Undercrown

Undercrown represents the ultimate underdog story in the premium cigar world, born from the ingenuity and passion of Drew Estate's factory rollers when they were asked to smoke fewer Liga Privada cigars due to overwhelming demand. This modern-day legend embodies the spirit of the working class cigar maker, offering a more accessible yet equally sophisticated smoking experience that delivers rich, complex flavors in a medium to full-bodied profile. Created by the buncheros and rolleras of La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, Undercrown has earned critical acclaim including a 91-rating and recognition as one of the Top 25 Cigars of 2017. The brand stands as a testament to Drew Estate's commitment to innovation and quality, bridging the gap between premium craftsmanship and everyday enjoyment for cigar enthusiasts worldwide.

Background

The Undercrown story began in 2009 when Drew Estate faced an unprecedented challenge - their Liga Privada cigars were so popular that the factory rollers were consuming too many of them, leaving insufficient inventory for export. When management asked the torcedores to reduce their consumption of Liga Privada, these skilled artisans didn't simply comply - they innovated. The rollers took it upon themselves to create their own blend using similar tobaccos to Liga Privada #9 but with more readily available leaves, ensuring they could still enjoy a premium smoking experience. What started as a necessity born from the factory floor evolved into one of Drew Estate's most celebrated lines, with master blender Willy Herrera later contributing his expertise to expand the family with variants like Undercrown Shade. The brand's name perfectly captures its essence - while it may be considered the 'undercrown' to Liga Privada, it has carved out its own royal status in the premium cigar market.

History

Undercrown emerged in 2009 as an organic solution to a unique problem - Drew Estate's Liga Privada cigars were so beloved by the factory workers that production for export was being compromised. Rather than simply restricting access, the skilled rollers channeled their expertise into creating their own blend, demonstrating the deep tobacco knowledge and passion that exists on the factory floor. The success of this grassroots creation led Drew Estate to officially launch Undercrown as a commercial line, later expanding it with master blender Willy Herrera's contributions including the Connecticut-wrapped Shade variant. The brand's evolution from factory floor necessity to internationally acclaimed cigar line exemplifies Drew Estate's culture of innovation and respect for their artisans' expertise.

Reputation

Undercrown has established itself as a highly respected brand in the premium cigar market, earning critical acclaim with a 91-rating and inclusion in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars of 2017. The brand is celebrated for delivering exceptional quality and complexity at a more accessible price point than its Liga Privada sibling, making premium smoking experiences available to a broader audience. Industry experts and enthusiasts praise Undercrown for its consistent construction, rich flavor profiles featuring notes of coffee, chocolate, cedar, and spice, and its ability to satisfy both novice and experienced smokers. The brand's authentic origin story and connection to Drew Estate's skilled workforce has resonated strongly with cigar enthusiasts who appreciate both craftsmanship and the democratic spirit of premium tobacco enjoyment.