Drew Estate Story

The Influential Contribution of the Family to the Cigar Industry Today

Introduction

The modern high-quality cigar industry is often inextricably linked to deep roots of centuries-old tradition, Cuban heritage and families and generations whose roots and origins stretch deep into the Caribbean.
Yet, few contemporary companies have shaken and reshaped the cigar landscape as dramatically and powerfully as Drew Estate.
Founded in 1996, it has rapidly grown from a small boutique operation to a powerful force in the global cigar industry.
At the core of this transformation lies the vision and perseverance of its founding members, particularly Jonathan Drew and his partner Marvin Samel. The unique blend of entrepreneurial energy, coupled with the involvement of the Drew family and the wider team, has reinforced and transformed the belief in what premium cigars could be across the industry – pioneering, artistic, creative and culturally active.
Today, Drew Estate is distinguished not only for its innovative product lines but also for its strong influence on the cigar culture, its marketing approach (strategy and design), its cultivation methods and its consumer involvement.
From creating cutting-edge aromatic cigars to promoting Nicaraguan tobacco on the global market the company has positively and powerfully influenced every aspect of the modern cigar industry.
The following article examines and explores the history of Drew Estate and the significant contribution of the family and the company to the cigar industry of today.

Photo Credit: CigarSnob

The Founders of the company – A Quick look

1. Jonathan Drew

Jonathan Drew (Jonathan Drew Sann) is an American entrepreneur best known as the founder and president of Drew Estate, one of the most influential premium cigar manufacturers in the modern cigar industry. americanwhiskeymag.com

Early Background

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Drew Estate
Initially studied law and worked while attending law school. Cigar Snob
Became passionate about cigars during the 1990s cigar boom and started selling cigars to friends and acquaintances. CigarSnob

“I don’t come from a lineage of cigar makers. I didn’t grow up in the fields. My first job was cleaning toilets at my parents’ antique shop in New York. Working there I was surrounded by culture. Art Nouveau, Americana, Art Deco, Primitives and so on. I lived and breathed it all in for my entire childhood and came to appreciate every relic that came through the shop. No matter how old, how strange or obscure – each piece had a story to tell and a young JD wanted to know every detail. 
I was an avid collector as a kid. Comic books, G.I. Joes, Kiss memorabilia – if I liked something I immersed myself fully. I devoured it. I wanted to learn, explore, and share my passion with others. My parents instilled in me that deep sense of curiosity that continues in the pioneering spirit of Drew Estate.” Drew Estate

Jonathan Drew Sann

Entry into the Cigar Industry

In 1996, Drew and his college friend Marvin Samel opened a small cigar kiosk in the World Trade Center in New York City. Cigar Journal tobaccotradercigars
The kiosk measured about 16 square feet and marked the beginning of what would become Drew Estate. tobaccotradercigars
Early brands included La Vieja Habana, produced with manufacturing partners before the company built its own production network. smokingpipes.com

Move to Nicaragua and Factory Development

In 1998, Drew moved to Estelí, a major tobacco-growing region, to establish cigar production. Cigarworld americanwhiskeymag.com
He reportedly relocated with only about $1,700 and initially lived inside the factory while building the company. americanwhiskeymag.com CigarSnob
Drew Estate later developed La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate, one of the largest premium cigar factories in Nicaragua. Cigars-connect

“After moving to Estelí, the rugged cigar city in the north of Nicaragua, I rarely left for the next six years. My early days in Nicaragua were difficult and extremely lonely. I was the only gringo in town. I didn’t speak any Spanish and I had very few dollars to my name. I arrived with a small bag of clothes and a cassette with C-N-N’s The War Report that Scott “ACID” Chester made for me as a going away gift. It turned out to be one of the most important gifts of my life and helped me push through torturous loneliness and abandon. I feel bad that I’ve never thanked him to this day. Thanks Scott.
I opened our first factory in a small house we rented from a short man named Trini for $75 a month. There were six of us in the house, and we had absolutely nothing to our name. We had infrequent electricity, no telephone, short materials … and no one yet rooting for our success but us. But we hustled. All that was about to change, kind of.
ACID was the first line to come out of Nicaragua, and with it, Drew Estate’s reputation for breaking the status quo began. When I started smoking cigars back in the early nineties, it was reserved for stuffy businessmen and D.C. lawyers in exclusive, smoky backrooms. Drew Estate democratized the cigar lifestyle. I wanted to share this hobby with my fellow common man – the firefighters, the police officers, the construction workers. I wanted to bring them in, build a community and create a space where all were welcome and united by our passion for great tobacco and making memories, building bonds, with good folk.” Drew Estate

Jonathan Drew Sann

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Industry Innovation

Jonathan Drew became known for disruptive marketing and unconventional blends, including:

ACID Cigars – a premium cigar infused with herbs, oils, and botanicals, creating a new “infused premium cigar” segment. holt's.com smokingpipes.com
Liga Privada – a highly regarded traditional premium cigar introduced later to compete with heritage brands. Cigars-connect
A lifestyle-driven branding approach that incorporated street art, music culture, and urban aesthetics into cigar marketing. holt's.com

Company Milestones

Drew Estate grew from a kiosk operation to a major premium cigar producer. Cigar Journal
In 2014, the company was acquired by Swisher International, though Jonathan Drew remained involved in leadership. Cigars-connect

Reputation

Within the cigar community, Drew is recognised for:

Pioneering infused premium cigars,
Building a major cigar factory in Nicaragua,
Promoting cigars as a lifestyle brand rather than just a tobacco product. smokingpipes.com

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

2. Marvin Samel

Marvin Samel is an American entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of the premium cigar company Drew Estate, one of the most influential boutique cigar brands in the modern cigar industry. vintinocigars.com Cigar Aficionado

Background

Name: Marvin Samel.
Nationality: American.
Known for: Co-founder of Drew Estate Cigars.
Founded: Drew Estate in 1995 with partner Jonathan Drew. vintinocigars.com Cigar Aficionado

Samel and Drew were fraternity brothers from New York who decided to enter the cigar business without any family history in tobacco. Their story is unusual because most cigar companies were historically founded by Cuban or Latin American tobacco families. coronacigar.com

Early Drew Estate Story

In 1995, they opened a 16-square-foot cigar kiosk in the World Trade Center mall in Manhattan. vintinocigars.com Cigar Wars
Their first cigar brand was La Vieja Habana, produced in small batches in New York. Cigar Wars
In 1998, the company moved production to Estelí, Nicaragua, which later became the center of their cigar manufacturing. Neptune Cigar

During the early years:

Jonathan Drew moved to Nicaragua to run production.
Marvin Samel stayed in the U.S. handling business operations and distribution. coronacigar.com

Impact on the Cigar Industry

Drew Estate became famous for innovating flavoured and infused cigars, especially the ACID line, which helped attract a new generation of cigar smokers. Cigar Wars
The company later created several highly regarded premium brands, including:

Liga Privada.
Undercrown.
Herrera Estelí.
Kentucky Fire Cured. csnews.com

Today Drew Estate operates one of the largest handmade cigar factories in Nicaragua. vintinocigars.com

Acquisition

In 2014, Drew Estate was acquired by Swisher International, though the founders and management team continued to run the brand. Neptune Cigar csnews.com

After the company sale

In 2014, Drew Estate was acquired by Swisher International.
After the acquisition and several years of transition, Samel eventually stepped away from the cigar industry. Cigar Aficionado

What Marvin Samel does today

Instead of running Drew Estate, Samel moved into creative work and filmmaking.
He wrote, produced, and directed the film iMordecai, which tells the story of his family and his father. Cigar Aficionado

Photo Credit: Cigar Aficionado

Today he is primarily known as:

a former cigar entrepreneur
film writer, producer, and director
an occasional speaker about entrepreneurship and brand building.

Summary:

Marvin Samel is a key figure in the modern cigar world. As co-founder of Drew Estate he helped transform a tiny New York cigar kiosk into one of the most innovative premium cigar manufacturers, credited with helping spark a modern “rebirth” of cigar culture. vintinocigars.com

Photo Credit: halfwheel

The Origins of Drew Estate

The creation of Drew Estate represents a unique and new path in the cigar industry.
In the mid-1990s, two young entrepreneurs, Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel, made a fresh start, without any previous experience in hand-crafted cigar production or coming from a family with deep roots in the industry.
With an original idea, they opened a small retail outlet for cigars and accessories in the World Trade Center.

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

"I distinctly remember attending the unveiling of Fuente’s now-famous OpusX line at the Windows on the World restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center. November 18th, 1996. Listening to Carlito and his father, Carlos, speak and share their passion. Fuente’s vision for the brand, and their dedication to building a legacy for their family inspired me and continues to serve as a North Star for me to this very day. Carlito handed me two torpedo sized Fuente Fuente OpusX from his guayabera pocket during the event … and those two cigars represent one of the most important and impactful experiences of my life."  Drew Estate

Jonathan Drew Sann

In parallel with the development of premium cigars at the time, this continued exposure to the retail space, coupled with the allure of the craft and the potential of the industry, led the two partners to launch their own cigar brand. In 1996, Drew Estate was officially founded.
With generations of tobacco experience gone, Drew and Samel relied on experimentation, creativity, and relentless determination.
Their subsequent decisive decision to consolidate their production process in Esteli, Nicaragua – an area that would soon become one of the most important and crucial cigar production centers in the world – seemed essential and decisive.
By building a factory from scratch and constantly dedicating themselves to growing tobacco, fermenting and rolling cigars, they gained a different perspective and approach to their goal.
By understanding the art of cigars in depth and constantly enhancing innovation, they were able to challenge the rules of the industry and bring a new perspective to it.

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Innovation Through Infused Cigars

One of Drew Estate’s most innovative contributions was the development of flavored cigars.
At a time when the market was dominated by traditional families, Drew Estate introduced cigars that offered unique flavors and aromas, thereby reaching a whole new audience.
A prime example is the iconic ACID Cigars line. Cigars that are flavored with exclusive blends of herbs, spices, and essential oils. The resulting aromatic complexity gave the market a cigar that was unlike any other in this high-end market.
When ACID cigars were first introduced, many cigar enthusiasts rejected them as a gimmick. However, the line became especially popular with a completely new audience that was missing. Younger smokers and those trying cigars for the first time. This new audience expanded the consumer base and helped to upgrade and modernise the perception of cigar enjoyment.
The success of this series confirmed that innovation can coexist with tradition. And it enabled other cigar producers to explore flavoured or infused products, essentially expanding the creative potential of the industry.

Photo Credit: ACID - Drew Estate

Elevating Nicaraguan Tobacco

Another important contribution of Drew Estate is that it played a decisive role for Nicaraguan tobacco in promoting its quality and the prestige it acquired overall in the industry.
Historically, Cuban tobacco has always been a flagship in the reputation of quality premium cigars.
Until the end of the 20th century Nicaragua distinguished itself as a major competitor due to 2 important parameters: rich volcanic soil and ideal growing conditions.
Brands such as Liga Privada and Undercrown have managed to reveal the complexity and richness of Nicaraguan tobacco by presenting blends that emphasize the strong flavors - pepper, cocoa, leather and earth - and have become emblematic features of Nicaraguan cigars. Liga Privada in particular has gained a favorite among the consumer community and especially among cigar enthusiasts. Initially produced as a private choice for corporate executives, its reputation quickly spread when it was released for the general public.
Due to Drew Estate's emphasis on quality control, extensive fermentation processes and skilled craftsmanship Nicaragua's reputation was elevated to one of the world's leading cigar producing countries.

Young Marvin Samel and Jonathan Drew plotting during the early days of Drew Estate

Photo Credit: CigarSnob

Artistic Branding and Cultural Influence

Beyond tobacco, Drew Estate demonstrated new approaches that were a cornerstone in terms of promoting a cigar and how it could be perceived by the entire consumer audience at all levels of cultural awareness.
The industry with existing brands with traditional origins often relies on classic images - European coats of arms, gold embossed printing and aristocratic symbolism. Drew Estate was based on and embraced more contemporary artistic influences - street art, urban culture and bold graphic design.
The company often includes graffiti-inspired artwork and bold, vibrant colors in packaging, branding and promotional events.
A different approach and aesthetic that has an impact on a new generation of smokers who often felt excluded from the existing traditional cigar culture.
A strong identity that Jonathan Drew himself developed and pioneered.
Through today's new tools such as social media, as well as the brand's public appearances and impressive events, a passionate community has been created around the Drew Estate name.
This strategy and the brand's corporate building substantiated the view that premium cigars can be both traditional luxury products and expressions of modern culture and lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Cigars Direct

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Commitment to Craftsmanship

Despite the brand’s influence on innovative marketing and product self-promotion through experimentation, Drew Estate remains true to and committed to traditional craftsmanship.
Each premium cigar is hand-rolled by experienced torcedores at the company’s factory in Estelí. This process involves many steps including leaf selection, fermentation, blending, tamping, rolling and aging.
Drew Estate has become known for its strict quality and management standards. The tobacco leaves are aged for long periods of time to ensure complexity and smoothness of flavor. Expert blenders carefully balance the different types of leaves - ligero, seco and viso - to achieve the desired flavor profiles. The company also invests heavily on fermentation techniques that enhance the natural characteristics of Nicaraguan tobacco.
This dedication and commitment to all these processes of the craft has maintained and increased credibility among experienced cigar smokers but at the same time continuously attracts new consumers.

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Global Expansion and Industry Impact

Over time, Drew Estate has become one of the largest producers of premium cigars in the world.
A milestone for the company came in 2014 when it was acquired by Swedish Match, a global tobacco company headquartered in Stockholm.
This development gave Drew Estate large distribution networks and resources, while allowing it to maintain its creative independence.
A strong partnership that has significantly expanded the brand's global reach.
The cigars are now sold in many markets, occupying a prominent position on the shelves of retail outlets (cigar shops) and retailers worldwide.
The company's success and progress have had a positive impact on other cigar producers to embrace new, more creative marketing strategies, discover new blends and invest in the production of tobacco from Nicaragua.

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Community Engagement and Philanthropy

Another important chapter of Drew Estate’s impact is its contribution to the communities of Nicaragua and beyond.
The company employs thousands of workers, thus supporting and helping the local economy and the families of the workers who help preserve the tradition of tobacco farming in the region.
It continuously supports initiatives for education and further development of the community. Through charitable programs the company contributes to schools, infrastructure projects and social services in Nicaragua.
This dedication reflects a broader philosophy within the company: that the cigar industry grows and thrives when it invests in the people who make its products.

Photo Credit: Cigar Journal

The Drew Diplomat Program

A significant and unique community-building effort at Drew Estate is the Drew Diplomat program. This activity connects Drew Estate cigar smokers around the world who love, share and have the same passion for the brand. Diplomats are the ambassadors of Drew Estate cigars, promoting the brand through events they organise and fostering camaraderie among cigar smokers.
This grassroots effort strengthens and strengthens brand loyalty by enabling each consumer to feel like they belong to the Drew Estate community. A unique program that has redefined the relationship between cigar producers and consumers and has transformed customers into active and dynamic participants in defining the brand's culture.

Housed within the La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate is Subculture Studios, headed by Jessi Flores (center). The studio employs dozens of local graffiti artists to design cigar packaging, accessories and point-of-sale concepts, and even tag the occassional wall.

Photo Credit: Cigar Aficionado

Signature Brands and Product Lines

The Drew Estate portfolio includes important and respected lines that have defined modern cigar tastes.
Among the most notable is the Liga Privada No. 9, a rich and complex cigar known for its dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and intense flavour profile.
Another standout cigar is the Undercrown Maduro, produced from a series of blends created by the buncheros and rolleras of La Gran Fabrica.
Together they came together and experimented with alternative tobacco blends during the Liga Privada leaf shortage. With their heart and soul, they created a new blend that immediately won the hearts of Drew Estate. A cigar that was the personification of the spirit of the Nicaraguan people.
Drew Estate also collaborated with industry legends such as Steve Saka, whose experience helped refine several of Drew Estate’s premium blends.

steve saka dunbarton cigars

Photo Credit: Meet the Maker

Photo Credit: Cigar Press Magazine

Steve Saka is a highly influential premium cigar blender and entrepreneur, best known as:

Founder of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (est. 2015). Neptunecigar
Former President & CEO of Drew Estate (2005–2013). Neptunecigar
Key figure behind the Liga Privada cigar line. Neptunecigar

He’s widely regarded as a “true master blender” with decades of hands-on involvement in sourcing, fermenting, and blending tobacco. Cigar Dojo

Vital Characteristics:

Over 30 years in the cigar industry with deep technical expertise in tobacco. SMOKE RINGS
Known for a no-compromise philosophy in blending and production. famous-smoke.com
Built a reputation for craft-focused, small-batch premium cigars rather than mass-market products. smokeinn.com

Notable brands / lines

Sobremesa.
Mi Querida.
Sin Compromiso.
Muestra de Saka.
(All under Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust).

Photo Credit: Cigar God

Reputation (industry + community)

Among cigar enthusiasts, Saka is often described as:

Highly opinionated but technically rigorous.
Deeply involved in production (frequent presence in Nicaragua). Cigar Dojo
A “cigar geek” turned industry leader.

From Reddit cigar communities: “legendary… got into the industry posting on forums… became Drew Estate president”. reddit

In 2011, Master Blender Willy Herrera joined the company and is responsible for developing and maintaining the company’s blends, effectively shaping flavour profiles across its portfolio. His work has helped Drew Estate expand beyond flavoured cigars into the traditional premium category.
These successful product lines demonstrate Drew Estate’s ability to balance innovation with a deep respect for cigar craftsmanship.

From a cigar-industry blending perspective, the three flagship Drew Estate lines—ACID, Liga Privada, and Undercrown—represent three fundamentally different philosophies of cigar creation.
They illustrate how the company moved from experimentation → luxury blending → accessible premium cigars.

1. ACID — Experimental / Infused Blending

Core idea: Use botanical infusion and aroma layering to create a completely new cigar category. Drew Estate

Blending philosophy

ACID cigars are not purely tobacco-driven. Instead, they combine premium tobacco with proprietary infusions of herbs, oils, and botanicals, producing aromatic and flavoured profiles uncommon in traditional cigars. Simply Cigars
The tobacco is aged in special rooms where it absorbs aromatic compounds before rolling. Drew Estate

Key characteristics

Focus on aroma and flavour infusion.
Inspired partly by pipe tobacco blending techniques.
Designed to appeal to new smokers or those who enjoy flavoured profiles. Drew Estate

Typical flavor notes:

incense.
sweet botanicals.
cocoa.
exotic spices.

Industry significance

ACID essentially created the premium infused cigar category, bringing many new consumers into the cigar market during the late-1990s boom. Drew Estate

Philosophy summary:

Innovation through infusion and sensory experimentation.

Photo Credit: ACID - Drew Estate

Photo Credit: CigarPlace.com

2. Liga Privada — Ultra-Premium Traditional Blending

Core idea: Produce a perfect traditional cigar blend using the best tobacco available, regardless of cost or production difficulty.

Blending philosophy

“Liga Privada” literally means “private blend.” The cigars were originally blended for Jonathan Drew and the company’s inner circle, not for sale. AI Cigar Explorer

The blending process focuses on:

extremely rare tobaccos.
long aging periods.
strict production limits. Drew Estate

Example:

Liga Privada No. 9 uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Oscuro wrapper over Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobaccos to produce a rich, full-bodied profile. JR Cigars

Key characteristics

ultra-premium tobaccos.
high complexity.
small-batch production.
full-bodied profiles. Drew Estate

Typical flavor notes:

espresso.
dark chocolate.
leather.
pepper. ACID - Drew Estate

Industry significance

Liga Privada proved Drew Estate could compete with elite traditional cigar makers, changing their reputation from “the ACID guys” to a serious premium manufacturer. Drew Estate

Philosophy summary:

Obsessive pursuit of the perfect traditional premium cigar.

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

3. Undercrown — Factory-Driven, Accessible Premium Blending

Core idea: Use similar tobacco DNA to Liga Privada but re-engineer the blend to be more accessible and widely available. Drew Estate

Blending philosophy

Undercrown was famously created by the factory rollers themselves when they were asked to stop smoking too many Liga Privadas. Cigar Aficionado famous-smoke
The torcedores developed a blend using:

different primings and vintages of the same tobaccos.
a Mexican San Andrés wrapper instead of the scarce Liga wrapper. Cigar Aficionado Drew Estate

This made the cigar:

easier to produce.
more affordable.
available in larger quantities. Drew Estate

Key characteristics

medium-to-full strength.
excellent value.
similar flavour family to Liga but less complex.

Typical flavor notes:

cocoa
cedar
coffee
natural tobacco sweetness Drew Estate

Industry significance

Undercrown shows how factory expertise and practical blending can create a cigar that feels premium without the scarcity of luxury blends.

Philosophy summary:

Premium flavour built for everyday smokers.

Photo Credit: famous-smoke.com

Comparison (Blending Philosophy)

blending philosophy diagram

The Herrera Estelí line represents a fourth, distinct blending philosophy at Drew Estate—one that deliberately rejects both infusion (ACID) and excess power (Liga Privada) in favor of Cuban-style balance, elegance, and craftsmanship.
This is not just another product line—it’s a philosophical pivot inside the company, driven by master blender Willy Herrera. Drew Estate

Photo Credit: halfwheel

Photo Credit: Cigar Dojo

4. Herrera Estelí — Cuban-Style Traditional Blending

1. Core Philosophy: “Cuban Elegance + New World Tobacco”

Herrera Estelí was designed as a Cubanesque blend, meaning it aims to replicate the balance, aroma, and finesse of classic Cuban cigars, but using Nicaraguan and other New World tobaccos. Drew Estate vintinocigars.com

Emphasis on balance over strength
Focus on refinement, smoothness, and aroma layering
Less about intensity, more about harmony of flavors

The goal was a cigar that is “well rounded… not too powerful.” smokingpipes.com Drew Estate

2. Blending Methodology: Precision and Iteration

Herrera’s approach is closer to classical Cuban blending discipline than Drew Estate’s earlier experimental style.

Key technical elements:

Dozens of prototype blends (75+ trials) before finalising. Drew Estate
Use of multi-country tobacco (Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, Brazil) to fine-tune balance. Drew Estate
Focus on consistency and repeatability, not just bold flavour. Drew Estate

This is fundamentally different from:

ACID → flavour layering via infusion
Liga Privada → rarity and intensity

Herrera Estelí → calibration and balance Drew Estate

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

3. Construction Philosophy: Cuban Craft Techniques

One of the clearest signals of this philosophy is how the cigar is built.

Traditional techniques:

Entubado rolling method (each filler leaf rolled individually). Drew Estate
Triple cap construction (classic Cuban finish).

These techniques:

improve draw and combustion
enhance flavour delivery precision
reflect old-school Havana craftsmanship Drew Estate

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

4. Flavor Profile: Subtle, Layered, “Velvety”

Herrera Estelí cigars are designed to deliver a progressive, nuanced smoking experience.

Typical profile:

cedar and wood
creaminess
baking spices
light cocoa
restrained pepper

Instead of overwhelming strength, the blend emphasises:

texture (mouthfeel)
transitions between thirds
aromatic complexity

This aligns with traditional Cuban cigars, where: “power is beautifully masked” by smoothness. vintinocigars.com

5. Cultural & Strategic Significance

Herrera Estelí marked a major strategic shift for Drew Estate:

First time the company fully embraced Cuban-style heritage blending.
Introduction of a dedicated “Master Blender” role (Willy Herrera). Cigar Journal
Demonstrated Drew Estate could produce cigars focused on tradition—not just innovation or intensity. Drew Estate

It essentially became: The “third phase” of Drew Estate blending leadership

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Direct Comparison of All Four Philosophies

comparison all four philosophies

5. Nicholas Melillo at Drew Estate (2003–2014)

Nicholas Melillo—known throughout the premium cigar industry as "Nick R. Agua"—was one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Drew Estate's transformation from a small boutique cigar company into one of the world's largest premium cigar manufacturers.
He joined Drew Estate in March 2003, at just 24 years old, and remained with the company until 2014, spending approximately 11 years in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Photo Credit: A Conversation With Nicholas Melillo | Cigar Aficionado

How His Journey Started

Before joining Drew Estate:

Worked at The Calabash Shoppe cigar retailer in Connecticut beginning in 1996.
Studied International Business at Quinnipiac University.
Worked in Italy during the Vatican Jubilee.
Traveled extensively through Europe and Asia.

Jonathan Drew had met Melillo several years earlier during a retail cigar event.
While Melillo was traveling in Japan, Jonathan Drew famously emailed him:

"Call me, we obviously have some serious shit to talk about."
That conversation led directly to his move to Nicaragua in 2003. Cigar Aficionado Cigar Aficionado

Photo Credit: A Conversation With Nicholas Melillo | Cigar Aficionado

His First Responsibilities

When he arrived in Estelí, Drew Estate was still relatively small.
Initially he learned every department:

Factory production
Packaging
Warehousing
Tobacco handling
Inventory
Shipping
Fermentation

Melillo later explained:

"I jumped in the deep end."
He has often said that Jonathan Drew largely left him to learn through experience after only a short introduction. Cigar Aficionado

Director of Tobaccos & Production

This became Melillo's first formal executive position.

Primary Responsibilities

Tobacco Purchasing

Responsible for buying virtually all tobacco used by Drew Estate.
Included:

Nicaragua
Honduras
Connecticut
Mexico
Brazil
Ecuador
Cameroon

He negotiated directly with growers and suppliers. Cigar Aficionado

Photo courtesy of: Nick Melillo
Circa 2006, Nick Melillo (third from left) and the team from Drew Estate break ground on what would become La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate.

Photo Credit: Nick Melillo: Renaissance Man | CigarSnob

Fermentation

Oversaw all tobacco fermentation.
Responsibilities included:

Moisture management
Fermentation temperature
Aging schedules
Tobacco sorting
Tobacco rotation
Quality consistency

Melillo considers fermentation the "heart" of premium cigar flavor. Cigar Aficionado Cigar Aficionado

Blending

One of his most recognised responsibilities.
He helped create and refine numerous Drew Estate blends by selecting and combining tobaccos for desired flavor profiles.
He worked closely with:

Jonathan Drew
Factory production teams
Tobacco growers
Master rollers

His blending philosophy emphasised fermentation first and tobacco character before strength. Cigar Coop Cigar Aficionado

Production Planning

Responsible for:

Factory scheduling
Production forecasting
Tobacco allocation
Manufacturing efficiency
Inventory planning

As Drew Estate expanded dramatically, this role became increasingly complex. Cigar Aficionado

Quality Control

Oversaw quality across every production stage. Cigar Coop Cigar Aficionado

Included:

Draw testing
Wrapper selection
Construction standards
Moisture consistency
Final inspection

1st Photo: At his office in Connecticut, Melillo rolls up some small fumas of broadleaf to assess the quality.

Photo Credit: A Conversation With Nicholas Melillo | Cigar Aficionado

2nd Photo: PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JANE SHAUCK

Photo Credit: Nick Melillo: Renaissance Man | CigarSnob

Vice President of International Operations

By the end of his tenure, Melillo had become one of the company's senior executives.

His responsibilities expanded to include:

Global operations
International tobacco sourcing
Production oversight
Shipment planning
Supply chain management
Factory coordination
Quality assurance
Executive decision-making

According to Melillo himself:

"My main responsibilities were purchasing of all tobacco, monitoring of all fermentation, blending, production planning, shipment and all quality control." Cigar Aficionado

Photo Credit: Q&A: Nick Melillo, Owner, Foundation Cigar Co. | Cigar Aficionado

Major Cigars Developed During His Tenure

Melillo was involved in blending, development or production oversight for several of Drew Estate's most influential cigars, including:

Liga Privada No. 9
Liga Privada T52
Liga Privada Único Serie
Undercrown
Nica Rustica
Java
Kahlúa Cigars
Dirty Rat
Flying Pig
Velvet Rat

Industry reporting also credits him with work on partner brands such as Rocky Patel Java and Royal Gold Nirvana during his Drew Estate years. Cigar Coop Cigar Aficionado

Factory Growth During His Leadership

When Melillo arrived:

Drew Estate was producing only a few thousand cigars per day.

By the time he departed:

Production had increased to approximately 100,000 cigars per day, making La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate one of the largest premium cigar factories in the world. Cigar Aficionado CigarSnob

Mentors

Melillo credits several people with shaping his expertise.
Most notably:

Gustavo Cura of Oliva Tobacco Company, who mentored him in tobacco purchasing and fermentation during Drew Estate's early growth. Cigar Aficionado

El Güegüense, Melillo's first brand with Foundation Cigar Co.

Photo Credit: Q&A: Nick Melillo, Owner, Foundation Cigar Co. | Cigar Aficionado

Why He Left Drew Estate

Melillo has described leaving as one of the hardest decisions of his career.
His motivation was the desire to create his own company and concerns that evolving U.S. FDA regulations could limit the ability to launch new premium cigar brands in the future.
He left Drew Estate in 2014 and founded Foundation Cigar Company in 2015, using proceeds from the sale of his minority ownership stake following Drew Estate's acquisition by Swisher. Cigar Aficionado Cigar Aficionado

Foundation's The Tabernacle is a dark, Connecticut broadleaf cigar made in Nicaragua at A.J. Fernandez's namesake factory Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua.
Photo Credit: Q&A: Nick Melillo, Owner, Foundation Cigar Co. | Cigar Aficionado

Resilience and Adaptation

The cigar industry today is constantly facing new changes and pressures – regulatory – changing consumer choices and global economic changes.
Drew Estate has demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
It continuously invests in research, agricultural development and constantly diversifies its products to remain competitive.
An example is the expansion of new wrapper varieties, experimental fermentation techniques and new limited edition product releases that maintain consumer excitement.
This ability to adapt ensures the company's momentum in a constantly evolving industry.

"New leaf processing facility – called “DE2” - Esteli, Nicaragua directly across the street from the La Gran Fabrica facility"

Photo Credit: Cigar Coop

The Legacy of the Drew Family

Although Drew Estate began as a small new business without traditional roots of generations with history and experience in cigar production, the commitment and stability of its founders has provided a strong legacy with contemporary roots.
Through the leadership of Jonathan Drew, who with his particular style gives weight to community, creativity and authenticity-originality, he has managed not to simply sell cigars. But to continuously develop and highlight a way of life that is based on shared experiences, relaxation, discussion and respect for craftsmanship.
With this philosophy the resonance of cigar-loving consumers around the world is strong, thus providing the company with continued and growing influence within the industry.
The history of Drew Estate demonstrates that characteristics such as passion, respect for tradition and innovation can coexist in a modern family business.

Photo Credit: Drew Estate

Conclusion

The growth of Drew Estate embodies a history of excellence, both valuable and unique in the modern cigar industry.
From a small boutique cigar business to its distinction as a global brand with great readership the company has managed to reshape the way cigars are produced, marketed and enjoyed.
Through innovative products like ACID cigars, a dedication to premium Nicaraguan tobacco, artistic branding and strong community involvement, Drew Estate has pushed the boundaries of cigar culture.
The contributions of Jonathan Drew, Marvin Samel and the extended Drew Estate family have influenced countless aspects of the industry - from blending techniques to consumer outreach strategies.
Today, Drew Estate stands as a symbol of modern cigar innovation while maintaining a deep respect for the traditions that define the craft. Its history demonstrates that the future of the cigar industry lies not only in preserving heritage but also in embracing creativity and change. As the global cigar market continues to evolve the influence of Drew Estate and its founders will undoubtedly continue to be a catalytic force in shaping the industry for years to come.

1.Useful Reference List
Primary & Official Sources

EXPERIENCES & EVENTS

CIGARS

STORE LOCATOR

DREW DIPLOMAT

2. Latest News and Updates

3. STEVE SAKA

Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Oficial Website

PODCASTS

4. WILLY HERRERA (Master Blender at Drew Estate)

5. Nicholas Melillo at Drew Estate (2003–2014)

Important Notice

"This article features names, historical events, external links and additional references about the important contribution of the Drew Estate family to the cigar industry today.
If any of the prominent figures mentioned in this article do not wish to be included, please contact via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be removed."

Edited by Marios Krokos
Industrial designer

The Influential Contribution of the Family to the Cigar Industry Today

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