When it comes to flavored cigars it is very hard to say that ACID by Drew Estate is not the best. Tons of smoke, extreme flavor, and a great burn all make each and every cigar unique at top notch. I was impressed when I finally got my hands on the Croqueta for two reasons. This will be the smallest cigar that I have smoked and reviewed. The second and more interesting fact was they came packaged two in a tube. You have to like different and this fit the bill.
STATS:
Profile: Mild
Wrapper: San Andrés Maduro
Shape: Petit Robusto
Length: 2.5 inches
Gauge: 50
Country: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Pricing: (Box of 50) - $210.00
(per tube, 2 in each tube) - $8.50
First Impression:
The size of this cigar was smaller than expected. That isn't really an issue due to ACID leading the way in the world of flavored cigars. I was certain that they packed maximum flavor in this tiny package. It was also very cool that they put two cigars in each cigar tube. I am a long time fan of the ACID brand so my expectations are always very high when it comes to them.
Pre-Smoke Ritual:
I am certain that I wasted way to much time just staring at the tube packed with two cigars. Once I got past that I knew I was smoking them both in the same day for this review. Once the tube was opened I got a good aroma form the tube which was followed up by a slow, long, and deep smell of the wrapper. I let the smell settle in my nostrils then exit before making my cut. The cold draw was flavorful but not as much as expected. I will note that there was sweetness residue left on my lips after the cold draw. Toast and smoke up next.
Lighting, Draw, and Burn:
Lighting was simple. This is such a small stick that how could it not be. It stayed lit for the entire short smoke. The draw was a little tight, but ti was definitely preferred. I did not want a draw that was loose and suck the entire cigar down in two draws. The burn was steady and even. I would like to note that the smoke was pouring out with an ash that was rugged. You could smoke this entire stick while keeping the ash intact.
Flavor:
First I would like to point out that the burst of sweetness I got form the cold draw did not maintain at any point in this smoke. There was sweetness, but not even close to the intensity I tasted pre-light. This cigar stayed fairly steady throughout. I had that minor sweetness. I also was getting a very Earthy flavor that seemed to trump the rest. I also was gathering notes of woody greatness which was very noticeable throughout. I felt in the second third that I was getting a dry leather taste. As the final third rolled through the sweetness had nearly disappeared completely. This was a tough one to actual pinpoint a flavor. I went with what seemed the closest.
My Preference:
These spent only one week in the humidor inside their tube. They were ready to go at purchase but I always like ot rest cigars either way. As for the cutter it was a Colibri 1928 v-cutter. The source of fire was a brass classic Zippo with a duel butane flame insert.
Final Thoughts:
I found this cigar to be very odd. Maybe I was not picking up on the flavors I was meant to. I will say that I am very interested in cigars like this. I have an idea of what I am tasting but not 100%. Overall this was a good quick smoke. I would definitely not be opposed to have a tube or two in the humidor at all times.