Herrera Esteli by Drew Estate Habano

The Herrera Esteli Habano was Willy Herrera’s first release at Drew Estate, and the one that he had to have known would help him make his mark. Everything was...

The Herrera Esteli Habano was Willy Herrera’s first release at Drew Estate, and the one that he had to have known would help him make his mark. Everything was riding on that first blend, which would make or break him. A flop might have put him on track for obscurity. Suffice to say, however, he nailed it! With a 94 rating and the honor of being Cigar Aficionado’s #8 Cigar of 2013, the Herrera Esteli cigar line was launched not like a canoe sliding into the water, but more like a firework being sent up into the summer night sky to explode and dazzle the crowd.

Here we are, still reeling. This is an excellent smoke.

Mr. Herrera was brought into Drew Estate with the mandate of making any blend he could dream up, so long as it was excellent. The tobacco vaults were wide open to him. The real problem was making selections. He was also known for having a heavy Cubanesque style, so smokers were expecting to get a stick that’s close to those from one of the original motherland. After extensive experimentation and testing, he found a blend that was undeniably great. Through confirmation with his fellow smoke hounds at the company, he knew he had put together a smoke that would finally bear his name.

Back then, it was just called the “Herrera Esteli.” Now it’s called the Herrera Esteli Habano, as other fantastic blends have joined the sub-label.

For the cigar itself, Nicaraguan filler inside is bunched up using the entubado method so popular in Cuba. Then there’s a Honduran leaf for the binder, and after that comes the piece de resistance, a lavish Ecuador Habano wrapper that was chosen with perfect taste. The resulting medium to full-bodied smoke is balanced and interesting, showing notes of white pepper, earth, cedar, and sweet cream. Then there’s the finish, which plays out like the final notes of an exquisite solo. There’s no doubt: Willy Herrera is a master blender, and this is one of his first masterpieces. From now on, whatever he puts out, we’re lighting up at least once.

Please browse our selection of Herrera Esteli Habano cigars.

Herrera Esteli by Drew Estate Habano FAQ's

What are the flavors like?

White pepper, earth, cedar, sweet cream, and a lingering finish.
What’s the strength level?

Medium Bodied.
Who is this cigar for?

People who want a premium Cubanesque blend from a super skilled blender.
Will I want to smoke it to the nub?

You can’t deny the Herrera Esteli Habano cigar, so don’t even try.
What’s a good pairing with it?

Amazingly, Willy himself uses Diet Coke, but that’s just because he needs palate cleansers to do his work. We’re in the mood for an island rum with this one like the Real McCoy 12 Year Single Blended rum. It’s got some spice notes that should marry well with the flavors of the smoke.
What’s the best time/place to smoke this cigar?

When you’re off to an amazing start at something. Or at least, you hope to be.
Any flaws/downsides?

Some say the glory days of this blend are behind us, but we’re still finding it to be consistently enjoyable.

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Herrera Esteli by Drew Estate Habano FAQ's

What are the flavors like?

What’s the strength level?

Who is this cigar for?

Will I want to smoke it to the nub?

What’s a good pairing with it?

What’s the best time/place to smoke this cigar?

Any flaws/downsides?