has filler leaves from Nicaragua and either Connecticut-grown or Indonesian double binders and four wrapper choices: Brazilian maduro, Cameroon or Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut-seed or Corojo.

We found the Brazilian maduro to be terrific, with a medium-to-full body with a rich, caramelized taste and a toasty aroma. It received a grade of "A: Exceptional."

The Cuban Corojo-wrapped blend was also a favorite, with a lighter, also caramel-like flavor with an excellent draw and perfect construction. It received an "A-: Excellent" grade.

It should be pointed out that the La Vieja Habana line is not all long filler, as Drew notes carefully that there is one leaf of medium filler used in all of these cigars. However, it makes no difference is the smokability or balance of this seriously-underappreciated line.

Each of the four styles of this cigar are offered in a six-size range at the ridiculously low prices of $45.00-$58.00 per box of 20, not including local tobacco or sales taxes. The quality is excellent and the packaging is simply elegant, with magnificent Art Deco-style artwork all around.

Drew has proven, with this line and his much-respected Chateau Real line that he has mastered the art of cigars at the highest level. Given his drive for quality and restless, inventive mind, the only question is . . . what’s next?

Rich Perelman is editor-in-chief of CigarCyclopedia.com, offering comprehensive daily coverage of cigars, accessories, issues, people and prices at www.CigarCyclopedia.com.

Rich Perelman

1/22/08

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