Quick Smoke: Drew Estate Pope of Greenwich Village

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Part of Smoke Inn’s longstanding Microblend Series—which commissions custom, limited edition blends from top manufacturers—the Pope of Greenwich Village is crafted by Drew Estate exclusively for the Florida-based retailer. The single-vitola (6 x 40) cigar, named for the 1984 black comedy film of the same title, sports a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Connecticut stalk-cut Habano binder, and Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan fillers. Fans of Undercrown will find familiar flavors, along with a hearty dose of red pepper, espresso, pecan, and dry oak. Construction is exquisite, and the panatela size is as enjoyable as it is refreshing. You can get a ten-pack for $85 or a five-pack for $42.50; I suggest you do so, especiallyif you’re appreciative of the Drew Estate approach to blending and prefer thinner-format smokes.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys