This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
The Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro blend uses a Plantation Grown Mata Fina wrapper, Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf binder, and fillers from Nicaragua. Like all other Herrera Esteli, the Brazilian Maduro is rolled at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate and was blended by Willy Herrera. It comes in 5 sizes: Robusto Grande 5 ¼ x 52, Toro Especial 6 x 52, Lonsdale 6 x 44, Piramide Fino 6 x 52, and Short Corona Gorda 5 7/8 x 46. All comes in boxes of 25 and prices range from $204 to $270.
Flavor: 88 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Cold draw gives me tea, wood, baking spices & salt. This is definitely NOT smoking like the powerhouse that I thought it would be. The cigar is giving me cream and walnut flavors…I think there is some coffee hiding back there, but it’s shy and not comfortable with me yet.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Draw is wide open just the way I like it. Honestly with the cold draw being so spicy, I thought the cigar would have more spice but it is very smooth. Cigar has a strange profile I haven’t smoked many cigars with a combination like this. Very strong espresso with bread and a cashew sweetness/thickness that is barely detectable because there is also a walnut wood that is stronger that covers it up. Pretty good just a strange combination.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Second Third
Flavor: 90 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Profile becomes more smooth and less bitter. Espresso still with us. Walnut wood isn’t as strong as before but still there. Burn hasn’t needed any corrections.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“The second portion of this cigar has a continuance of the excellent initial flavors and the addition of freshly cracked black pepper and espresso… the strength has increased a bit a week and is predominantly stronger through the nose. There is no apparent nicotine kick at this point, just wonderfully rich and full tobacco.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Final Third
Flavor: 86 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Light-Medium
“The walnut note takes over completely and remains the single note that is produced for the last third.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“Again no flavor change, and the coffee flavor never did come out to greet me…..sad panda. The cigar is giving me a bit of a nic kick here in the final few mins. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Draw was just how I liked it…open with a tiny bit of resistance. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Burn: 93
“While not razor sharp, the burn on this sample was really nice and slow enough to ensure plenty of time to enjoy this premium cigar. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Construction: 88
“Pretty good & tight construction. Cigar gave me about 1/4 of an inch each time, and burned cool ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 88
“With the unique profile, I would smoke this cigar many times over.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“I enjoyed the cigar.There wasn’t much in the flavor department, but what flavors it gave were consistent. This is a cigar to smoke and not think about what you’re smoking. I probably would not seek these out. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“I had high hopes for this smoke. Construction and burning qualities were absolutely top notch, however the flavor department was forgotten and not included in this stick. Sadly, as beautiful as this sample was, i would not reach for it in the future, and that makes me sad face. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)
“Any experienced cigar smokers should be on the lookout for this cigar. For me, this was a fine specimen in appearance, and was a supreme way to spend 90 minutes of my busy life. I could gladly make this a regular part of my smoking rotation.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
"Any experienced cigar smokers should be on the lookout for this cigar. For me, this was a fine specimen in appearance, and was a supreme way to spend 90 minutes of my busy life. I could gladly make this a regular part of my smoking rotation." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
