Drew Estate Nica Rustica El Brujito – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Earlier this year, Drew Estate re-branded and relaunched the affordable but sophisticated Nica Rustica brand. The idea behind the brand is a tribute to the people of Estelí, Nicaragua. It was originally launched in 2013 but company president Jonathan Drew felt that the old branding didn’t do it justice. The new design was created by Subculture Studios’ lead artist Richard “Dog” Diaz, and celebrates La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate and the dedicated workforce. Now the original blend is called the Nica Rustica Broadleaf Selection, implying that there may be more blends to come in the future.

Graffiti artist Diaz drew his inspiration from the colorful colonial houses that make up Estelí’s lively, winding street barrios. Drew Estate has replaced the original Nica Rustica‘s black-bundle packaging with new wooden boxes that have Diaz’s artwork. The “El Brujito” image of a shaman (or witch doctor) that was carved in stone by Pre-Colombian indigenous folk living near Estelí more than 6,000 years ago is retained in some parts of the presentation, but respectfully minimized in the new rendition.El Brujito was also the name of the original only size, a 6 x 52 toro.

The blend is the same as the original including a Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Medium wrapper, Mexican San Andres Negro binder, and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa. The new look started to ship in July and comes in three sizes: Belly (7 1⁄2 x 54, Belicoso) $6.48, El Brujito (6 x 52, Toro) $5.76, and Short Robusto (4 1⁄2 x 50) $5.04. Each comes in 25-count boxes now as opposed to the original black bundles.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Jonathan Drew and WIlly Herrera
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) John A. (Bostoneo) Alan (Eulogy) Doug S. (Unpossible_1) Mickey T. (irratebass)
Price: $5.76
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: 2013
Contributed by: Drew Estate

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“Toro in size with a very dark wrapper with a closed foot that has visible seams, but no veins.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Aroma: 91

“Scents of barnyard, fresh leather, cocoa, and coffee waft off this cigar while cold draw notes of smoky earthiness, baking spices, and unsweetened cream provide for a different profile from what I am used to.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Upon lighting up I am greeted with a pleasant floral aroma and flavors in a medium-bodied format. Moving past the burn-in period, as a bright white ash forms, this profile morphs into a sweetened hay-like profile with complimenting notes of biscuit, floral, vanilla and oak dominate. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Very smooth profile still about medium in strength. Earth and campfire the only detectable notes. Draw and burn are good so far. A good balanced profile just very simple and lacking character. Be a good first stick of the day. A little molasses sneaking in but is here and gone very quickly.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Second Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“There’s a richness to the tobacco that almost reminds me of semi-sweet Virginia with its bready and hay notes. Baking spice and red pepper are still very present as with most of the other flavors from the previous third. There’s a new flavor of grain that reminds me of popcorn due to the very oily draw and an occasional hit of fresh-cut pine. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Mostly sweet tobaccos on this third, but very smooth and mild. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Final Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“Still smooth campfire so very consistent. I really give props on the balance burn and draw. Just feels like the profile is

missing a few things. An ok smoke though.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The profile starts to taper off, which is a bit of disappointment. It leaves me mostly with some leather and a touch of cocoa. ” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“Another win for the v-cut, as the resistance is right where it needs to be.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Burn: 88

“I had no issues with the burn, and no touch-ups were required until the end. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Construction: 89

“Some burn issues aside, construction seems to hold up well.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 87

“I really give props on the balance burn and draw. Just feels like the profile is missing a few things. An alright stick not bad but nothing special.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The wrapper on this cigar fooled me. I thought going in it would be a full-bodied experience the whole way, instead, I was greeted with great floral, hay, vanilla, and oak notes. Moving further into the cigar it remains constant and unchanging, providing a linear experience the whole time. While this cigar may provide a change from the ordinary, it was quite unique and tasty. The only beef I had was with construction issues affecting burn and draws. Give it a go!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“From start to finish this was a winner. The flair from the pit tail cap and loose foot make it look like a special cigar. The flavors were bold and kept me interested the entire time even if it did fall a bit flat at the end. If you’re a fan of chewy smoke and rich earthy notes, buy these.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“This was definitely a cigar that had my attention, especially for the first half. I really enjoyed the back and forth I was getting with the chewy smoked meats and the sweet plums. I’d really like to revisit this and try it with a couple of different drink pairings, especially something like a Sherry finished bourbon.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“This was a decent cigar. There was a lot of smoke with this cigar. There was quite a bit of sweetness throughout, but it didn’t wow me. I enjoyed it enough with the flavors of toffee, coffee, and sweet tobacco, but probably would not seek these out. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 117

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Drew Estate Nica Rustica El Brujito – Blind Cigar Review