Back October 2019, Drew Estate launched the national release of the Undercrown ShadyXX to Drew Diplomat Retailers. This limited-edition cigar was created in partnership with Shady Records’ President Paul Rosenberg to celebrate their 20th Anniversary..
First released to only 10 Detroit area retailers in 2014, the Undercrown Shady remains one of the most consumer demanded limited editions in the Drew Estate portfolio.
This powerhouse blend, similar to the Undercrown Corona Viva, has blend described as:
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andres
- Binder – Spicy Connecticut Stalk Cut Habano
- Filler – Nicaragua and Brazil
The ShadyXX is a 5” x 50 box pressed belicoso. ShadyXX is packaged in a majestic, gold embossed 10 count petaca neatly designed by Drew Estate’s Global Creative Director, Joey Reichenbach. MSRP is set at $10.40/cigar.
Pre-Light Examination
The Drew Estate Undercrown ShadyXX is a slightly veiny, dark brown, box pressed belicoso that has a fine oily sheen. The cigar is packed well with just a little give when gently pressed between the fingers. It is nicely finished with a well applied rounded cap.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band uses the standard Drew Estate Undercrown logo in gold on a blue background. The secondary footer band uses the same blue and gold motif and declares this as the SHADYXX.
The first thing you notice after the presentation, is the naturally sweet tobacco off aroma coming off the foot. The barrel though, does not have much of an aroma.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the cap and a slight angle and proceeded to give it some cold puffs. I felt it had a decent restriction and offered pungent and peppery notes as I drew on it.
My double flame torch provided enough heat to warm the foot to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of smoke that instantly intrigued the palate with notes of cocoa and earth along with a light pepper on the retro-hale. With a fine start to the journey, follow along as I burn the ShadyXX to ash for you.
Cigar Review Notes
- Cocoa and earth notes start the journey
- A light pepper note appears on the retro-hale
- Medium grey ash forms on a mildy jagged line
- Citrus enters shortly after to brighten the profile
- Slight off burn develops that required a light touch-up
- Richer earth notes move front
- Lots of smoke production even when not puffing on it
- Ash fell revealing a decent burn cone
- Maple syrup aroma wafts off the foot
- Citrus notes get sweeter
- Finishes with dark chocolate notes and pleasant nut aroma
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking 1 hour and 40 minutes
Overall, the Drew Estate Undercrown ShadyXX was a flavor packed medium to full strength cigar that offered a well balanced array of notes that transitioned nicely through the journey. The burn did have a bit of a wave and an off burn that required a mild touch up. This is one I suggest grabbing a five pack of to add to your rotation and maybe age a couple. I rate this 90.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wave in burn; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Touch-up required; (-1) Medium Grey Ash
