Here’s what you need to know about Drew Estate.
A relatively young and modern cigar brand, Drew Estate is not a family business that has been running for generations nor a business created by someone whose ancestors are Cuban, Dominican or Nicaraguan.
In fact, the creators of Drew Estate were just two frat brothers based in New York who decided to venture in the cigar world 25 years ago and made it big due to their MODERN approach to cigar making, hence the slogan “THE REBIRTH OF CIGARS”.
Aside from their passion for cigars, they also had a special love for Nicaragua. Therefore, all their cigars are produced there, in their own factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua, opened in 2007. At over 96,000 sq. feet, one of the five largest premium cigar factories in the world – 94.000 of handmade cigars are made daily.
First rolled cigar
Originally released in 1998, La Vieja Habana was the first cigar they made, the traditional cigar put them on the map, the brand was put on hold because hurricane Mitch ravaged Nicaragua. Loud and proud in stylish Art Deco form, La Vieja Habana returned in 2001.
Jonathan Drew
From selling cigars in a small kiosk in New York City’s World Trade Center in 1995, to creating what is now the second-largest cigar factory in the world, founder Jonathan Drew has truly changed the cigar world. He is known for his original and surprising ideas which always have new and artistic twist on premium cigars (e.g. the line ACID cigars is infused with oils, botanicals, herbs and even red wine).
Despite his approach, he has earned the respect of traditional cigarmakers and some of the biggest cigar retailers in the world.
In 2021, Jonathan Drew received the Tobacco Business Awards’ Legacy Award.