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A full-bodied and peppery smoke from Willy Herrera and Drew Estate
Willy Herrera. That’s the name you need to know. For those of you that don’t know, Willy Herrera is the master blender over at Drew Estate and the father of this very stick. The Norteño is a wonderfully unique cigar that impresses the taste buds. With the filler consisting of hand-picked long filler from the Esteli and Jalapa regions coupled with a Honduran binder and Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper, Herrera knocked this one out of the park.
Part 1: General Information
Herrera Esteli Norteno Belicoso Fino
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: San Andrés
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Torpedo (5 x 50)
Price: $11.00
Part 2: Analysis
In the hand this cigar feels different than most– not rigid like a box pressed stick yet still retains many flat elements. Once I light up and take a few draws, I’m introduced to a woodiness that seems to overwhelm the palate. On the finish, I’m reminded of a flavor that is most accurately defined as straight tobacco.
Though that may seem like a no brainer, lots of cigars lack a true tobacco profile. This cigar is unique. Into the second third and the woodiness begins to pair with a nuttiness and some black pepper.
As the second third begins to fade, a dark cocoa becomes present on the palate that marries very well with the wood and tobacco notes. Coming into the final third and this cigar starts to ramp up the pepper while the previous flavors begin to fade toward the background.
The pepper lingers until the very last draw and leaves your mouth with a tingly feeling that is similar to drinking a carbonated soda.
The construction on this cigar is superb with an abundance of smoke and an even burn to the end. What amazed me the most about this stick was the length of time I was able to smoke it– a testament to the density of the pack.
Boldness: 4.5/5 | Strength: 4/5
This cigar takes roughly 40-45 minutes to smoke and is a great choice after a heavier breakfast or lunch. The woody, peppery and tobacco notes complemented my Macallan 12 quite nicely though if I had to do it again, I might try it with an espresso.
On the whole, this cigar is a great choice for a beginner to intermediate smoker as the transitions are apparent and the flavors are easily discernible on the palate.
Part 3: Verdict
Overall, I would give this cigar a 8.75/10. For the price point, boldness of flavor and quality of construction, there is much to love.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Christopher Benedetto
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo
