Acid Cigars

ACID Cigars, created by Drew Estate, emerged in 1999 as one of the most unconventional and genre-defining cigar lines ever introduced to the premium market. Before launch, founders Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel spent years experimenting in their Brooklyn warehouse—an eclectic loft called “Drew Estate Studio #52”—where they blended traditional cigar craftsmanship with an aromatic infusion process inspired by urban art, music, and lifestyle culture. Their partnership with the late Scott “Acid” Chester, a graffiti and mixed-media artist, helped shape the brand’s bold visual identity and became the namesake of the line. Instead of relying solely on classic tobacco profiles, ACID cigars use Drew Estate’s proprietary “aroma room” method, where cured tobaccos are exposed to botanicals, essential oils, spices, and herbs to create the signature fragrances and flavors that set the series apart. When ACID Blue, Red, Gold, and Purple lines hit the market, they disrupted the industry by appealing not just to traditional cigar smokers but also to newcomers who appreciated the modern, experimental twist. Today, ACID remains Drew Estate’s best-selling infused brand and a cornerstone of the company’s innovation-driven reputation.