Cigar Info
In 2018, Drew Estate came out with a value-priced, mixed-filler bundle line called Drew Estate Factory Smokes. It was released in four wrapper options, Sweet (Habano), Maduro, Connecticut Shade, and Sun Grown. Today we are reviewing the Drew Estate Factory Smokes Connecticut Shade Toro. Drew Estate was not previously known for making inexpensive cigars, and has always been publicly opposed to the idea of selling “seconds.” The Factory Smokes are not seconds, they are a new blend specifically created to utilize the mixed filler available at the factory. They are rolled along side the same cigars as their premium lines by the same rollers.
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 Drew Estate Factory Smokes Connecticut Shade uses a Connecticut Shade Grown wrapper, with Indonesian Binder and filler. It comes in four sizes, all in 25 count bundles. Robusto 5 x 54 MSRP $1.60, Churchill 7 x 50 MSRP $1.80, Toro 6 x 52 MSRP $1.68, and Gordito 6 x 60 MSRP $2.08.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Indonesia
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera, Jonathan Drew
Number of reviewers: 5 – Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard) Lauren S. (Lauren S.) Randy B. (randobush) Diana (ArmyRN)
Price: $1.68
Age: 3 Years
Release Date: July 2018
Contributed by: Drew Estate
Initial Impressions – Drew Estate Factory Smokes Connecticut Shade Toro
Appearance: 91
“This 6”x52rg Toro comes with a light-medium tan/brown wrapper, double capped up top, and open foot at the bottom. Firmly packed, tight and nearly invisible seams, and just slightly veiny. No detectable flaws.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Aroma: 88
“The aroma of this cigar is pretty strong getting some coffee and creaminess off this cigar.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
First Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium
“There was a nice cedar flavor that had a mix of orange and graham cracker at the very start of the cigar. As I proceeded, a more buttery note contributed a nice creaminess to the cigar. The finish produces a very pleasant mixture of butter, baking spices, cedar and a hint of orange.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“With the retrohale, I’m getting the flavor leftover milk in the bottom of the cereal bowl, after eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Nice and even burn, at the 1” mark. This cigar is starting out mild-medium, good smoke output, fantastic draw, perfect for the morning smoke with black coffee.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Second Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The blend is beginning to hit its sweet spot. A woody flavor, in my head I’m seeing a white wood, along with both white and green pepper hints that are more prominent in the retrohale. The floral notes are still sneaking in every few puffs.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“The cigar transition away from the creaminess but continues with the crispiness of green vegetables with that green pepper taste. A strong black pepper flavor has come in which was a pleasant and cool transition to this lighter smoke. The smoke output from this cigar has picked up as well.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
Final Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The black tea and pepper lasted throughout, the sweetness dissipated” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“The flavor of this cigar has continued with light crispiness of green vegetables with strong green pepper through the whole thing and into the final third. The black pepper spice has toned down and is just very light and mild.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
Overall Impressions – Drew Estate Factory Smokes Connecticut Shade Toro
Draw: 93
“Nice draw that remained consistent. I used a straight cut and the cigar produced a fair amount of smoke which never varied. Easy to smoke throughout.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Burn: 91
“There was a very nice dark burn line that was fairly even for the duration of the smoking experience. I did not have to touch up the cigar at all and the ash held on very well. I finally tapped after about 1 1/2 inches so that I wouldn’t accidentally drop it on my lap. That continued through the entire smoke. The ash appeared compact. This cigar was “maintenance-free.”” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Construction: 90
“On appearance, there was an area I was concerned about with the wrapper looking kind of loose this was not an issue and the construction had no issues during the smoke and was really well made.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
Overall Strength: Mild-Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 90
“Overall this was a light smoke with a lot of flavor of cream, green vegetables(fresh green pepper) through the entire cigar. There was some transition with black pepper coming in at the middle pretty intense then backing off in just mild black pepper spice in the end. This smoke based on appearance was very surprising and enjoyable. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
“A decent mild smoke with a good balance of flavors, great draw and burn” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“Overall this is a very enjoyable morning cigar. Just enough complexity and spice to wake you up for your day, but a nice cool floral and woodsy flavor that would pair well with a morning coffee. Though the visual look of the cigar leaves much to be desired, the flavor is very solid and worth revisiting. You also could not ask for much more from the construction or burn. ” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“This cigar is perfect for someone. It just wasn’t for me, as the mild-medium body, strength, and flavors are just not in my wheelhouse. Good for a golf course smoke though, as the construction, draw, and smoke output was noticeably good. ” –Randy B. (randobush)
“I numbed this cigar. This would fit into my breakfast cigar, lunch cigar, or last cigar of the day category. Providing a lighter smoking experience that has enough flavor to keep me interested and palette happy. Paired with some nice coffee it would definitely make it into my humidor.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 73
| Reviewer | Appear. | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall Experience |
| Chad M. | 85 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| Joseph S. | 90 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 88 | 92 | 90 | 88 | 90 |
| Lauren S. | 90 | 87 | 87 | 92 | 90 | 97 | 97 | 92 | 92 |
| Randy B. | 92 | 87 | 87 | 85 | 88 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 88 |
| Diana | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.