When you spot a 7-inch Churchill priced under $2 per stick, skepticism creeps in - until the Connecticut Shade wrapper catches light. Drew Estate's Factory Smokes Shade Churchill defies budget expectations with Nicaraguan craftsmanship under that golden leaf. This mild smoke clocks in at 50 ring gauge, offering 90+ minutes of creamy relaxation perfect for morning coffee pairing.
The oily wrapper smells like fresh hay with baking spice undertones. Pre-light draw reveals sweet cedar. Initial third pours out cream soda sweetness with dry roasted nuts - think cashew dust. Midpoint introduces white pepper tingle on retrohale while maintaining core creaminess. Final third sees baking spices intensify, though some report slight bitterness requiring purges.
Drew Estate combines Indonesian binder with Nicaraguan filler tobaccos aged 2 years. The Connecticut Shade wrapper undergoes extended fermentation to mellow inherent bitterness. Rolled at their Estelí factory using "segundo" grade leaves - slightly imperfect but skillfully blended for consistency.
