The Drew Estate Freestyle Live mystery packs never fail to deliver excitement, and Episode 013 of the Smoke and Steel Podcast brought us a memorable unboxing experience. We dove into the latest FSL package featuring Connecticut Shade cigars from the Nica Rustica line, welcomed our most loyal listener Eddie to the show, and shared stories from cigar lounges across the country.
What’s Inside the Drew Estate Freestyle Live August 2025 Pack
Drew Estate’s Freestyle Live series continues to impress cigar enthusiasts with their mystery approach to new releases. This time around, we received three mystery cigars labeled simply “FSL” with an August 2025 date, along with some excellent swag including a quality tumbler that had everyone at the table wanting to take it home.
The mystery has since been revealed: these are Connecticut Shade cigars from Drew Estate’s Nica Rustica line. For those familiar with Nica Rustica, this represents a departure from their typical offerings.
First Impressions and Construction
Right off the bat, we noticed the solid construction that Drew Estate is known for. The cigars felt dense and well-packed, with an attractive Connecticut wrapper that had a slight sheen to it. Despite some initial shipping concerns (the package had been delayed, affecting humidity levels), most of the cigars performed well during our smoke.
The draw was consistently good across all three cigars we lit up, though Rob experienced some minor burn issues – likely due to the humidity fluctuations during shipping rather than any construction flaws.
Tasting Notes: A Mild Morning Smoke
The Drew Estate Freestyle Live Connecticut Shade proved to be exactly what you’d expect from a Connecticut wrapper – mild to medium-bodied with a creamy, approachable flavor profile. We found it to be somewhat one-dimensional, maintaining consistent flavors throughout without dramatic transitions, but that’s not necessarily a negative trait.
Key Characteristics:
- Body: Mild to medium
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, mild, consistent
- Best Pairing: Morning coffee
- Burn: Generally even (when properly humidified)
- Draw: Smooth and effortless
This would make an excellent morning cigar or a starter smoke for newer cigar enthusiasts. The mild nature means it won’t overwhelm your palate, making it perfect for those days when you want to enjoy multiple cigars or when you need something approachable early in the day.
Special Guest: Eddie’s Cross-Country Lounge Adventures
One of the highlights of this episode was finally having Eddie join us in person. As our most dedicated listener and someone who travels extensively for work, Eddie brings a unique perspective on cigar lounges across America.
Favorite Lounges and Hidden Gems
Eddie shared insights from his travels, highlighting some standout locations:
Corona Cigar Lounge (Orlando): Eddie consistently returns to this location, praising both the extensive selection and reasonable Florida pricing. The Sand Lake location particularly impressed him with its massive size and aisles of cigars.
Regional Price Variations: Through his travels, Eddie has become an expert on regional cigar pricing. He noted that West Coast prices tend to be significantly higher due to taxes and regulations, while East Coast locations generally offer better value. Georgia surprised him with some outrageous pricing – $10 for small Liga Privada No. 9 cigars that typically retail for much less.
Reservation Shopping: Eddie’s pro tip for fellow travelers on the West Coast is to always check out reservation shops when possible, as they often allow smoking and have fair pricing.
The Challenges of Road Cigar Shopping
Not every lounge experience is positive. Eddie described encountering shops with poor selections, excessive regulations posted at entrances, and pricing that seemed disconnected from reality. These experiences serve as reminders that finding quality cigar retailers while traveling requires some research and sometimes a bit of luck.
Community Connections: Kyle’s Louisiana Blend
We’re excited to announce our upcoming collaboration with Kyle from LA Cigar Collective in Louisiana. Kyle sent us a 10-pack of his house blend called “Gris Gris” (pronounced “Gree Gree”)
Eddie had the chance to visit Kyle’s shop during his travels, providing a personal connection that makes this collaboration even more meaningful. The genuine hospitality and passion for cigars that Kyle demonstrated to Eddie reflects the kind of authentic cigar community connections we love to highlight on the show.
Industry Insights and New Releases
Drew Estate’s Continued Innovation
The Freestyle Live series represents Drew Estate’s commitment to engaging directly with their community. At approximately $40 per pack, you typically receive more than $40 worth of accessories alone, essentially getting the mystery cigars for free. Previous packs have included ashtrays, cutters, lighters, and other useful accessories that many of us still use regularly.
Upcoming Releases Worth Watching
We discussed several exciting new releases on the horizon:
Espinosa Warheads: These come in unique missile-shaped containers with 10 cigars for around $110, showcasing the creative packaging trends in the premium cigar market.
Black Label Trading Tigerosaurus: The latest in the Tiger series featuring unique artwork and mixed wrapper construction using Candella, Natural, and Maduro leaves.
Behind the Scenes: Growing the Podcast
Episode 013 marked a milestone for us as we welcomed our first in-person guest who isn’t part of our regular crew. Eddie’s presence added a fresh dynamic to our usual conversation flow, and his extensive lounge experiences provided content that we simply couldn’t generate from our regular Pennsylvania-based perspectives.
Equipment and Setup Notes
For fellow podcasters or those curious about our setup, we continue to evolve our recording equipment. Recent additions include new microphones and a mixer, investments that improve audio quality for our listeners. The goal is always to make you feel like you’re sitting around the table with us, sharing cigars and stories.
Cigar Storage and Humidity Lessons
The Drew Estate package provided a good reminder about proper cigar storage. When cigars are shipped without proper humidity control, even well-constructed premium cigars can develop burn issues. This reinforces the importance of:
- Letting shipped cigars rest in proper humidity for at least 24-48 hours before smoking
- Maintaining consistent humidity levels in your personal storage
- Understanding that burn issues might be storage-related rather than manufacturing defects
Looking Ahead: More Collaborations and Content
This episode represents the kind of authentic, community-driven content we want to continue creating. Between partnerships with shops like Kyle’s in Louisiana, packages from manufacturers like Drew Estate and Vega Fina, and guest appearances from dedicated listeners like Eddie, we’re building something that reflects the genuine camaraderie of the cigar community.
Final Thoughts on Drew Estate Freestyle Live
While the Connecticut Shade cigars in this Freestyle Live pack might not have been the most complex or exciting cigars we’ve ever reviewed, they serve an important purpose in the cigar world. Not every cigar needs to be a flavor bomb or a strength monster. Sometimes you need a reliable, mild, well-constructed smoke that won’t overpower your palate or your morning routine.
Drew Estate deserves credit for continuing to engage with their community through these mystery releases, and the quality of the accompanying accessories shows they value their customers beyond just the cigars themselves.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast looking for a morning smoke or a newer cigar smoker wanting something approachable, the Nica Rustica Shade delivers exactly what it promises – a mild, creamy, enjoyable smoking experience that won’t break the bank or overwhelm your senses.
Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode and want to try some of the cigars we discussed, consider making your purchase through our Cigar Page affiliate link. Your support helps us continue bringing you honest reviews and authentic cigar community content. You can also support the podcast directly through our Ko-Fi page.
Watch the Full Episode: Don’t miss Eddie’s debut appearance and our complete Drew Estate Freestyle Live unboxing by watching the full episode.
