Drew Estate Undercrown Shade: Surprisingly Smooth

 Rating: 4/5

I’ll be honest—I don’t usually go for Connecticut-wrapped cigars. Too many of them taste like cardboard with a hint of air. But the Undercrown Shade from Drew Estate flipped that script for me. I fired one up this afternoon while tinkering around the garage, expecting a mild distraction. What I got was an unexpectedly satisfying experience.

This cigar opens up with a creamy texture that’s instantly comforting. I picked up notes of cashew, buttered toast, and just a pinch of white pepper, which helped give it a little personality. The aroma was soft and almost sweet, and the smoke production was classic Drew Estate—plentiful and velvety.

About halfway through, it transitioned nicely into a more nutty and bready profile, almost like warm croissants and almonds. It stayed mellow, never veering into harshness, even toward the nub. The construction was solid too—burn line stayed true, no touch-ups needed.

This isn’t a cigar that’s going to blow your mind with complexity, but that’s kind of the point. It’s easy, smooth, and reliable—perfect for when you want to relax without being challenged. 4/5 from me, and a new favorite in the Connecticut category.