Cigar: Pappy Van Winkle Tradition
Size: 5 x 50 (Belicoso Fino)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Dominican Republic
Price: $24.99 per cigar from 2 Guys Cigars
Samples provided by the manufacturer
Unless you have been living in a cave the last several years, I have no doubt that readers of this website have at least heard of the legend that is Pappy Van Winkle. While I may prefer whiskeys from Ireland and Scotland, I certainly do not turn down the chance to try new bourbons and ryes when the opportunity presents itself. Sadly, I have not been fortunate enough to try Pappy or see it available anywhere (even if it was, I don’t think I want to pay the price). One thing I am happy for is the opportunity to try the Drew Estates Pappy Van Winkle Tradition, made for Julian Van Winkle by Willy Herrera of Drew Estates.
No construction issues found with the sample I chose for review. The pre-light aroma coming from the cigar contained a pleasant mix of light cedar and sweet, dried fruit. The cold draw, after putting the cigar on the guillotine, gave me notes of wood and sugar cane. The opening notes after the light brought flavors of wood, light pepper, a touch of sweetness and something I would consider ‘leafy greens’. I would put this in the realm of medium bodied with a pleasant finish. It’s very easy on the palette and would be welcomed by nearly anyone, new or seasoned, to cigars. The cigar more or less stayed on this flavor path. 19 minutes into smoking, I noticed more pronounced ‘leafy greens’ and pepper flavors but the strength stayed as is. The last inch and a half of the cigar (1:02) is where I started seeing the rise in the strength of the cigar nearing the approach to medium-to-full bodied, while noticing heavier wood notes accompanied by leather and touches of chocolate. All good things must come to an end, with the total smoking time of the Pappy Van Winkle Tradition coming in at 1:15.
I had one minor relight of the cigar, and even then the cigar was lit. It was simply not lit ‘enough’. No other problems were encountered with the cigar. The draw was balanced throughout the entirety of its smoking. The ash held firm (no surprises on my shirt). All in all, it was a great cigar to smoke and I thank Drew Estates for the opportunity to smoke it.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4.75/5
Value: 0.5/1
Total: 9.25/10
To recap the Pappy Van Winkle Tradition:
- It’s expensive, likely going to be hard to get, but incredibly enjoyable offering from Drew Estates. Balanced, easy on the palette and plenty of complexity. Well done.
- With the combination of strength and flavors, this cigar could be enjoyable by all ranges of cigar smokers.
- However, as great as this cigar is, the price is going to scare some away.
- I put the Pappy Van Winkle Tradition in the same vein as a God of Fire (this reminds me a bit of the GoF), the rare Opus X variants, and other similar hard to get cigars. However, I will say with confidence that should you see one available, make the purchase and smoke it on a special occasion. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read what I write. I always look forward to the next time I am able to share my thoughts with all of you.
