I have recently started dropping into the local smoke shop here in Dayton, The Wharf, on Sunday afternoons.  One of their excellent staff members, Cory, pointed me at a new offering from Drew Estate called the Undercrown.  I have since smoked two of them.  After some poking around, I discovered that the Undercrown spawned from the rollers in his factory rolling these for their own enjoyment.  I am certainly glad Drew Estate saw them fit to sell!

Now, Cory pitched this cigar to me as a " firecracker" .  I typically like strong cigars too.  I mentioned The Edge by Rocky Patel and he chuckled.  " The Undercrown makes The Edge feel like a spring breeze" .  This piqued my interest so I grabbed one. How did it smoke?  Let's see....

Construction:  The unlit cigar is almost black with a heavy-in-the-hand feel and plenty of oils in the wrapper. I know some reviewers ignore the band, but presentation is a big part of cigars as far as I am concerned.  Granted I have smoked some real crappers with beautiful bands too.  The band on the undercrown is a beautifully designed dark blue with gold.  A very nice look in my opinion.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: Unlit the Undercrown smells like a bar of dark chocolate with a nice molasses and smoke undertone.  After clipping and smoking this beauty the draw opens to a nice even level which keeps it from burning too fast.

Light and Burn: The ash is consistently white with an exceptionally even burn.  The last one I smoked had about two inches of ash before I flicked it off. 

Tasting: After lighting this thing up, I see what the " firecracker" statement was about.  This is easily the mightiest cigar I have ever tried* (I had yet to try the Tatuaje Fausto which is easily as strong)....even tops the Graycliff Espresso.  Flavors are deep and rich with plenty of earth, leather, and strong black coffee like Grandma makes.

Value:  At about $8 for a Toro size, the price is not too painful. 

Final Thoughts: I list the Undercrown as one of my ten favorites of all time.  It's an unusual cigar with an interesting history.  I am not a huge fan of Drew Estate's flavored cigars, although I am puffing on an Acid cigarello while writing this review.  If Jonathan Drew keeps putting out traditional cigars like this one, I will certainly come back for more.  I do highly recommend this cigar but it comes with warnings.  Don't smoke this one on an empty stomach.  And don't go near it if you like mild cigars.  This is about as close to three rounds with Mike Tyson as anyone should ever get.

Wrapper: Mexican Otapan Negro Ú ltimo Corte
Binder: T52 Connecticut Habano
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan

Strength: Full tilt strong

Size: 6x52