The Undercrown Shade from Drew Estate was launched as a follow-up to the popular Undercrown Maduro line.
It comes in eight sizes, including the Belicoso, which is sold in 25-ct boxes. The blend comprises an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Sumatran binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.
The cigar is dressed in a beautiful Colorado Claro wrapper that is silky to the touch. The construction is excellent: the filling is very uniform and generous.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 152 mm (6″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador
- Binder: Sumatra
- Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua
- Price: $9.75 | € –
Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Belicoso: The cold draw reveals scents of white pepper. The opening alternates a mix of cellulose and camphor.
The first third delivers notes of incense, white pepper, and spicy nuances. In the background, the aromas of camphor remain present. The strength is medium (3/5).
The central section continues on cellulose, camphor, and spices, with white pepper and hot spices now being the protagonists. A veiled note of incense is also perceptible in the background. Strength increases slightly (3.5/5).
The last third sees the cigar turn towards toasted and earthy notes, supported by the omnipresent spicy component. The pepper becomes more robust and reminiscent of black pepper while the still perceptible hot spices fade into the background. The strength is kept under control, and the persistence in this last third becomes remarkable, with a blast of spices that never ends. The ending is balanced and satisfying.
Overall, the Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Belicoso delivers a balanced and round smoke, with the strength always under control from the first to the last puff. Spices are this cigar’s primary flavors, boasting a particularly marked and long-lasting finish.