When it comes to Acid cigars, there are some mixed reviews since it’s an infused cigar. This is not an everyday cigar that pairs well with morning coffee or tea. Yet, when I decided to try Acid Subculture Progeny from Drew Estate, I didn’t go in with very high expectations, but I was proven wrong. It is a very good cigar. My expectations weren’t low because Drew Estate isn’t a good brand, on the contrary making specialty cigars with different blends and unique infusions is squarely their territory. This is a special smoke that is either going to leave a strong, positive, impression or the opposite.
I had heard from a friend who loves Acid cigars that this is a great cigar that can be a regular favorite, and at a price point a little over $5, it was worth a try.
The Acid line of Drew Estate isn’t a favorite go-to cigar for a majority of enthusiasts. This is a cigar that is sold only by a few retailers selected by Drew Estate. However, it has a following among some connoisseurs, so that’s another reason to give it a shot. This might also be a little experimental for some, but we will see. It’s smooth smoke with many new flavors and some different spices make it a noteworthy cigar
| Wrapper Origin: Mexico | Shape: Corona |
| Length: 5.5 | Ring: 46 |
| Wrapper: San Andres | List Price: $152 (Box of 24) |
| Origin: Nicaragua | Strength: Medium |
Pull of Cigar
At 5 ½ by 46, the Acid Subculture Progeny is good for a little over an hour of smoke. This is not bad for a USD 5 cigar which offers new flavors as well. It is covered with a Mexican San Andres wrapper, while the filler and binder are undisclosed.
As expected from an aromatic cigar, this Acid cigar brought pleasant aromas worth appreciating. There is no sudden burst, but the fragrance does envelope the cigar, and you can sense it before the cold draw. That is most probably the impressive effect of an additional year of aging for the cigar. The infusion process is a secret, but this one might have taken extra time to cure.
The cold draw did not stand out, but there are scents in there that are reserved for discerning senses. I sensed some herbs and berries. Right away, I felt this is an off-the-beaten-track kind of infusion. This was an unusual combination to put together. Combining herbs and berries, for me, is something akin to a cold coffee infusion where the herbs serve to tone down the flavor while the berries excite the palate but in a discreet sort of way.
The build of the cigar is of moderate to high quality. Although there are veins on the wrapper, it held pretty well with a roll and a texture that you can press with a comfortable amount of pressure.
Taste
The herbs were medium in the first thirds of the smoke. The sweetness was mild, and so this was a comfortable start. My first few puffs did not serve to increase the sweetness, and it did start to expose some earthy flavors that matched well with the aroma. The herbs were kicking in one by one, with the clove the strongest, and a little bit of cinnamon. I noticed that it was burning pretty evenly, around the cigar the lining of the burned area was a solid, clear line showing the evidence of the nicotine and herbs. The ash of the cigar was also burning slowly; it was slightly incandescent so you can sense the aroma with greater texture.
The second third was slightly different from the first third. As the herbs, cinnamon, and pine were felt, I smoked the build-up of some bitterness that was exposing the flavors of the fillers of the cigar. Again, this was probably because of the additional year of aging, which is my guess. The reason that I think of it this way is that the bitterness was coming from a certain depth of the cigar, and it was alternating some of the herbal and earthy flavors. There is almost nothing mild in the sweetness left from the first thirds.
The final third is one to remember. This was by far the best, as the heat from the excellent burn was creating a strong effect to go along with some peppery flavor.
Overall
Although the main effect of the cigar was felt mostly in the end, the aroma of the cigar also made an impression. It was a good hour of smoke that builds up until the final third. If you are a fan of aromatic cigars, this one is worth a try. Good value for a medium-bodied cigar, with enough kick and variety that you enjoy to the end. I recommend this to anyone who would want an alternative to your usual go-to cigars. For me, this is great for an outdoor camp. You can also pair this with an outdoor barbecue session with some light beer. I give it an 84.
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Isla Del Sol Toro
The Isla Del Sol Toro is an infused cigar that promises a rich, hour-long smoking journey, beginning with its earthy-toned Maduro wrapper and unfolding through mellow, yet robust flavors. Its distinctive blend features the renowned Sumatran Mandheling beans, introducing an earthy touch without acidity, while the Nicaraguan filler enhances the experience with mild syrupy notes, ideal for a dessert smoke. The unique fusion of flavors includes hints of lo-fi jazz, Nicaraguan spice, cherry undertones, and a candy-like sweetness, all harmonized by the cigar’s sweet cap and the earthy essence of its Sumatran leaf wrapper. The smoking session culminates in a surge of Sumatran coffee ecstasy, concluding with relaxing, chocolatey hints and a smooth finish. This review of Isla Del Sol Toro underscores its impeccable balance of coffee notes and sweetness, all offered at an excellent value.
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Liga Undercrown Sun Grown
Willy Herrera’s masterful blending skills shine in the Liga Undercrown Sungrown Gran Toro, a premium cigar that boasts a harmonious blend of fruity and spicy notes, underscored by earthy leathery undertones. This six-inch cigar promises a lengthy and satisfying smoking session, perfect for special occasions and potentially paired with a smooth whisky. Despite needing occasional touch-ups due to construction, it doesn’t compromise the overall quality, delivering a full-flavored experience with medium to strong profile and body. The cigar’s complex flavor palette, marked by notes of cinnamon, earthy chocolate, and cocoa, pleases aficionados, particularly during the smooth second third and the more robust final phase where leather and tobacco prevail. This review of Liga Undercrown Sun Grown underscores its suitability for those who appreciate a sweet, fruity profile balanced with medium peppery notes, rewarding the smoker with a rich, long-lasting finish and a score of 89.
CAO Pilon Robusto Extra
The CAO Pilon Robusto Extra, meticulously crafted by master blenders Agustin Garcia and Rick Rodriguez, employs a traditional Cuban pilon fermentation technique, promising deep colors and complex flavors. This cigar, renowned for its quality and having been named “Cigar of the Year” by L’Amateur de Cigare, features a shiny Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. Its flavor profile surprises with a sweet fusion of tobacco and cocoa, complemented by notes of vanilla, wood, cedar, and a hint of spicy black pepper. As the smoke progresses, it introduces a tart punch of green grapes and gingerbread-like nuances, eventually increasing in strength and offering a savory, balanced blend in its final third. Despite slightly flaky ash, its burn is mostly even, requiring minimal relights, and its rich, billowy smoke makes it an ideal companion for leisurely moments. This review of the CAO Pilon Robusto Extra concludes with a high recommendation, underscored by a 90-point rating, for its smooth transitions, impeccable balance, and reasonable price point.
