Acid — Heritage & History

Acid is a brand of infused cigars created by Drew Estate, founded by Jonathan Drew, Marvin Samel, and David Berger in the 1990s. Launched in 1999, Acid was one of the first premium cigar lines to incorporate botanical infusion techniques, blending tobaccos with herbs, oils, and natural flavorings. The brand quickly gained a cult following for its unconventional approach, standing in stark contrast to traditional, non-infused cigars. Acid cigars are produced at Drew Estate’s dedicated ACID factory in Estelí, Nicaragua—a facility purpose-built for the brand’s proprietary infusion process. While Acid has often been a lightning rod for debate among purists, its commercial success helped establish Drew Estate as a major force in the industry, and it remains a significant entry point for smokers exploring flavored premium cigars. The brand’s legacy is one of innovation and market disruption, though its precise historical details—such as the exact origins of the infusion recipes—are not fully documented publicly.

Blending Philosophy

Acid’s blending philosophy revolves around botanical infusion rather than traditional fermentation or aging. The brand uses select premium tobaccos—including Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Indonesian leaves—as a base, then treats them with a proprietary blend of natural herbs, essential oils, and botanical extracts. This process, which Drew Estate keeps confidential, is designed to create harmonious, aromatic profiles that complement—rather than mask—the underlying tobacco character. The range spans wrappers from sun-grown Sumatra to maduro and Connecticut shade, each chosen to pair with specific infusions. Acid’s distinctive approach prioritizes consistency and approachability: every cigar in the line delivers a predictable, mild-to-medium strength experience, making them accessible without sacrificing craftsmanship. This philosophy has made Acid a category-defining brand for infused premium cigars.

Flavor Profile

Across its range, Acid cigars are characterized by a sweet, aromatic, and often floral or herbal profile, with notes that can include honey, clove, spice, tea, and citrus. The infusion process imparts a distinct top note that varies by blend: for example, the Kuba Kuba offers a bold sweetness with hints of vanilla and spice, while the Blondie is lighter, with floral and hay-like tones. The Atom Maduro and Deep Dish introduce deeper, earthier sweetness due to their maduro wrappers. The Liquid and 1400cc bring creamier, mild profiles with subtle botanical undertones. Despite the infusion, the underlying Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos provide a clean, smooth smoke with minimal harshness. The overall impression is one of sweet complexity—never cloying, but undeniably infused. Acid’s flavor profile is polarizing but unmistakably singular.

Best for Beginners

For someone new to premium cigars, the Acid Blondie is an excellent starting point. Its mild strength and petite corona size make for a short, gentle smoke—typically lasting 30–40 minutes—and its lightly sweet, floral infusion is approachable without overwhelming. Sold in tins of 10, it’s also economical for experimentation.

Acid Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Acid cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • 1400cc — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Atom Maduro — Small Panatela / Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$11 per cigar
  • Blondie — Small Panatela / Petite Corona, Mild · $8–$12 per cigar (typically sold in tins of 10)
  • C-Note — Perfecto, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Deep Dish — Perfecto, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Extra Ordinary Larry — Gordo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Krush Connecticut — Small Cigarillo / Cigarillo, Mild · $3–$5 per cigar (typically sold in tins of 10)
  • Kuba Kuba — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $11–$14 per cigar
  • Liquid — Lonsdale, Mild · $11–$15 per cigar
  • Nasty — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • One — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Toast — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$11 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Acid cigars made?

Acid cigars are handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, primarily at Drew Estate’s dedicated ACID factory, with some production also occurring at the company’s La Gran Fabrica facility.

What is Acid known for?

Acid is known for being a pioneering infused premium cigar brand, using a proprietary botanical infusion process that adds sweet, herbal, and aromatic flavors to high-quality Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Indonesian tobaccos.

Are Acid cigars strong?

No. Acid cigars are generally mild to mild-medium in strength. The infusion process does not increase nicotine strength; the base tobaccos are selected for smoothness, making them accessible even for newer smokers.

What is the best Acid cigar for beginners?

The Acid Blondie is widely recommended for beginners due to its mild flavor, petite corona size, and sweet, floral profile. It offers a gentle introduction to infused cigars.

How much do Acid cigars cost?

Acid cigar prices range from approximately $3–$5 for small cigarillos (e.g., Krush Connecticut in tins) to $12–$16 for larger formats like the Extra Ordinary Larry. Most mainline sizes fall between $9 and $14 per cigar.

What wrapper does Acid use?

Acid uses a variety of wrappers, including Indonesian Sumatra, Honduran Maduro (sun-grown, fermented maduro leaf), Honduran Connecticut Shade, Nicaraguan Connecticut Shade (infused), and Connecticut Shade from the USA's Connecticut River Valley. The specific wrapper depends on the production line.

Are Acid cigars Cuban?

No. Acid cigars are not Cuban; they are made in Nicaragua by Drew Estate. They use non-Cuban tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, Indonesia, and the United States.

Where can I buy Acid cigars?

Acid cigars are widely available at premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Authorized Drew Estate dealers carry the full range. It is best to purchase from reputable sources to ensure authentic, properly stored inventory.