Puros Huerfanos by Drew Estate Cigar Review

Puros Huerfanos - Best Cigar

Several friends recommended Drew Estate Puros Huérfanos to me, so I picked up two bundles last week. No regrets. It has definitely made its way into the list of my favorites. It actually took our top spot on the best cigars of 2021 list. Now, whenever I’m looking for a hearty cigar to satisfy me at the end of a hard work week, Puros Huérfanos is most definitely my go-to.

Pull of Cigar

This budget-focused orphan cigar comes in seven different sizes and retails for only $4.50. It features an Ecuador Habano wrapper covering an Indonesian binder and firm proprietary fillers throughout the stick. It has great sharp lines, no ridges, and little curvature. It was a bit soft and spongy towards the foot, but, other than that, this was a wonderfully constructed cigar. There were a few thin stems in the wrapper that posed no threat to the burn. The cut is easy and creates no cracks or unraveling.

Out of all its varieties, my personal favorite is the Toro. The cold draw greets you with a wonderful sweet mix of cured tobacco and Newton Figs, slowly revealing more toasty pepper and wood, just as it smelled. It does take a little longer to fully light the foot. I try and make sure I don’t over-torch this delightful cigar.

Taste

It starts with a thrash of strong pepper, not stronger than I have experienced, just a blast that showcased what the taste truly was about. Soon after, the pepper mellowed just a bit, and an earthy, almost malty sweetness came in strong and fast. It has a fuller-bodied smoke — extremely smooth, flavorful with a sensation of spice and subtle notes of honey. It’s rich, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. I have never smoked a Puros Huérfanos cigar that has been less than amazing. 

Around the second third, a sweet and grassy taste was coming in on my flank; it swam off quickly but left a subtle hint of saltiness as it progresses. This reminds me of a dark chocolate bar with a touch of sea salt and a hint of spice. The initial ash lasts about an inch after each thump, consistently tight and almost white in color.

The initial spice wanes during the second third but comes back in spurts during the final third. The salty and sweet flavors incredibly complement each other and create a creamy aftertaste. The last 1.5 inches start to get slightly warm, but not too bad. At times, I do have to peel the band off, and it can also be more difficult to keep it well-lit at the end.

Two packs of Puro Huerfano cigars

Overall Review of Drew Estate Puros Huerfanos

Overall, the Drew Estate Puros Huérfanos is a perfect cigar worth way more than its price. The transitioning and blending of flavors provide a wonderful smoking experience from start to finish. Puros Huérfanos blew me away. I have tried many bundle cigars in my quest to find an inexpensive everyday type of cigar. 

Drew Estate Puros Huérfanos, with prices at $4.50 or lower per stick, is such a hidden gem. A reliable cigar to come back every once in a while. It earns an 85 rating from me. They are not the best cigars out of Nicaragua by a long way, but to me, they are probably the best value. It’s most definitely something I could turn to for an impressive but inexpensive smoke.

Other Cigars Reviews

Other Drew Estate Cigar Reviews

Florida Sun Grown By Drew Estate

Florida Sun Grown by Drew Estate cigars uses tobacco that comes from Clermont, Florida. It is so rare that it is integrated as accent tobacco among all the aged Nicaraguan fillers with Habano Honduran binder along with a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper. This is a sun-grown Corojo 99 which is superbly tasty and limited. It derives its unique flavors from the sandy soil of Florida. FSG has a unique sweet spice and a depth that you would not mind dying for.

Herrera Esteli Miami Toro

Initially limited in availability, the Herrera Esteli Miami Toro Especial has now been launched nationwide as an extension of the original Herrera Esteli line by Drew Estate, crafted by Willy Herrera. Produced at the renowned El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami’s Little Havana, the cigar features a unique entubado rolling style typical of Cuba, executed by expert level 9 rollers. This Toro is notable for its blend of flavors, including chocolate, cedar, almonds, and citrus, encased in an attractive reddish-brown Ecuadorian wrapper with binder and filler tobacco from three different countries, offering a medium to full-bodied smoking experience. After receiving a remarkable 93 points from Cigar Aficionado for its rich, complex profile, the Herrera Esteli Miami has been rebranded with a black and gold-tone and is distributed exclusively to Drew Diplomat Retailers in 5 vitolas, underscoring the positive review of Herrera Esteli Miami Toro.

Other Nicaraguan Cigar Reviews

CAO Mx2 Robusto

The CAO Mx2 Robusto, notable for its double Maduro wrappers, initially promises a rich blend of flavors, including coffee, earth, and later, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and leather. However, the smoking experience is significantly marred by construction issues, including a peeling wrapper, multiple relights, and an uneven burn, overshadowing its robust flavor profile. Despite its satisfactory smoke output and intriguing flavor transitions, the cigar’s poor construction and the need for frequent relighting culminate in a disappointing experience, especially considering the high standards typically associated with CAO cigars. This experience ultimately suggests that while the CAO Mx2 Robusto offers standard Maduro flavors, its structural shortcomings significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

Brick House Fumas Robusto

The Brick House Fumas Robusto cigar, renowned for its medium-bodied profile with flavors of chocolate and nuts, is an affordable option within the esteemed Brick House brand, known for exceptional quality and distinct flavors. However, the smoking experience is marred by issues such as a tight draw and uneven burn, and the flavor, while consistent, lacks transition and peak richness, rendering the experience somewhat monotonous. While the cigar’s cost reflects its quality, making it a reasonable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option, it falls short of the expectations set by the Brick House label, leading to doubts about future purchases despite its bargain price. This feedback culminates in a mixed review of Brick House Fumas Robusto, suggesting that while affordable, there might be better value options elsewhere in the budget cigar market.

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Maria Morales

Maria Morales