At 6.75 inches, with a relatively narrow ring gauge of 44, the Drew Estate ACID Cold Infusion is the second-lengthiest entry in the revered ACID series that put Drew Estate on the map of the world’s best-selling cigars. As a member of the ACID Gold line of relaxing smokes that are known to be both smooth and holistic, the Cold Infusion soothes the soul and relaxes the spirit.
Originated in 1999, the ACID series of smokes takes its name from the one-time business acronym of Brooklyn artist Scott Chester — Arielle Chester Industrial Design, or A.C.I.D. The silhouette of Chester, whose blend of urban, industrial, graffiti and motorcycle art accompanied the launch of these incredibly popular sticks, appears prominently on all ACID cigar packaging.
The details of the infusion process used in the ACID family of cigars are a trade secret, but suffice it to say that each smoke in the series is a new exploration in tobacco curing and blending that only Drew Estate has refined to this level.
Featuring a silky Connecticut Shade wrapper, aged Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos and a lighter, refreshing taste of tea (not coffee), the ACID Cold Infusion is a superbly constructed, enticingly scented, beautifully drawing cigar that teases the smoker’s palate with floral essences, nuances of fruits and hints of herbal tea that are clearly infusions, and not overpowering or artificially enhanced flavors.
The Cold Infusion’s burn is even, and its ash is dense in this mellow-to-medium-strength, medium-bodied stick that stays consistent from start to finish. This constituent of the ACID Gold line is an excellent smoke that’s not too harsh, not too potent and not too flavorful, for enthusiasts who may be new to cigars. It’s not as heavy-duty as a number of the other ACID sticks, and for this reason, it makes a great introduction to the series and to infused cigars in general.