Almost a decade ago I found myself turning 50 years old and newly divorced. It was a tumultuous time to say the least. Initially I lived in an apartment but after the first year I was ready to get the hell out of there. The facilities and apartment were nice but the neighbors were inconsiderate twats (one in particular but that’s another post for another time) and the management company jacked my rent up by several hundred dollars a month when I renewed the lease. I started casually looking around for a home to buy in the area and eventually found a cozy rambler that I could afford and was close to my then teenage children.
The most surprising realization was when it occurred to me that now, having just turned 50, I was living completely on my own for the very first time in my life. I found it liberating, invigorating and terrifying, all at the same time, but after a while I found that it really suited me. Not having to answer to anyone, free to come and go as I pleased. Soon I started to get out in the world and experience things that I wasn’t able to do when I was married.
It was the first or second year of living in my home that I purchased a ticket to attend a Bourbon and Cigar festival. I had smoked the rare cigar over the years while playing golf or random occasions where cigars were available, but I had never really given it much thought as a regular activity. Included in the price of the ticket were unlimited samples of beer from participating breweries, samples of bourbons, wines and some other miscellaneous spirits, and a package of five cigars which you could select yourself. If my memory serves me, I was able to pay a little extra at the cigar tent and get 10 cigars total so – why not.
I walked around and spoke with the different reps that were manning their tables and everyone was extremely helpful. I wish had a record of what I bought that day but it didn’t cross my mind at the time that I may want to remember it at some point in the future. Long story short – I now have a pretty nice humidor that is never empty, multiple cutters and torch lighters, and a designated cigar smoking area on my back patio.
Pretty much everyone knows I love a good cigar. If they aren’t smokers themselves, it is often hard to communicate to them the brands and types of cigars you like when they are asking for gift ideas. I have to say though – my sister Debbie has knocked it out of the park. One year she gave me a cigar of the month club membership which was pretty sweet and this past year she gave me a bundle of the Drew Estate Factory Smokes Sweet Toros.
I had never had them before so I was a little skeptical at first but then I saw that they were made by Drew Estate who make fine quality cigars. The weather here in Virginia this winter has been unbelievably mild. We’ve had many very pleasant days in the 60s and upper 50s which is perfect cigar smoking weather in my book. So it wasn’t long before I was able to step outside and light one of these wonderful bad-boys up.
The tips are sweetened which I really enjoy. Infused cigars are okay and I also enjoy a few varieties of those, but my favorites are the medium bodied cigars with the wrapper sweetened. You get a nice, tobacco-flavored smoke with the addition of some sweetness on your lips. Really nice compliment to one of my homemade bourbon cocktails.
Factory Smokes fall solidly in the medium-bodied range. The draw is full and easy and are some of the evenest burning cigars I’ve had. A true testament to the quality and production. Early on you get flavors of vanilla, coffee and rich tobacco and as you pass the halfway point you may start to notice some subtle pepper and notes of walnut. This is truly a fine, affordable cigar that you’ll want to keep stocked in your own humidor. Under $40 for a bundle of twenty with several varieties to choose from, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Deb for turning me on to these beauties. I will definitely be restocking them soon. Prost!
I wish I could claim an extensive knowledge informed the decision, but alas, luck was on my side with these! I was looking for Sweet Janes since you had mentioned liking those- of course I couldn’t find them and time was short! This was a good sized pack, reasonably priced, and had “Sweet” in the name. SOLD! 🙂 Glad you dig them!