Let's talk about the ACID 20 Maduro Robusto - Drew Estate's 20th anniversary celebratory smoke that'll stick to your memory like that song chorus you can't shake off. This box-pressed Nicaraguan puro comes with 24 sticks per box at $221.40, delivering a 5-inch x 50 ring gauge format that's become the standard for infused cigar lovers. Wrapped in that signature oily Mexican San Andrés leaf, it's got the visual appeal of a well-aged leather journal and the aromatic promise of something far more intoxicating.
Cold draw hits you with candied orange peel sweetness. Upon ignition, the initial smoke carries vanilla extract richness layered over wet cedar planks. Notice the white pepper tingle on retrohale - not harsh, but persistent like a friendly tap on the shoulder. The box-pressed shape creates slightly tighter draws that concentrate the cinnamon-spiced chocolate flavors.
Burnt caramel notes emerge through the herbal infusion, accompanied by distinct jasmine tea aromatics. The Indonesian binder starts flexing its muscle, introducing damp earth undertones that balance the sweetness. Smoke output increases here - dense plumes that linger like summer fog over damp forest floors.
At the nub, expect licorice root bitterness cutting through residual honeyed tobacco. The San Andrés wrapper's natural dark cocoa qualities dominate, though some report espresso grounds intensity. Watch for heat buildup past the 1-inch mark - this stick demands slower pacing despite its Robusto dimensions.
Rolled at La Gran Fabrica in Estelí, these display typical Drew Estate precision - triple caps snug as drumheads, wrapper seams barely visible. The Maduro leaf's oil content ensures consistent burns when properly humidified. Some users note minimal vein protrusion, though the signature ACID "glisten" (from botanical infusion) makes visual inspection trickier.
Beginners gravitate toward its approachable sweetness, while seasoned smokers appreciate the technical execution of flavor infusion. Not quite a morning cigar despite the medium strength - pairs best with spiced rum or black tea. Frequent comparisons to Java series, though the 20 Maduro dials back coffee elements for broader botanical complexity.
