Est. 1995 · Esteli, Nicaragua

Drew Estate.

Drew Estate built the company under the slogan "The Rebirth of Cigars," with a philosophy that cigar culture should expand beyond the traditional aficionado audience. Drew Estate produces both classic premium lines (Liga Privada, Undercrown, Herrera Esteli) and unconventional offerings (ACID, Kahlua, Tabak Especial) that brought new smokers into premium cigars through flavored and aromatic blends. The Undercrown line was originally created as the cigars Liga Privada rollers smoked themselves during work, then released as a regular product after demand grew.

History

House Story

Drew Estate was founded in 1995 in Brooklyn, New York by Jonathan Drew Sann and Marvin Samel — fraternity brothers from Oneonta State University. The pair opened a 16-square-foot cigar kiosk in the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, working from offices under the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO. They formed Drew Estate Inc. in 1996, initially serving as independent representatives for established cigar brands and wholesaling to retailers throughout New York City.

Stack of cured tobacco leaves in low warm light inside a rolling gallery
From a 16-square-foot Manhattan kiosk to La Gran Fabrica

The pair partnered with La Rosa Cigars, an old chinchalle on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, to create their first brand: La Vieja Habana. After Hurricane Mitch struck Central America in late 1998, devastating the production pipeline of La Vieja Habana and pushing the company toward bankruptcy, Jonathan Drew moved to Nicaragua and opened Drew Estate's first factory in Estelí. In 1999, the company collaborated with artist Scott "ACID" Chester to launch the ACID brand — flavored cigars with bold artistic packaging that opened a new market segment combining flavored tobacco with countercultural design.

Hand-rolled cigars laid out on a dark workshop surface
The Rebirth of Cigars — bold blends with creative packaging

In July 2007, Drew Estate opened La Gran Fabrica in Estelí, which became one of Nicaragua's largest cigar factories. Drew Estate was acquired by Swisher International Inc. in 2014 and continues to operate under its original founders as a Swisher subsidiary, with Jonathan Drew currently serving as president.

Signature Blends
  • Liga Privada No. 9
  • Undercrown Maduro / Shade / Sun Grown
  • ACID
  • Herrera Esteli
  • Tabak Especial
Drew Estate official site →
In Our Collection

Our Drew Estate Cigars

1 Drew Estate cigar in our collection — every one of them eligible for custom banding.

Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Corona

$11
Strength · Mild to Medium

Smooth Connecticut Shade with Drew Estate craftsmanship — gentle, approachable, photogenic.

Custom-band Drew Estate

Pair our hand-band program with the brand you trust. Most orders ship in 4 to 6 weeks.

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