Drew Estate's Undercrown Shade Churchill serves up a creamy 7-inch experience wrapped in golden Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf. This box-pressed parejo delivers mild-medium strength with surprising complexity - think cedar spice meets citrus zest, all while maintaining that signature Drew Estate construction quality. At $205 for 12 sticks, it's positioned as an affordable daily smoke for Connecticut enthusiasts.
The cold draw whispers sweet hay. Initial puffs coat the palate with buttered toast and cashew cream, accompanied by faint lemon zest. Smoke output stays moderate - no cloud chasing here. The ash holds firm in tight layers, burning razor-straight without corrections.
At the 2-inch mark, white pepper emerges beneath the creaminess. Not the Nicaraguan volcanic kind, but more like fresh cracked Tellicherry. Retrohales reveal wet cedar planks and a mineral tang reminiscent of oyster shell. Draw remains effortless, just shy of airy.
The last third introduces roasted almond skins and a touch of baking spice. No harsh bitterness despite the lengthening ash. Nicotine creep stays minimal - finish the entire Churchill without lightheadedness. Sweetness fades slightly, leaving clean cedar aftertaste.
The oily wrapper leaf maintains elasticity even in 65% humidity. Triple cap holds firm - no unwrapping during smoking. Box-pressed shape prevents canoeing. Consistent medium-gray ash requires minimal tapping. Draw resistance: 2/10 (easy sip).
Drew Estate's "Shade" distinction comes from combining Dominican sweetness (Criollo 98) with Nicaraguan body (Estelí-grown Corojo). The Indonesian binder adds subtle clove nuances that balance the Connecticut's inherent creaminess.
