Herrera Esteli TAA Exclusive From Drew Estate

According to Willy Herrera, master blender for Drew Estate, this TAA Exclusive is "spicy, meaty and rich:" What a perfect description of a great cigar. Read on to see what I found.

Quick Details

Size: 6 x 52
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Nicaraguan

This beauty starts off with an oily, and I do mean oily, Colorado Maduro colored wrapper. It's probably the oiliest cigar I've smoked and that's pretty sweet. Besides the oil sheen, the wrapper is seamless and contains only the finest of veins.

From the cold foot there are rich, sweet aromas of fruity fermented tobacco that will get your senses rocking. After clipping the tight triple cap the cold draw is free, with notes of sweet and spicy fruit while the wrapper leaves behind a spicy after taste on the lips.

After toasting and lighting the foot, the first puffs are medium bodied and full flavored with sweet notes of brown sugar, spice and stone fruit.

As the razor sharp burn progresses toward the mid point it leaves behind a firm white ash while other flavor nuances of earth and leather join the mix while the spice builds a bit more.

In the second half the body moves into the medium/full range as spicy caramel and a hint of oak become the predominant flavors. Don't worry though, there's still a nice sweetness underneath. There's also a deep oily ring on the wrapper just ahead of the burn.

Nearing the final third the strength build and this cigar finishes as full bodied. Along with the nice burn and strength changes in the final third there's another flavor shift. The cigar has a long finish with flavors of sweet caramel, oak and nuts.

Overall I thought this TAA Exclusive was an amazing cigar. The progressive strength characteristics along with the great burn and complex flavors were impressive. If you get a chance to smoke this cigar, don't pass it up!

Rated 96