It's been quite some time since I discussed an infused cigar. Many refer to these as "flavored," but don't let Jonathan Drew, of Drew Estate fame, hear you say that. He is the maker of the best selling premium flavored cigars in the world, and he definitely doesn't want anyone confusing his hand rolled cigars with the mass produced varieties one often finds on the counters of convenience stores. The process in which Mr. Drew uses to infuse flavor in the cigars is a closely guarded secret, so I can't go into detail on the how it's made. We will just focus on the flavor of one particular stick, the Tabak Especial Negra.

If you love coffee then this is definitely one for you. Now normally I enjoy a cup of Joe with a morning cigar but in the case of the Tabak Especial, you can skip the mug and just light up. As a matter of fact as I smoked the cigar for this blog, I enjoyed a glass of Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream. I guess it is sort of a back woods version of Baileys. I must say it goes quite nicely with the cigar.

Of course, there is no need for any additional sweetness when it comes to the Tabak Especial Negra. It will take all of about one second for you to taste that sweet cocoa and coffee after the wrapper touches your lips.

Speaking of the wrapper it is Connecticut Broadleaf. It's a wonderful maduro wrapper with its signature dark and oily sheen. The filler is Nicarguan--as is the coffee that is used to infuse the cigar.

I get rich espresso coffee flavor, as bold as the cafe negra that the locals drink throughout the country. The cocoa is there as well providing a very pleasant sweetness that isn't too much on the palate.

As I have stated many times, infused cigars are something I don't normally smoke, but I do enjoy them on occasion. They definitely have an important place in the market. They are perfect for new smokers or even non-cigar smokers who don't want to feel left out when they are hanging with the fellas. I always have one with me when a play golf. There is always a chance some guy or gal in my foursome doesn't usually smoke cigars and are looking for something pleasant.

I would classify the Tabak Especial Negra as a medium bodied smoke, while it's cousin, the Dulce, incorporating a Connecticut Shade wrapper, comes in on the mild side.

I really enjoyed this cigar from beginning to end, occasionally taking a break to swallow a few sips of Irish cream. The has to be one of the best cigar-beverage pairings I have ever done. Whether you have it with a cocktail or just an after dinner smoke alone, give the Tabak Especial from Drew Estate a shot. This is definitely one infused cigar that will always have a place in my humidor. After you give it a try I am certain that you will make room in yours. 

Long Ashes,

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