Vitals
New World
Grown and blended outside Cuba — Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ecuador and beyond. New World makers have redefined premium cigar-making with bold innovation and diverse microclimates.
Leaf Composition
Growing Region — Jalapa Valley
Nuanced, sweet leaf with fine texture; less body and spice than Estelí
High-altitude Nicaraguan valley prized for nuanced, sweeter leaf with less body than Estelí. Used by Oliva (Melanio), Padrón, My Father, and many boutique brands. The elevation and volcanic soils produce a distinct terroir impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Flavour Profile
producer baselineThe Brand
Founded 1996 by Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel. Creator of ACID infused cigars (1999). Liga Privada — the prestige line — blended by Willy Herrera.
Acquired by Swisher International
Swisher International acquires Drew Estate for a reported $100 million. Jonathan Drew remains as creative director. Liga Privada, ACID, and other lines continue with the same teams and tobaccos.
ACID launches — infused category created
Jonathan Drew introduces ACID cigars, infused with 150+ essential oils and botanicals. The line becomes one of the most divisive and successful in the industry — converting millions of non-cigar-smokers and infuriating traditionalists. ACID proves that the cigar industry can have a counterculture.
Founded in New York by Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel
Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel start Drew Estate with an unconventional vision — cigars for people who don't think they like cigars. Beginning in New York, production soon moves to Nicaragua.
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