Drew Estate Cigars: A Success Story
The Drew Estate brand offers an impressive variety of series and blends. You can find a detailed presentation of each line directly on the respective product pages. But who is actually behind Drew Estate? The story began with two men and a bold vision.
Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel set out to establish their own cigar factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate. Unlike traditional cigar manufacturers, they had no family roots in the industry and were not from Cuba. Their journey began in a small kiosk at the World Trade Center in New York City. With a deep passion for cigars and the country of Nicaragua, they persevered through many challenges.
From a Small Kiosk to Their Own Factory
In 1998, Jonathan Drew moved to Estelí, Nicaragua, to establish a cigar production facility—starting with minimal resources and just a few cigar rollers. Meanwhile, Marvin Samel stayed in New York, working to secure the necessary capital. The road was tough, but their persistence paid off.
Innovative Cigar Lines
In 1999, Drew Estate introduced a completely new type of flavored cigar with Acid Cigars. Premium tobacco was refined with special essences, creating a sensation in the industry.
In 2000, they followed up with Natural by Drew Estate (now known as Larutan). After a brief production pause, La Vieja Habana was relaunched in 2001 with a stylish Art Deco design. As Drew Estate continued to grow in significance, the company relocated to Miami in 2004 to expand further.
Building Their Own Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
After nearly a decade in their old facility, Drew Estate decided in 2006 to build a new factory in Estelí. The state-of-the-art facility opened in 2007 and is now one of the largest cigar factories in the world, producing approximately 94,000 hand-rolled cigars daily.
The factory impresses with its open architecture and artistic murals. Visitors are always welcome to see it for themselves.
The Most Popular Drew Estate Cigar Series
The Liga Privada No. 9 was originally developed exclusively for Drew Estate's then-CEO, Steve Saka. With intense notes of earth, leather, and coffee, it is now one of the most sought-after premium cigars.
As demand for Liga Privada skyrocketed, Drew Estate developed an everyday alternative: the Undercrown Maduro, later joined by the Undercrown Sun Grown and the mild Undercrown Shade.
The Deadwood Series was originally created for a cigar shop in South Dakota and quickly gained cult status. With names like Fat Bottom Betty and Leather Rose, they stand out, while their flavors—featuring notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel—make them truly irresistible.
