Last week I posted a press release on this cigar and Drew Estate was nice enough to send me a few for review. Well known for their powerhouse Antaño® line, the Cabinetta Serie is an unexpected departure from their classic full-bodied style of blends. This new blend is a marriage of a creamy, milder filler recipe of tobaccos complemented by the spicy taste sensation of its unique double-wrapped, Habano-Seed leaf head.

If you use Twitter you can follow Drew Estate via @DrewEstateCigar

Cigar: Joya De Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie
Size: 6 x 52 (Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Shade & Nicaraguan Criollo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium

Appearance and Construction (17/20): When these cigars are sitting in the humidor you almost have to do a double take because of the difference in colors from the head and foot of the cigar. At first you think there is a sleeve of some sorts but once you realize there is not you think, “wow this is a pretty cool looking stogie”. The shade grown wrapper has a nice appearance to it with some visible oils and is blemish free. The Criollo wrapper reveals a faint tooth and the almost flat cap is perfectly placed. There are so no soft spots here. The band has a slightly unfinished look, and almost looks like a prototype instead of a finished product.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): The prelight process is something I feel is necessary to allow one to open up the taste buds. I do this with every cigar, so in turn my reviews have a familiar feel. The foot of the cigar offers notes of spice and smoked wood.The draw has a subtle sweetness to it. Once the cigar is lit I am surprised by how creamy this cigar is. The notes are amazing from the get go. The primary note is cinnamon along with some nice wood notes. The second third of the cigar becomes a power struggle between the wood and cinnamon while some leather sneaks into the background. The final third has a nice change once you hit the criollo wrapper. There is some coffee notes on the finish.

Smoking Characteristics (23/25): Looking at the cigar I was worried it would fall apart on me at wrapper change or even split. That has not happened on any of my samples. This burned pretty even from start to finish. The ash was a little weak and I wound up with a pile of ash under where I was sitting.  The draw was ideal and I never needed to relight.

Overall (23/25): This was an interesting smoke and it kept my interest from start to finish and it is definitely a conversation piece. I was never a fan of cigars like Acid but I was able to understand why people smoked them and how it helped our community grow. I personally am happy to see Drew Estate have so many sticks coming out that are so enjoyable. I highly recommend this cigar.

Rating: 90
Price: $6.05 MSRP before local taxes.