HOW TO CHOOSE, SMOKE & TASTE NOTES IN A CIGAR WITH WILLY HERRERA

To guide you, we’ve tapped into the expertise of Willy Herrera, Drew Estate’s Master Blender, known for his craftsmanship behind some of the world’s most iconic cigars. Here, Willy shares timeless advice to help you enjoy every step of your cigar journey.

When selecting a cigar, your personal preferences should guide the way. Think of cigar selection like choosing wine, coffee, or spirits. There’s no single right answer, only the right cigar for your moment.

Some cigars are crafted with sweet or aromatic notes, while others lean more traditional, earthy, spicy, or bold. For example, Drew Estate’s Tabak Especial features a richly aromatic profile with natural sweetness, while blends like Undercrown Shade or 20 Acre Farm offer creamy, balanced complexity.

If you’re craving depth and richness, a more full-bodied blend like Liga Privada H99 delivers bold, layered flavors. The beauty lies in the variety. Try different styles, take notes, and discover what resonates with your palate.

Cigars are often categorized by body, which refers to intensity of flavor and strength:

• Mild to Medium: Smooth and nuanced, often with creamy or nutty notes
• Medium to Full: Richer and more complex, with spice, cocoa, or earth
• Full-Bodied: Bold and assertive, with deep flavor structure and strength

Willy’s Advice:

The size and shape of a cigar affect both flavor and smoking duration. Your schedule, and your setting, matter.

Corona or Robusto: These compact formats typically offer a 30 to 45-minute smoke, ideal for quick breaks or pre-dinner enjoyment.

Toro or Churchill: Larger cigars deliver extended sessions, perfect for evenings on the patio, after-dinner conversation, or quiet reflection.

Willy’s Advice:

Enjoying a cigar isn’t about puffing away. It’s about pacing, presence, and technique. Here’s how to get the most out of each session:

Use a quality cigar cutter and remove just the cap. Cutting too deeply can cause unraveling. Too shallow and the draw may be restricted.

Hold the cigar above the flame, not in it, and rotate slowly to toast the foot. This ensures an even burn and avoids charring the tobacco.

Take slow, steady draws into your mouth. Let the smoke linger on your palate so you can taste the blend’s full profile. Cigar enjoyment comes from tasting, not inhaling.

One of the most common mistakes is smoking too quickly. Puffing too fast overheats the cigar, resulting in bitterness and masking the more subtle notes.

• Each puff reveals evolving notes like cedar, spice, cocoa, and earth if you give them time to develop
• A slower pace helps maintain an even burn and balanced temperature
• Taking your time makes the experience more relaxing and intentional

Willy’s Advice:

Cigar smoking has a rhythm and respect that makes it feel special. A few simple habits can elevate your experience.

When you’re finished, set the cigar in the ashtray and allow it to go out naturally. There’s no need for a dramatic ending. The experience speaks for itself.

If a cigar doesn’t feel right in the moment, or just not hitting the way you’d hoped set it aside. Exploring cigars is a journey. Over time, you’ll build a deeper understanding of your personal preferences.

Cigar smoking isn’t about how much you know. It’s about how much you enjoy. Every cigar has a story, a blend, and a moment it’s meant for. Whether you’re relaxing solo or catching up with friends, slowing down and savoring your cigar is what makes it memorable.

As Willy Herrera puts it:

At Drew Estate, we don’t just make cigars; we craft experiences. From our bold Liga Privada to the sweet and savory infused flavors of ACID, every cigar tells a story. And just like lighting your cigar, we believe every part of that story is meaningful. So grab your favorite Drew Estate, follow these steps, and light up the right way. Because every great smoke begins with the perfect light.