Okay, before you boo me off the stage, hear me out!

Earlier this year, I asked for one of these in a MAW, and I offered to review it here. Kelmac07/Mac granted that wish (and beat me with some other questionable sticks :-)) so I’m staying true to my end of the bargain. You may be surprised by the results of this little experiment...

The Acid Opulence 3 is one of the more recent blends from Drew Estates. Here’s how it’s being marketed:

Opulence 3 sports a jet-black, oily maduro wrapper from San Andres, Mexico that provides a rich and creamy character with a pronounced sweet nuance noticeable in the finish. This wrapper is perfectly balanced with a hearty blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos grown in Esteli, where some of the strongest Nicaraguan tobacco is grown. These tobaccos were harvested in three separate crop years including 2005, 2006, and 2007, making Opulence a rare, incredibly limited treat. Not only is the cigar infused with oils and botanicals chosen by Jonathan Drew himself, but also each individual leaf is infused to provide a full-flavored, uniquely enjoyable experience each time this cigar is lit.

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For starters, this was as well constructed a cigar as I’ve smoked in a long time. Great roll, quality wrapper and cap, no hard or soft spots. The burn was sharp, never needed a touch-up or relight, put out a copious amount of smoke, and the draw was absolutely perfect. I typically don’t smoke straight from my 70/70% cooler, but this cigar didn’t have any of the problems I usually get when I don’t dry-box.

Like other Acids, the cigar has a sweetened tip. But it wasn’t overbearing like the Blue line, instead it was more like a Flor de Oliva. It’s hard to describe the individual flavors of the infused DE lines. But what was remarkable about the Opulence 3 is that the primary flavors seemed to come from the tobacco instead of the “alternative substances”--this is reverse of most DE blends I’ve tried. For example, I find the San Andres wrapper to be pretty distinctive, I like it very much and can usually pick it out pretty readily in most cigars using it. That was the case with this cigar, too--the infusion didn't overpower the wrapper's flavor.

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Here’s how I would describe the first half of the cigar: chocolatey & fruity, no discernable spice, very easy to nose exhale, leaving a creamy, floral finish. It was definitely an infused stick but it was subdued and pleasant, not the kind that makes you feel like you swallowed your grandmother’s perfume bottle. In fact, the second half of the cigar seemed to lose its infused quality altogether, turning into a very good Nicaraguan similar to the Liga Privada: full-bodied & strong, earthy, with a peppery spice that suddenly appeared in the last couple inches.

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Yes, I nubbed it! Surprising, I know, but this was a very good Drew Estates blend, probably my favorite so far. The sweetness of the first half was still a little strong to make this an everyday smoke, but I can definitely see keeping some on hand. Especially if I want my wife’s company when I hit my smoking lounge—the aroma was very pleasant and wouldn’t run her off, like many of my other usual cigars. :-)

Mac, thanks for sending one of these my way!
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Great review. Thanks for sharing. I have not tried a DE cigar in quite a while. Last one was an Acid One which was pleasantly different from their other offerings in that line. Your review has sparked some interest in trying these out.
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When you say this is your favorite DE blend, does that include the Liga line?
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You are right Gerard...very surprised at your findings. Might have to grab another and sample it myself. :-)
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Tom, I'd have to give the edge to the Opulence on this one. The Liga Privada is a good smoke, but to me it was similar to a number of other maduros. I think what makes it special is that it showcases Drew's ability to blend something other than an infused cigar. I smoke the Liga's, but they're pretty interchangeable with other cigars.

The Opulence is a unique smoke, so I'd favor it over the LP.
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I don't know why people get so uptight when talking about flavor infused cigars. Just because the taste and smells are not traditional does not mean the cigar is not worthy of a good smoke. I personally like Acid's, I do not smoke them regularly but they are good for something new from time to time.
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Thanks for the great review and photo's Gerard. Now I need to go out and purchase one. Nice looking cigar holder. Is the material brass or copper?

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Mark, it's actually tin with a copper powder coating. I redid our backsplash a couple years ago with sheets of the stuff, and had a few left over pieces that I used to make the holder. I don't have a cigar ashtray so this does the job holding those larger RG sticks
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Hmm, sounds like to me you just said you need an ashtray....
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:-) Michael, I don't think I have an addy for Gerard yet...
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Interesting. May have to try one of these. Thanks for the review.

Note to self- Gerard doesn't have a cigar ashtray. :-)
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Let me know if you need some help Mark!! :-)
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:-) Who's taking care of this problem?
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Youse gots mail. :-)



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:-) This is done.

Thread jacking is done. Back to review. :-)
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:-)
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:-) I should know better. I step away from the thread for less than an hour and all hell breaks loose.
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I generally like a cigar flavored cigar and regard all else as abomination unto the Great God Nick O'Teen, but this is actually an intriguing review. Still not sure I could get past the gaggingly awful Acid perfumey scent and the sweetened tip, but it sounds like they at least started with good tobacco.
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As you rnot a Noob, don't you know any better than making a comment like that? :-)


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I can picture you poking him with a stick.. :-)
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