Chateau Real by Drew Estate cigars

After a loud and passionate launch, how did Drew Estate’s original non-infused cigar, the Chateau Real, fade into obscurity? Why didn’t it reach the levels of notoriety that its successors like Liga Privada and Herrera Esteli would go on to achieve? And just who exactly is “Don Gummo”? We’ll attempt to answer these questions and more in this intriguing edition of Cigar of the Week.

*Chateau Real by Drew Estate Gran Templar (6 x 50), box of 20 cigars*

Following the immense success of the Acid brand, Drew Estate was well-established as purveyors of the world’s most unique and successful infused cigars. By the mid-2000s, they were working on their next pursuit – achieving recognition in the traditional, non-flavored cigar market. Just prior to the grand opening of La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua, they debuted their first attempt at making this leap – the Chateau Real. Easygoing in strength and wrapped in a golden-hued Connecticut leaf, this smooth smoke was the epitome of “tradition,” complete with a creamy and woody tasting profile. Upon its release in 2007, it was boldly touted as “the new standard by which all other mild, traditional cigars will be judged.”

Despite generally favorable reviews and reception, the Chateau Real was discontinued after just a few years on the market. It disappeared quickly and quietly as other traditional Drew Estate brands rose to prominence, its sudden absence from the D.E. portfolio going largely unnoticed. During this era, strong Nicaraguan tobaccos were gaining popularity, and more and more fans were reaching for darker and heavier cigars instead of mellow smokes. In the years that would follow, the Chateau Real became the stuff of legends, piquing the interest of collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.

Over a decade later, the brand is making a triumphant return to the shelves. Offered in three unique sizes, the resurrected Chateau Real retains its silky appeal and shining good looks to introduce a new generation of cigar lovers to its warm and welcoming character. Rolled using a Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf over aged Nicaraguan binder and fillers, this new iteration of the blend has been called a “velvet masterpiece” by none other than Mr. Don Gummo, an eccentric international cigar expert whose true identity remains shrouded in mystery. Despite several rigorous inquiries, no further information regarding Mr. Gummo or his precise whereabouts could be obtained at the time of this writing.