Cigar Flash: Drew Estate's ACID "Kuba Kuba" toro grande (Indonesia)

Today's cigar is an old favorite - it's a "Kuba Kuba" toro grande from Nicaraguan-based Drew Estate.

For years I had solely smoked natural-wrapped cigars, and never really ventured into the realm of flavored smokes. But that all changed a few years ago when I tried a Kuba Kuba. Drew Estate makes some excellent stuff. Many of their cigars are flavored, but not in the traditional way of adding some casing (the technical term for sugary junk) to the leaves.

Drew Estate's ACID line of cigars feature leaves stoved and dried with essential oils, spices, and herbs to impart unique flavors. They're "infused" which may seem like an academic distinction, but nonetheless an important one, since the flavoring happens during the manufacturing process, not as an after-the-fact additive.

This one is the first of the "blue label" line to hit the US. It's hard to describe what this cigar tastes like. There are definitely some essential oils involved - could be sandalwood or something similar. It has a very aromatic Sumatra wrapper, with lots of flavor (but not sugary!) Certainly a far cry from the usual natural tobaccos I smoke, but still an interesting experiment.

The Kuba Kuba is one of Drew's most popular cigars, and usually found where the ACID line is sold. It's very well done and a a delicious choice if you're into flavored smokes. I myself still prefer natural cigars, but if you're in the market to try something new, this might be your best place to start.