Java by Drew Estate

Java by Drew Estate

• Strength: 3 /  5
• Size: 5.5 x 50
• Origin: Nicaragua
• Price (local): $13.40
• Wrapper: Brazilian
• Flavor Text:

Java cigars are a combined effort from two leaders in the industry.

Introduced in 2004, and released in the 1st quarter of 2005, Java cigars are an exceptionally unique handmade from two of today's hardest working cigar makers: Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Rocky Patel. Quite a one-two combo, to say the least, and boy does this cigar pack a punch, not in strength, but in flavor. Java is a subtly sweet Nicaraguan that features a dark, oily maduro wrapper stretched across an aged blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers. While aging, these cigars have been slowly infused with the delicious flavor of gourmet mocha, morphing a traditional Nicaraguan cigar into an incredibly rich cigar that burns smooth from start to finish, leaving an extremely pleasant aroma in its wake.

What's this 'Latte' all about, you ask? The Java Latte employs a silky-smooth Connecticut Ecuador wrapper rather than the standard Connecticut Broadleaf. The result is a mellow and creamy sensation with all that Java awesomeness you've come to love.

Every now and then I do get the urge to try something that is flavored, because (not to toot my own horn) I smoke so many good cigars that I need something just for the palate cleanse before getting back into the money sticks. I think this one was a mistake. I am a guy who loves his coffee, but this cigar was somewhat bitter, to be honest. I had a Maduro and it was probably a mistake. I feel like the Connecticut-wrapped Java would probably be the best bet for anyone looking for that pure coffee flavor. As for me, I like my coffee black with not much distraction in there, so naturally, I thought the Maduro would be the go-to. Unfortunately, I only caught a touch of coffee and not much of anything else. The smoke was harsh and a bit bitter, and with some mineral taste in there, I opted for the Connecticut.

The Connecticut was much, much better and I loved every bit of it. It was mellow, smooth, buttery and creamy and it really helped you not only taste the natural coffee flavor of the cigar, but it also helped add to it a little bit. I loved the Java Connecticut for a gimmicky break from my usual smokes. It's nothing I'd have every day, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a great dessert cigar like it's cousin, the Java Mint Maduro. I'd try it if flavored smokes are your thing, or if you're bored with your current selection.

Please note I'll be taking a few days off after this post - nothing's wrong, I'm just running out of things to review! Back in due time.

Happy smoking! CB