It is finally here. One of the most anticipated releases from Drew Estate has finally made its way into many of our humidors. There was considerable buzz at this year’s IPCPR Convention & International Trade Show surrounding the Nica Rustica, mostly fueled by the fact that there were very few samples to go around. In their quest for perfection, the blenders were not happy with the final product so we were forced to look at mock ups of the package. My cohort, Steve “Big Mungo” Mungeer actually brought some samples back from Nicaragua last spring, but his cigars are a few versions removed from the latest creation. I am glad to report that I snagged a few of these guys and decided to smoke them both to give my thoughts.

I know the first question most will ask is, was the cigar worth the wait? My answer is a resounding yes. It isn’t the most refined cigar, as its name indicates, but it is a very good smoke. It comes in just one size, 6 X 52, but the box allows the merchant to sell it as a single and a 25 cigar bundle. The cigar comes in at a very reasonable $6.95 MSRP which makes this one more of an everyday smoke than its Liga brethren.

So what makes this cigar so rustic? First it has a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder, and some really nice Nicaragua filler from the regions of Jalapa and Estelí. The wrapper, with its pigtail cap, looks and feels a little rough around the edges. It’s not what you would see Clint Eastwood lighting up in one of his “Spaghetti Westerns,” but compared to most of the other bright and oily maduros on the market, it’s definitely a throwback.

This cigar smoked really well. Like I stated, I smoked two for this review and I must say that they both provided the same experience. There is a lot to be said for consistency and that is one thing I have come to expect from a Drew Estate product. This draw was easy, the burn even, and both produced lots of smoke. The initial flavors were black pepper spice with some mild cocoa notes. Not a lot of sweetness in the early stages and its power is evident right from the start. This cigar is classified as a medium to full-bodied, but I felt it started out stronger than it finished. I felt like the sweetness and chocolate notes picked up on the latter stages, but the pepper never went away.

I really like this cigar, as it’s not flashy, priced right, and provides enough punch to let you know that you are smoking something. I would venture to guess that this is probably a favorite of the factory and farm workers. I can’t wait to get hands on a few more of these. I am thinking that a little age on these might make them even better. Whether you are going to set some aside or smoke them now, give the Nica Rustica a try.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.