Drew Estate Launches Pappy Van Winkle Cigars for Whiskey Pairing

Source from:  Cigar Aficionado 11/27/2014

Drew Estate Inc., recently acquired by tobacco giant Swisher International, announced a new partnership and cigar line with Pappy & Company called Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve. The cigars are designed to be paired with whiskey.

The line debuts in two sizes, Robusto and Toro, and is made in conjunction with the family-owned merchandise division of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, which is known for producing premium, small-batch whiskies such as Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.

"We're extremely happy to be working with Drew Estate on this project, as both of our companies are known for their high quality, handmade products," said Carrie Van Winkle. Van Winkle is the great granddaughter of the titular Pappy Van Winkle.

"When we approached Drew Estate with the idea of working together on a premium cigar, we knew we'd made the right choice," she said. "The finished cigar is the perfect pairing for our family's whiskies."

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve is made at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua, and features an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan filler. The Robusto measures 5 1/4 inches by 52 ring gauge and retails for $13.

The Toro is 6 by 54 and retails for $15. Both come in packages of 10 and are available for pre-order on the Pappy & Company website, though Van Winkle told Cigar Insider that they're not expected to ship until approximately mid-December. Enditem