6. Herrera Estelí Inktome
Drew Estate
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Honduras
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Length: 6 x 46
- MSRP: $12 (Boxes of 10, $120)
- Release Date: June 9, 2016
- Number of Cigars Released: 100 Boxes of 10 Cigars (1,000 Total Cigars)
- Original Score: 93
One member of our staff nominated “Herrera Estelí” for the company of the year award. Not Drew Estate, just the Herrera Estelí brand. And I have to admit, I’m not so sure he was that far off.
Inktome was one of a trio of very good limited edition Herrera Estelís released this year; the other two being the Miami and TAA. This particular release was for SmallBatchCigar.com, the online storefront associated with Maxamar Ultimate Cigars in Orange, Calif., which owns the Inktome trademark.
As for the cigar, it used a modified version of the regular Herrera Estelí blend with a higher priming Ecuadorian habano wrapper. In theory, that higher priming should deliver a stronger and more flavorful experience—and that’s exactly what happened. Chocolate is not a characteristic I would use in nearly any of my experiences with the regular Herrera Estelí, but it played a big role here, complemented well by both a fair bit of black pepper and some fruity and vanilla sweetness. — Charlie Minato.
