AshMap
Overview
The Acid by Drew Estate Liquid 1400cc stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in an otherwise tradition-bound industry. When Jonathan Drew introduced the Acid line in the late 1990s, infused cigars were largely dismissed as gimmickry by the establishment. Two decades later, the Liquid 1400cc remains the genre's gold standard—a cigar that doesn't merely add flavor to tobacco, but rather orchestrates a sophisticated interplay between proprietary botanical and herbal infusions and Nicaraguan long-leaf filler. Hand-rolled at La Gran Fabrica in Estelí, this torpedo presents itself with understated elegance: a natural Connecticut Shade wrapper in light caramel with a matte, slightly toothy finish that signals authenticity rather than artifice.
What distinguishes the Liquid 1400cc is the precision of its infusion architecture. The cold draw promises jasmine and rose petal, but the true revelation comes on light, when the palate encounters a cascade of sweet tea, anise, and vanilla cream that never tips into cloying excess. The middle third reveals the Nicaraguan tobacco beneath—gentle earth and cedar emerging from beneath layers of lavender and chamomile—a crucial moment where the cigar proves it has structure and backbone. By the final third, mild woody spices and baking notes assert themselves, a subtle reminder that this is still, fundamentally, a well-constructed cigar. The burn is even and deliberate, the draw effortless, the ash pale and firm. A 60–75 minute experience, it rewards attention without demanding the kind of meditative silence reserved for heavier smokes.
For seasoned aficionados, the Liquid 1400cc occupies an interesting space: not a cigar to contemplate in solitude, but rather a social ambassador and a historical artifact worth revisiting. Its role in expanding the cigar category beyond the traditional male demographic is undeniable, and its commercial success has funded Drew Estate's broader portfolio. Dismiss it as mere novelty, and you miss the craftsmanship embedded in every draw. Respect it for what it is—a gateway, a companion, and a reminder that innovation and tradition need not be adversaries—and you'll find genuine pleasure in the glass.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Connecticut Shade (infused) — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf filler, infused with proprietary botanical and herbal blends developed by Jonathan Drew and Marvin |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — Drew Estate factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobacco aged and then subjected to Drew Estate's proprietary infusion process; no extended post-infusion aging declared |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with prominent botanical sweetness — jasmine, dried rose petal, and a distinct herbal mint note. On light, the palate receives waves of sweet tea, anise, and a soft vanilla cream that coats the tongue immediately. The infusion is front and center, with little pretense of traditional tobacco expression at this stage.
Second Third
The mid-section begins to reveal the Nicaraguan leaf beneath the infusion — a gentle earthiness and mild cedar emerge alongside the continuing herbal sweetness. Floral notes evolve toward lavender and chamomile, with a subtle creaminess on the retrohale. The sweetness tempers slightly, giving just enough balance to keep the smoke from being cloying.
Final Third
The final third introduces a mild woody spice and a hint of baking spice — clove and light cinnamon — as the infusion thins slightly and the tobacco's natural profile asserts itself more. The finish is medium-long with lingering botanical sweetness and a soft, slightly herbaceous aftertaste. Construction typically holds firm through to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Draw is consistently open and effortless, a hallmark of Drew Estate's quality control on the Acid line. Burn is even and slow, producing a soft, pale grey ash that holds in one-inch columns; the infusion occasionally causes minor touch-ups but nothing that disrupts the experience.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light, floral rum such as Ron Barceló Imperial or a honey-forward bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — avoid heavily peated Scotch, which will clash violently with the botanical infusion.
Wine
A Gewürztraminer from Alsace (e.g., Trimbach or Hugel) or a lightly sweet Riesling Spätlese from the Mosel — the wine's floral and honeyed aromatics harmonize naturally with the cigar's infusion profile.
Non-Alcoholic
A lightly sweetened jasmine green tea or a high-quality herbal chamomile blend — the botanicals in the tea mirror the cigar's infusion and create a seamless pairing without competition.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Liquid 1400cc is purpose-built for newcomers to cigars, particularly those drawn to aromatic, fruit-forward, or floral profiles. It's equally at home in the hands of experienced smokers seeking a casual, social smoke without the commitment of a full-bodied evening cigar. Women and younger demographics—historically underrepresented in cigar culture—will find this a welcoming entry point. The 60–75 minute duration makes it ideal for porch sessions, outdoor gatherings, or moments when you want satisfaction without intensity. It shines brightest in relaxed, social settings rather than solitary contemplation. If you're the type to pair a cigar with afternoon tea or conversation rather than leather-bound introspection, this is your cigar.
Bottom Line
The Acid Liquid 1400cc is the most accomplished infused cigar ever produced—a masterclass in botanical integration that respects tobacco while celebrating flavor innovation. At $12–$16 per stick, it offers accessible luxury and genuine craftsmanship. Dismiss it at your peril; embrace it, and you'll understand why Jonathan Drew changed the cigar industry.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Acid 1400cc cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acid Liquid 1400cc a strong cigar?
No. The Liquid 1400cc is rated Mild-Medium (2/5 on the strength scale), making it one of the gentler options available. The infusion's botanical sweetness dominates the profile, creating an approachable smoke without nicotine intensity.
What does the Acid Liquid 1400cc taste like?
Expect prominent floral and herbal notes—jasmine, rose petal, lavender, and chamomile—alongside sweet tea, anise, vanilla cream, and subtle spice. The first third is heavily infused; the final third reveals earthy tobacco and baking spices as the botanical character recedes.
How long does the Acid Liquid 1400cc take to smoke?
The typical smoking time is 60–75 minutes. The even burn and open draw create a deliberate, leisurely pace ideal for social or casual settings.
What is the best pairing for the Acid Liquid 1400cc?
Spirits: A light, floral rum like Ron Barceló Imperial or honey-forward bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46. Wine: A Gewürztraminer from Alsace or a lightly sweet Riesling Spätlese. Non-alcoholic: Jasmine green tea or high-quality chamomile herbal tea. Avoid heavily peated Scotch, which will clash with the infusion.
Is the Acid Liquid 1400cc good for beginners?
Absolutely. It's one of the best entry-point cigars available. The mild strength, approachable sweetness, and botanical flavor profile appeal to newcomers while avoiding the harshness that can turn people away from tobacco. It's often credited with introducing younger and female smokers to cigars.
Where can I buy the Acid Liquid 1400cc?
The Acid Liquid 1400cc is widely available through authorized cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar shops. As a Drew Estate flagship product, it has excellent distribution across premium cigar establishments.
What is the price of the Acid Liquid 1400cc?
The Acid Liquid 1400cc retails between $12–$16 per cigar, positioning it as an accessible, everyday smoke rather than a luxury collectible.
Is the Acid Liquid 1400cc worth aging?
Not particularly. The cigar is designed to be enjoyed fresh, as the infusion profile is optimized at the point of production. Drew Estate has not declared extended post-infusion aging as part of the product's design, and aging would likely mute the botanical characteristics that define its appeal.
What wrapper does the Acid Liquid 1400cc use?
A Nicaraguan Connecticut Shade wrapper with an infusion applied. The wrapper is naturally light caramel to medium tan in color, with a slightly toothy texture and matte finish, indicating quality and authenticity.
Where is the Acid Liquid 1400cc made?
The Acid Liquid 1400cc is hand-rolled at Drew Estate's La Gran Fabrica in Estelí, Nicaragua. It uses Nicaraguan binder and long-leaf filler infused with proprietary botanical and herbal blends developed by Jonathan Drew and Marvin.