AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, usually on a lazy Saturday afternoon when the light comes through the window at a low angle, when the idea of a 'serious' cigar feels like a chore. The Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba exists precisely for that moment. It is not a cigar you analyze; it is a cigar you inhabit. As the oversized 60-ring extension of the iconic Kuba Kuba platform, the Deep Dish takes the familiar aromatic DNA of the Acid line and stretches it into a two-hour sensory landscape. The first impression, before the flame even touches the foot, is the unmistakable perfume of the infusion—jasmine and honeysuckle rising from the wrapper like a garden after rain. When you finally light it, the opening is a pronounced aromatic sweetness, a creamy vanilla base that carries those floral notes across the palate. Mild cedar and a faint herbal earthiness emerge as the cigar settles, and the retrohale is distinctly smooth, almost perfumed, leaving a lingering sweetness in the nasal passages that feels more like aromatherapy than tobacco.
As you move into the second third, the botanical infusion remains the dominant voice, but the melody shifts. The overt floral character recedes slightly, making room for light cocoa and a subtle dark berry sweetness that feels like dried cherries folded into dark chocolate. A gentle spice—closer to cinnamon than pepper—adds a minor complexity, a warm tingle on the tongue that keeps the sweetness from becoming monotonous. The caramelization deepens here, the vanilla turning richer and more toasted, while the cedar remains a quiet backbone. The 60-ring gauge is doing its job: the smoke is voluminous and cool, coating the palate without any harshness, and the draw is effortless, almost too easy, inviting long, slow pulls.
The final third amplifies the earthy herbal notes while the sweetness tapers into a richer, darker cocoa and light espresso territory. The floral perfume that dominated the first inch is now a distant memory, replaced by a mild woody dryness on the finish that keeps the cigar from becoming cloying. The espresso note is soft, more like a café con leche than a ristretto, and the cocoa has a dusty, unsweetened quality that grounds the experience. The 60-ring maintains a cool, even smoke to the very end, and the ash holds in dense, grey formations of an inch or more, a testament to the consistent factory standards at La Gran Fabrica. Burn can occasionally be slightly wavy given the infusion process and the sheer girth, but it self-corrects readily, never requiring a touch-up. This is not a cigar for the traditional aficionado seeking terroir-driven complexity; it is an infused cigar built for accessibility, aroma, and pure hedonic pleasure. Within its category, it is arguably the most well-executed example of the form. Dismissing the Acid line entirely reveals more snobbery than sophistication. The Deep Dish is a sensory experience cigar, best suited for relaxed weekend afternoons or evening unwinding sessions where you want aroma-forward pleasure over intellectual challenge. It is not a boardroom cigar. It is a cigar for the porch, the hammock, the long conversation with a friend who doesn't care about ligero percentages. And at $12–$16 per cigar, it is an everyday indulgence that delivers a consistent, aromatic escape.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Indonesian Sumatra — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler tobaccos, infused with Drew Estate's proprietary botanical and herbal blend |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (Drew Estate factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Gordo / Gigante |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos are infused post-rolling with Drew Estate's signature aromatic botanical process; no extended vintage aging not |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light opens with a pronounced aromatic sweetness — floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle dominate, layered over a creamy vanilla base. Mild cedar and a faint herbal earthiness emerge as the cigar settles, with a distinctly smooth, almost perfumed retrohale.
Second Third
The mid-section introduces light cocoa and a subtle dark berry sweetness, while the botanical infusion remains dominant throughout. A gentle spice — closer to cinnamon than pepper — adds minor complexity, with the sweetness becoming more caramelized and less overtly floral.
Final Third
The final third amplifies the earthy herbal notes while the sweetness tapers slightly into a richer, darker cocoa and light espresso territory. A mild woody dryness on the finish keeps it from becoming cloying, and the 60-ring gauge maintains a cool, even smoke to the very end.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally reliable given Drew Estate's consistent factory standards — the large ring gauge produces voluminous, cool smoke with an effortless draw. Burn can occasionally be slightly wavy given the infusion process and the sheer girth of the 60-ring, but self-corrects readily; ash holds in dense, grey formations of one inch or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light rum such as Diplomático Planas or Flor de Caña 4-Year Extra Dry complements the botanical sweetness without overpowering it; alternatively, a honey-forward Scotch like Glenmorangie Original works beautifully
Wine
A Moscato d'Asti or a lightly oaked Viognier from the Rhône Valley — the residual sweetness mirrors the aromatic infusion without competing
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian coffee with milk — something like a café con leche — or a chamomile honey tea that echoes the floral botanical character
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a seasoned cigar smoker who has spent years chasing strength and complexity, only to realize that sometimes they just want to relax without thinking. It's a Sunday afternoon in late spring, the windows are open, and they have a light rum or a honey-forward Scotch in hand. They already enjoy aromatic pipe tobacco or a good Moscato, and they are not afraid of sweetness. The Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba gives them a two-hour aromatic journey that asks nothing of them but attention to pleasure. It is also ideal for the curious beginner who wants to understand why infused cigars have such a devoted following—the Mild-Medium strength and effortless draw make it approachable, while the floral and cocoa notes provide a clear, rewarding flavor arc. This is not a cigar for the boardroom or the golf course; it is for the porch, the hammock, or the quiet evening when you want to smoke with your senses rather than your intellect.
Bottom Line
The Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba is the most complete expression of the infused cigar form—a two-hour aromatic escape that never pretends to be a traditional cigar and never needs to. If you dismiss it on principle, you are missing out on one of the most purely pleasurable smokes on the market. Buy a box, light one on a slow afternoon, and let the jasmine and cocoa do the rest.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Acid Kuba Kuba cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba a strong cigar?
No. It is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) in strength. Physically, that means you will feel almost no nicotine buzz, even on an empty stomach. The 60-ring gauge delivers voluminous, cool smoke that feels gentle on the palate and retrohale. It is a cigar you can smoke without worrying about feeling overwhelmed, making it suitable for early in the day or for smokers who prefer flavor over power.
What does Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba taste like?
The first third opens with pronounced floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle over a creamy vanilla base, with mild cedar and faint herbal earthiness. The second third introduces light cocoa, dark berry sweetness, and a gentle cinnamon-like spice, with the sweetness becoming more caramelized. The final third shifts to darker cocoa, light espresso, and a mild woody dryness on the finish. The botanical infusion remains dominant throughout, giving it a distinctly perfumed, aromatic character.
How long does Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba take to smoke?
Given its Gordo / Gigante vitola at 6.0 x 60, expect a 90-minute to 2-hour smoke. The large ring gauge burns cool and slow, and the effortless draw encourages long, leisurely pulls. If you smoke quickly, you might finish in 75 minutes, but the cigar is best enjoyed slowly to appreciate the evolving flavor arc. It is designed for longer smoking sessions, so set aside a comfortable block of time.
What is the best pairing for Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba?
A light rum such as Diplomático Planas or Flor de Caña 4-Year Extra Dry works beautifully because its subtle sweetness complements the botanical infusion without overpowering it. Alternatively, a honey-forward Scotch like Glenmorangie Original echoes the floral and caramel notes. For wine, a Moscato d'Asti or a lightly oaked Viognier from the Rhône Valley mirrors the aromatic sweetness. Non-alcoholic options include a medium-roast Colombian coffee with milk (café con leche) or chamomile honey tea, both of which echo the floral character.
Is Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba good for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for beginners. The Mild-Medium strength (2/5) means there is no harsh nicotine kick, and the infused botanical blend provides clear, approachable flavors like vanilla, jasmine, and cocoa. The 60-ring gauge produces cool, voluminous smoke that is easy on the throat. At $12–$16 per cigar, it is affordable enough to try without a major investment. However, beginners should note that the aromatic intensity is unlike traditional cigars, so it may not prepare them for non-infused smokes.
Where can I buy Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba?
Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba is sold at premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar tobacconists. Look for authorized Drew Estate dealers, as the Acid line is widely distributed. You can also find it at many cigar lounges and smoke shops that carry infused cigars. Online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and JR Cigar typically stock it. Because it is an everyday tier cigar, it is not limited-edition, so availability is generally good.
What is the price of Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba?
The Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba is priced at $12–$16 per cigar. This places it in the everyday tier, making it an accessible indulgence for regular smoking. Box prices vary by retailer, but expect to pay around $120–$160 for a box of 10, depending on taxes and shipping. Given the 90-minute to 2-hour smoke time, the cost per hour is reasonable for an infused cigar of this size.
Is Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba worth aging?
No, it is not worth aging. The tobaccos are infused post-rolling with Drew Estate's signature aromatic botanical process, and the blend is designed to be smoked fresh. Extended aging will cause the volatile botanical oils to dissipate, muting the jasmine, honeysuckle, and vanilla notes that define the experience. The Indonesian Sumatra wrapper may darken slightly over time, but the infusion will fade rather than improve. Smoke it within a few months of purchase for peak aromatic intensity.
What wrapper does Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba use?
It uses an Indonesian Sumatra wrapper in a Colorado shade, which is a medium-dark brown with a lightly oily, smooth, slightly toothy texture. This wrapper contributes a mild cedar and earthy character that supports the botanical infusion without competing with it. The Sumatra leaf is known for its subtle spice and smooth combustion, which helps the large 60-ring gauge burn evenly. It also adds a faint woody dryness on the finish, balancing the sweetness.
Where is Acid Deep Dish by Kuba Kuba made?
It is hand-rolled at Drew Estate's La Gran Fabrica in Estelí, Nicaragua. The factory is known for its consistent construction standards, which is why the Deep Dish generally delivers an effortless draw and dense, grey ash formations. The Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler tobaccos are sourced from the region, and the infusion process is done post-rolling at the same facility. Estelí's climate and Drew Estate's expertise combine to produce a reliable, aromatic cigar.