AshMap
Overview
The Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig represents everything that makes Drew Estate's celebrated Undercrown line a modern classic: meticulous construction, thoughtful blending, and an unapologetic embrace of unconventional design. Released around 2017–2018 as a limited vitola in the Sun Grown portfolio, this figurado—with its distinctive pigtail cap and flared foot—refuses to be overlooked on the shelf or in the humidor. What makes the Flying Pig essential, however, is not mere novelty but execution. Hand-rolled at Drew Estate's JOYA facility in Estelí, Nicaragua, the cigar balances a medium-full strength Nicaraguan and Honduran filler core with a Jalapa binder and a show-stopping Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper that sits in the medium-dark Colorado range. That wrapper is the star of the show: it tames the natural aggression of the Nicaraguan tobacco while introducing a creamy sweetness and silky texture that elevates the entire experience.
From the flared foot, the Flying Pig opens with dense, voluminous smoke and immediate notes of roasted almond, creamy cedar, and white pepper, punctuated by honey and toasted bread sweetness. As the burn moves through the cigar's widest sections, the profile deepens considerably—dark caramel, espresso, leather, and dried fruit (raisin and fig) emerge alongside a bittersweet chocolate note that lingers on the palate. The final third brings the cigar's true complexity to bear, with earthy oakwood, dark cocoa, and a pleasant building spice on the retrohale that never tips into harshness. The construction is exemplary for such an unconventional shape: the draw is open and effortless, the burn line is respectably straight despite occasional touch-ups required by the geometry of the foot, and the ash is firm and salt-and-pepper gray.
At 45–60 minutes, the Flying Pig occupies a rare sweet spot in the cigar world—long enough to offer genuine complexity and satisfaction, short enough to fit seamlessly into an afternoon or after-dinner ritual. It is, quite simply, one of the finest values in the sub-$16 tier, and a masterclass in how bold vitola design, when paired with impeccable tobacco and construction, can unlock flavor dimensions that standard parejo shapes simply cannot achieve. For any serious Drew Estate collector, it is essential.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sun Grown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, aged |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (Drew Estate JOYA factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Flying Pig (Figurado/Salomon-style) |
| Size | 4.5 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Standard aging per Drew Estate production protocol; no extended post-production aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The flared foot and unique construction deliver an immediate rush of creamy cedar, roasted almond, and mild white pepper. Sweetness from the Ecuadorian sun grown wrapper asserts itself early — think raw honey and toasted bread. The smoke is dense and voluminous from the first draw.
Second Third
The body deepens considerably as the burn enters the widest section of the figurado. Notes of dark caramel, espresso, and dried fruit (raisin, fig) emerge with a leather undertone. The sweetness shifts from honeyed to something closer to bittersweet chocolate.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with earthy oakwood, dark cocoa, and a pleasant building spice on the retrohale. Strength notches up to medium-full without harshness. The creamy texture persists into the finish, leaving a long, satisfying aftertaste of roasted nuts and espresso.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exceptionally well-executed given the complex vitola — the draw is open and effortless, delivering thick, creamy smoke. The burn, while occasionally requiring minor touching-up due to the uneven foot geometry, holds a respectable line, and the ash is firm and salt-and-pepper gray.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Guatemalan rum (e.g., Ron Zacapa 23) or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — both complement the cigar's caramel and chocolate sweetness without overpowering its nuanced earthiness
Wine
A Grenache-forward Côtes du Rhône or a domestic Zinfandel — the fruit-forward, medium-tannin profile mirrors the cigar's dried fruit and spice complexity
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or cold brew concentrate — the coffee's roast amplifies the cigar's cocoa and nut notes beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Flying Pig appeals to experienced aficionados who have moved beyond the pursuit of size and strength, appreciating instead the interplay of wrapper terroir, balance, and craftsmanship. It suits anyone seeking substantial flavor complexity without a two-hour time commitment—the ideal afternoon break or post-dinner indulgence. Beginners with some cigar experience can certainly enjoy it, though the medium-full body and nuanced profile rewards a palate already acquainted with the Undercrown line or similar Nicaraguan blends. Drew Estate devotees and figurado enthusiasts will find it indispensable. The limited production ensures it feels special without demanding occasion; it's accessible enough for a Tuesday, refined enough for a memorable evening.
Bottom Line
The Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig is a masterfully crafted figurado that proves unconventional vitolas, when executed with precision and vision, deliver complexity and satisfaction that standard shapes cannot match. At $12–$16 per cigar, it stands as one of premium tobacco's finest values—essential for any serious collection.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Undercrown Sun Grown cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig a strong cigar?
Yes—it carries a medium-full body (4 out of 5 on the strength scale). The Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper and Jalapa binder temper the Nicaraguan and Honduran filler's natural aggression, creating strength that is present but never harsh or overwhelming.
What does the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig taste like?
The first third opens with creamy cedar, roasted almond, white pepper, raw honey, and toasted bread. The second third deepens into dark caramel, espresso, dried fruit (raisin, fig), leather, and bittersweet chocolate. The final third intensifies with earthy oakwood, dark cocoa, and building spice on the retrohale, finishing with roasted nuts and espresso.
How long does the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig take to smoke?
Roughly 45–60 minutes, making it ideal for a focused afternoon break or post-dinner indulgence when you want meaningful complexity without a two-hour commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig?
Aged Guatemalan rum (Ron Zacapa 23) or wheated bourbon (Maker's Mark 46) both complement the caramel and chocolate sweetness beautifully. A Grenache-forward Côtes du Rhône or domestic Zinfandel pairs well for wine lovers. For non-alcoholic pairing, double espresso or cold brew concentrate amplifies the cocoa and nut notes.
Is the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig good for beginners?
It can be, though it rewards palates already familiar with Undercrown or similar Nicaraguan blends. The medium-full strength and nuanced flavor profile are more suited to experienced smokers, but beginners with some cigar experience will find it approachable and educational.
Where can I buy the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig?
The Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig is a limited, periodically released vitola. It is available through authorized premium cigar retailers, online merchants specializing in Drew Estate, and select brick-and-mortar cigar shops. Availability varies due to limited production.
What is the price of the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig?
Individual cigars retail for $12–$16, positioning it as one of the finest values in the premium sub-$16 tier.
Is the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig worth aging?
The Flying Pig arrives at the retailer following Drew Estate's standard production aging protocol. While short-term aging (1–2 years) may add additional refinement, it is not required to enjoy this cigar at its peak. Its current balance of sweetness, spice, and earthiness is beautifully realized out of the box.
What wrapper does the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig use?
An Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper in the Colorado shade, displaying a medium-dark tawny brown color with a slight natural sheen and toothy texture. This wrapper is the cigar's defining characteristic, introducing creamy sweetness that balances the Nicaraguan core.
Where is the Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig made?
Hand-rolled at Drew Estate's JOYA facility in Estelí, Nicaragua, a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest tobacco and craftsmanship.