Size:

Toro

Sometimes taking a chance pays off big, and when the folks at Drew Estate happened upon a unique sungrown Connecticut broadleaf, which was stalk-cut and hand fermented, they knew they had something. It took another three long years to bring it to market, but when it finally made it, it ended up being one of the best investments in wrapper that Drew Estate ever made.

Pre-Smoke
Dressed in the dark and oily Habano wrapper, the T52 is wonderfully constructed. Smooth, with some veining, the wrapper has a floral, earthy scent. The cigar feels good in the hand, well packed with a slight give and nicely weighted.

Testing out the draw after the clip, the T52 exhibits a near perfect draw with just a slight resistance.  The cold flavor is sweet and peppery, making ones mouth water in anticipation.

Burn

Once lit, this cigar puts out a lot of smoke - a lot!  The smoke is full, mouth-coating and has a rich and sweet aroma as well.  The T52 also burns slow and cool, probably due to all the oils in the wrapper.  While not razor sharp, the burn line stays pretty even, and no touchups are necessary. The remaining ash is gray and somewhat flaky.

The Flavor
Similar to many full flavored cigars, the first half inch or so tends to be atypical, as the burn needs to settle in and become even, and the tobaccos are cold.  In the T52, this produces a bit too much pepper and a woody note that has an edge. But once this cigar warms up, it is rich and full of flavor and spice.

Warm coffee and cocoa notes float over a leathery base and there is spice and pepper everywhere. The smoke is rich and creamy with a sweetness on the finish.

As the middle is reached, the T52 mellows a bit, but the flavors of dark coffee and pepper return in the end, slightly stronger.  All throughout, the draw remains perfect, and the volumes of smoke are ever present.

The T52 is full flavored, but medium bodied. It never got harsh beyond the initial light, and is rich, complex and well balanced. This delicious cigar needs to go on your must try list.

Region:

Nicaragua

Rating:

x by Cigar Aficionado

Length:

6"

Ring Gauge:

52

Filler:

Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua

Binder:

Mata-Fina - Brazil

Wrapper:

American Habano - Connecticut

Price Range:

$$

Buy now through our partner SeriousCigars.com.

Suggested Single Malt Pairing

The Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel

This matchup brings vanilla and honey to the equation, but that's not all. This Balvenie also has incredible depth and complexity. The traditional maltiness comes through, along with spice, fruit and a dry finish.  A nice foil to the creamy smoke of the T52. (Tasting notes coming soon.)

Suggested Chocolate Pairing

Chuao - Gianduja

Dark chocolate encases a sumptuously gooey cabernet stewed fruit filling with just enough spice to stand up to the spiciness of the Tempus. An outstanding pairing.