Jonathan Drew Discusses the Drew Estate Sabotage of 2002
7 Jun 2012
Ever since we got back ,we’ve been sharing videos and photos from our recent trip to EstelÃ, Nicaragua, with Drew Estate’s Cigar Safari. Today we wrap up our coverage of that awesome adventure with what we think is the most interesting video yet.
In the following footage, Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate talks about the challenges of building his brand and maintaining consistency. A big part of those challenges was a sabotage of his factory in 2002 at the hands of one of his former employees—an employee who was paid off by another cigar maker who didn’t want Drew Estate to succeed.
We’ll resume our normal coverage of the world of cigars tomorrow. Meanwhile, if you haven’t already seen them, you can check out photos from our trip here. And for videos, please see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
Finally, we’d like to once again thank everyone at Drew Estate for an unforgettable time.
video credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
I had no idea about the sabotage. Imagine most cigar smokers — even most Drew Estate fans — didn't either. What an amazing story. I wonder why Ernesto Perez Carrillo and the folks at General Cigar (his employer at the time) were willing to help out a competitor?
Also never thought about the draw as the secret to Drew Estate's success but, now that JD mentions it, every Liga 9 and T52 I smoke has great combustion and gives off tons of smoke. I like that since I'd prefer to not have to work at getting the smoke.
Thanks for these videos, guys!
Sounds a little far fetched to me. He would have had to convince every roller in the factory to improperly roll every cigar?
Jonathan Drew and Steve Saka talked about the sabotage as though it was no joke.
And keep in mind that the paid-off employee in question didn't necessarily have to convince every roller to improperly roll a cigar; he just had to convince these rollers to roll to his specifications. I don't think it's too far-fetched to believe that rollers would listen to their supervisor, especially since the proper rolling of a cigar seems to be more of an art than a sience.
Also, what would JD have to gain by making this story up? He's admitting to a failure in his factory and the need to have Ernesto Perez-Carrillo come and save the day.
Thankfully EPC and JD got things back on track, because my life would be lamer without Liga 9 and T52.
Yes, I'd want to know what Jonathan has to gain by making up such a story. Can't think of anything. I believe this 100% — just surprised this is the first time I'm hearing about it.
How has no one else reported this since 2002?
Somebody in the cigar blogging community should ask him for a name and get the accused side of the story. My BS detector is on full red.