Cigar Info
In 2015, Drew Estate added the Herrera Esteli | Toro Especial Tubo in the 6” x 52 Toro size (MSRP $11.50) to the Herrera Estelí line, presented in 10-count boxes. This new packaging option will began shipping to DDRP retailers in October 2015.
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.
Unlike the original Herrera Esteli line, which is made at the Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, Norteño is produced in the Joya de Nicaragua factory. The blend features a dark, Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder and Nicaraguan filler. The Norteño portfolio doesn’t include any cigars with ring gauges larger than 52. Vitolas start at 4 inches by 42 ring and gradually continue at 5 1/2 by 44, 4 3/4 by 48, a 5 by 50 (belicoso), 6 by 50 and 6 by 52. All sizes are pressed.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
Number of reviewers: 4 – Gregg (McGreggor57) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Kent (Throck) Sandeep (Djangos)
Price: $9.50
Age: 1 Year
Release Date: July 2015
Contributed by: Drew Estate
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 90
“The cigar is quite well made with a smooth wrapper albeit with a few prominent veins. The wrapper is light brown in color and with no blemishes to the surface. There are three well applied caps. Toro size and firm to the touch.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Aroma: 90
“There is a little leather on the wrapper that mixes with some cedar at the foot. The cold draw is predominately cedar.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
First Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“This cigar starts just north of medium in strength with a nice taste of pepper and cedar. As the spice fades coffee and leather become noticeable in the background. Well balanced and full of flavor.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“The initial third starts off with a blast of pepper that is quite strong for about a half inch after which it decreases in intensity. At this time more spice is apparent the prominent being cinnamon and nutmeg. There is a slight leather in the background as well as a cedar like woodsiness. Quite complex in the initial third. No issues with the burn or the draw. The ash is flaky and holds less than an inch before falling off. Great start.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Second Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“A nice mix of cocoa and coffee help temper the cedar, An occasional bit of orange zest joins the leather in the background creating an interesting combination of flavors.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“There were no real changes in the flavor profile. The cigar burn began running and needed a few touchups. The retrohale was still cool with a nice white pepper finish. This was a good compliment to the leather from the draw.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Final Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Pepper returns and really highlights the citrus notes. While cedar remains front and center there are still traces of coffee, cocoa and leather. A little bite shows up again on the retrohale.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“The final third brings back the pepper that increases in intensity towards the end of the third. The other prominent flavors are that of leather and cedar as well as tobacco. There is a definite nic kick towards the middle of this third till the very end. Once again no issues with the burn or the draw. Overall a great experience.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 90
“The draw seemed a little plugged on this cigar. Not to bad, but a constant need for attention had to be paid to the draw and upkeep of this cigar.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Burn: 87
“The burn was decent. There was some runoffs from time to time and a lot of touchups were needed during the second third. The final third held strong to the end.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 91
“A couple of draw and burn issues. While they weren’t a big deal, they should be noted.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 90
“This cigar offered up a nice balanced mix of cedar and coffee throughout. Some cocoa, orange zest and leather kept me engaged while the bookend pepper was a nice addition. Maybe not a special occasion smoke, it’s certainly one to keep on hand.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“Overall, I was not to impressed by this stick. The cigar profile started great, but never fully developed. The build was subpar with the crack and the cap. The aroma started great and finished with a strong cigar smoke odor. Maybe some rest needed, maybe just how it is.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“I enjoyed this cigar. It was nothing special, but I would mind smoking it again especially on the golf course when I was trying to wrap my mind around a more complex stick.” –Kent (Throck)
“Overall a great experience with a lot of complexity as well as desirable flavors. People who like strong cigars will also be pleasantly surprised. Will definitely order more.” –Sandeep (Djangos)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 67
|
Reviewer
|
Appearance
|
Aroma
|
1/3
|
2/3
|
3/3
|
Draw
|
Burn
|
Constr.
|
Overall
Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregg | 90 | 90 | 95 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 87 | 88 | 90 |
| Steve | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 87 | 88 | 88 |
| Kent | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 92 | 85 | 95 | 90 |
| Sandeep | 90 | 95 | 95 | 90 | 90 | 92 | 97 | 95 | 90 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.