Drew Estate Deadwood Leather Rose 5x54

I was really excited to have an opportunity to smoke the Drew Estate Deadwood Leather Rose 5x54.  I have been a big fan of Drew Estate for many years, and although their Acid line of cigars is not my favorite, the hype behind this line was enough to picque my interest and separate me from my money.  

This opportunity arose a week ago, I was meeting a good friend from Knoxville in Franklin, TN.  Lunch was chicken fingers at a local joint, the plan was to finish lunch and head on over to Crown Cigars & Ale, an establishment that years ago was known as, Stogie's.

The atmosphere and ambience at Crown is excellent, their humidor is well stock and cared for, and the selection is on par for a premium shop of this caliber.  My friend and I both immediately gravitated towards the Drew Estate area, my initial thought was a Kentucky Fire Cured cigar, but just below that the Deadwood caught my attention, and with that attention a final choice was made.  My friend went with a Kentucky Fire Cured cigar, on this occasion choosing one of their tasty sweet (sugar tipped) offerings.

Knowing that this was in fact a working get together, I stuck with coffee, and since no half and half was available, I drank my coffee black, something I rarely do beyond espresso.  Given the torpedo shape to the cigars head, I used a cutter versus my preferred punch, but once opened up I proceeded to toast the foot, preparing to take the first draw from the cigar.

Upon taking that first draw, I was immediately struck by the sweetness of the head, with a rich and meaty smoke that exuded strong overtones of chocolate, with the creaminess of the smoke rounding out the draw.  The development of the chocolate continued throughout the cigar, and the sweetness of the head, while tempering itself the deeper in the cigar I got, still provided a very strong presence. 

Although the cigar was tasty, it failed to burn consistently, requiring several touch ups throughout to keep an even burn.  Additionally, the cigar felt soft in my hands, as if not enough tobacco had been added.  I don’t think that detracted from the stick, rather providing a tactile item to accompany the tasting.

I have never smoked pipe tobacco, however I have read others compare this cigar to the aromatic tobacco enjoyed by pipe smokers.  I have no basis to form an opinion one way or another, but to say, if this is symbolic of pipe tobacco, I look forward to trying a pipe in the not so distant future.

Time quickly drew to a close, a ZOOM call was waiting for my friend and I, one that cigars would not have been appropriate on, so we wrapped up our cigars and prepared for the call.  

I really enjoyed this cigar, I will be keeping an eye out to add some to my humidor.  This is a great cigar to share, as it is not very strong, and is a great tasty stick to offer to those who might not enjoy cigars as often as I do.  All in all, it was a great smoke and a great day.  

If you happen to find yourself having the opportunity to smoke this stick, I encourage you to take that opportunity.  Honestly, for me, I’m excited to smoke it again, this time paired with some Disaronno..  In the meantime, enjoy what you have in the humidor, be intentional about taking time to enjoy a cigar with a friend, I promise you, it is time well spent.

Until we smoke again…