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Hey! I’ve just popped into a fancy coffee shop to grab lattes for my girlfriend and me. The aroma of fresh espresso fills the air, and I’m in the mood for a smooth, relaxing smoke to enjoy while we sip our drinks on the patio. I reach for the Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gran Toro, a 6 x 52 cigar priced at ~$8.25, known for its creamy Connecticut Shade profile. I clip the cap, light up, and settle in for a refined experience.

Let’s see if this Gran Toro pairs as well with my latte as I hope.

The Roots

Drew Estate, founded in 1996 by Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel, gained fame with bold blends like Liga Privada. In 2011, master blender Willy Herrera introduced the Undercrown line with a San Andrés Maduro wrapper. In July 2015, Herrera debuted the Undercrown Shade, the brand’s first Connecticut Shade cigar, handcrafted at La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua. The Gran Toro (6 x 52, ~$8.25 per cigar, $206.25 for a 25-count box) features a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, Sumatra binder, and a filler blend of Dominican Criollo ’98 and Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo tobaccos, delivering a medium-bodied, creamy smoke.

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Impressions

Back home with our lattes, I inspect the Undercrown Shade Gran Toro. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is light golden-brown, silky, and lightly oily, with minimal veins and tight seams. The triple cap is flawless, and the cigar feels firm yet balanced. The wrapper aroma offers creamy vanilla, hay, and a touch of cedar, while the foot adds pastry crust and cashew. The cold draw is smooth, with hints of white pepper and buttery toast, promising a refined smoke.

I light it up, latte in hand, ready to relax.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey

The first third opens with creamy vanilla and pastry crust, layered with soft cedar and a hint of white pepper. The smoke is dense and smooth, complementing my latte’s frothy sweetness. The brick-gray ash holds firm to an inch, and the burn is even. The medium body feels light yet engaging, similar to the Liga Privada No. 9’s finesse but milder. The retrohale reveals delicate hay and wood, keeping me hooked as I chat with my girlfriend.

In the second third, flavors deepen into caramel, roasted almonds, and a touch of cinnamon. The Sumatra binder adds a subtle earthy spice, and the smoke grows luscious, coating the palate. The ash extends to 1.5 inches, with a straight burn line. The draw, initially slightly tight, opens beautifully, rivaling the smoothness of an Oliva Connecticut Reserve but with more complexity. This section’s creamy nutty notes pair perfectly with the latte’s richness.

The final third builds to a crescendo, blending cedar, white pepper, and honeyed nuttiness with a woody saltiness. A faint café note lingers, and the finish is cool and refined, lasting 90 minutes. The burn requires a minor touch-up, but the ash holds strong. Compared to the Undercrown Maduro, the Shade’s milder, with a crisper finish, making it ideal for this relaxed morning.

Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship

The Gran Toro’s construction is top-notch, with a firm pack, seamless wrapper, and triple cap showcasing Drew Estate’s skill. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is smooth and lightly oily, with minimal veins. The draw is medium, occasionally tight at first but loosening with a few puffs. The burn is nearly flawless, with a brick-gray ash holding over an inch. At $8.25, the 90-minute smoke delivers premium quality for the price.

Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking

The Gran Toro starts with creamy vanilla, pastry crust, and soft cedar, accented by white pepper and hay on the retrohale. The second third shifts to caramel, roasted almonds, and cinnamon, with earthy spice from the Sumatra binder. The final third blends cedar, white pepper, honeyed nuts, and a café note, finishing cool and smooth. It’s milder than the Undercrown Maduro but crisper than an Oliva Connecticut Reserve, offering a refined, medium-bodied experience.

Strength & Body: The Power Within

The Gran Toro’s medium strength builds gently, delivering a smooth nicotine hum by the end, ideal for relaxed sessions. The medium body produces thick, creamy smoke with vanilla, caramel, and spice notes. It’s less intense than the Undercrown Maduro but more complex than milder Connecticuts like the Ashton Classic, making it perfect for a morning latte break.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience

These pairings enhance the Gran Toro’s 90-minute vibe:

• Drinks: Latte (matches creamy vanilla); Sauvignon Blanc (complements cedar); IPA (echoes spice).
• Foods: Fresh croissant (pairs with pastry crust); roasted almonds (enhances nuttiness); mild cheddar (boosts creaminess).

Ideal for morning or afternoon relaxation, this cigar shines with coffee.

Value: Worth the Price?

At ~$8.25 per cigar ($206.25 for 25), the Gran Toro offers exceptional value. Its creamy, complex profile rivals $12 Connecticuts, and Drew Estate’s craftsmanship ensures consistency. The 90-minute burn make it a steal compared to pricier sticks like the Davidoff Winston Churchill. Occasional touch-ups don’t detract from its quality.

Our Rating:

The Undercrown Shade Gran Toro earns a Refined rating. Its creamy vanilla, caramel, and cedar notes deliver a complex, 90-minute smoke with stellar construction. At $8.25, it’s a benchmark Connecticut Shade, perfect for relaxed, flavorful sessions.

Final Thoughts

As the Gran Toro’s nub fades, this 90-minute smoke has been a perfect morning companion. Its creamy, nutty, and subtly spiced profile paired beautifully with coffee, offering depth without overwhelming. Drew Estate’s craftsmanship shines, making this a go-to smoke.

Own the Smoke: Make It Yours

The Undercrown Shade Gran Toro is ideal for smokers seeking a medium-bodied, creamy smoke with nuanced spice. Perfect for mornings or afternoons, it’s available at many retailers. Pair with a latte or wine and savor the moment.

Great smokes are to be shared!

See you next time.