Cigar Advisor's Master Blenders Series: A Podcast With Willy Herrera of Drew Estate Cigars

EASTON, PA--(Marketwired - August 17, 2015) - Cigar Advisor, the nation's premier online cigar magazine, proudly serves cigar enthusiasts with a uniquely down-to-earth perspective on the enjoyment of premium cigars. Well-known and highly regarded for providing acclaimed educational cigar content and behind-the-scenes industry articles from some of the business's top names, the Cigar Advisor editors deliver an array of content that speaks directly to those who enjoy the cigar lifestyle. Cigar enthusiasts today are always looking for more information about great cigars, including how they're made, and the people who blend them. There's no better way to learn about these cigars then straight from the Master Blenders themselves, as heard in this podcast with Willy Herrera of Herrera Estelí Cigars and CigarAdvisor.com executive editor, Gary Korb.

In just five years, Willy Herrera has become one of the most esteemed premium cigar blenders in the industry. Having joined La Gran Fabrica de Drew Estate in 2011, as the man behind Herrera Estelí and Herrera Estelí Norteño cigars, and the new Undercrown Shade cigars, Willy has come a long way from directing the daily operations and production at El Titan de Bronze on Calle Ocho in Miami's "Little Havana." CigarAdvisor.com executive editor, Gary Korb, spoke to the gentle giant about working with the Drew Estate team, and his singular approach to cigar blending. To listen to the podcast, click here.

Gary adds: "I first met Willy Herrera at the IPCPR show in New Orleans in 2008. Here was this big guy in this humble little booth with a sign that read, 'El Titan de Bronze Cigars, Miami, FL.' With his tanned skin and ripped 6-foot-5-inch frame, Willy looked like a bronze Titan -- and still does. As it often turns out, the bigger they are, the nicer they are, and after spending the latter part of an evening walking the steamy streets of New Orleans with his two lovely booth assistants, we got to know each other a little. The next day Willy gave me a few of his cigars to try, all of which were extraordinary. I suppose that at the time neither Willy nor I had any idea he would be making some of the best Nicaraguan cigars on the market today, and for Drew Estate no less! Suffice it to say that when Drew Estate announced Willy would be joining the company in 2011, I was very happy for him, yet in no way surprised; talent like that doesn't go unnoticed very long."

Jonathan Drew one of the co-founders of Drew Estate Cigars and one of the most recognized faces in the cigar industry had this to say about Willy. "What I respect most about Willy is that he's authentic…Watching Willy make magic in his small factory in Miami was inspirational to me and a major reason why I pursued the new relationship. Willy ran his [El Titan de Bronze] factory for over six years, including the purchasing of tobacco, curing, blending and quality control -- he has earned his rank as a real manufacturer, plus he's humble, honest, and cool as hell. He's a real Don."

About Cigar Advisor Magazine
Cigar Advisor magazine is a digital publication created by, and for, real cigar enthusiasts. The Editors strive every day to accomplish three goals: welcome novices to the hobby of cigar smoking with advice and open arms; share their tobacco-rich lifestyle with good friends and veteran smokers alike, and profess their love for a good smoke with cigar enthusiasts of all stripes, from around the world. Cigar smokers are a passionate bunch -- and whether it's food, drink, sports or cigars they're fanatical about, Cigar Advisor shares those passions with a razor-sharp edge. Find that passion and more on display at CigarAdvisor.com.

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