HERRERA ESTELI Maduro
Cigar Review: HERRERA ESTELI Maduro BY DREW ESTATe
The Herrera Esteli by Drew Estate is a bold Nicaraguan creation that balances traditional craftsmanship with a modern edge. Designed by master blender Willy Herrera, this cigar showcases the brand’s signature refinement—bringing together strength, pepper, and a slow-burning richness that rewards patience. It’s a cigar built for reflection after a long day, delivering a layered experience that evolves beautifully from start to finish.
Tasting Notes:
First Third: “Very strong and peppery,” the initial draw introduces a rush of bold spice and dense smoke. Black pepper dominates, with undertones of earth and toasted wood forming the backbone of the profile. As one reviewer put it, “the wrapper makes it look like a smooth cigar, but it’s very strong and peppery—definitely not for beginners.”
Second Third: The intensity mellows into a smoother, more refined body. Notes of oak and dry cocoa are reported to develop here however still “some hints of pepper still linger,” offering a well-paced transition from raw power to balanced warmth.
Final Third: The cigar deepens into a rich, harmonious close. The draw reported becomes creamy with subtle espresso and charred oak nuances. “Your nose and lungs get a full flavor experience,” Apaullo smoker noted, describing the finale as an immersive wave of flavor.
Profile:
Full-bodied — powerful yet controlled, with a pepper-forward flavor and a consistent burn.
Origin:
Nicaragua
Wrap-Up:
The Herrera Esteli is not a cigar for the faint of heart—it’s a statement of strength and tradition. With its bold spice, evolving flavor, and slow burn, this stick rewards those who appreciate complexity and craftsmanship. Pair it with a rich whisky or a strong coffee, sit back with friends, and savor the experience.
As Apaullo smoker summed it up perfectly:
“This is one of my favorite sticks to have after a long day of work… I wouldn’t suggest it as your first stick, but once you’ve earned your palate, it’s an easy 8 out of 10.”
