MIL-SPEC, by Drew Estate

HOGs,
this is to announce the coming to light of a new Cigar! MIL-SPEC was designed from it's concept by me, and placed in the capable hands of Jon Drew to complete.
For those of you in the military, you know well the image of the cigar chomping NCO/Officer/Squad Leader leading his warriors. This is the image I grew up with, and perpetrate to this day. I was bored with dime store cigars a long time ago when I discovered Punch, Fuente, Drew Estate, Torano, La Aurora, etc.
I wanted a short 4" Torpedo that would evoke the image Monday through Friday, and a longer 6.5 to enjoy during those boring Dining In's. The box was concepted from an Ammo Case that originally held 5 Arty shells. With a natural/OD Green label it should look down right MIL-SPEC.
The Label is OD Green, with a WWII outline white star, and the words in milspec stencil 'MIL-SPEC', centered. The art, and concept has been mine from the beginning, and Jon has been enthusiastically carrying out the blending of this new kid on the block. Maduro wrapper, and Cameroon wrapper are my chosen wrappers.
I will expand more on this when I once again hear from Jon.
This is going to be outstanding!

I have only conceptual drawings at this time. I am awaiting the first 'Beta' box to see how it is. When I get with Jon, and we finish the final concept, I will be the sole Source of MIL-SPEC. I will hold FULL distributorship rights to it. The DE Subculture line is all shop based, small batch production. I am really looking forward to it!
(Example: Pimp Stick(Subculture/Natural), is solely sold via Cigars International)

CC, words are never taken lightly, and always considered when they are so succinct. I figure for every great testimony out there, there is probably a few bad ones. My experience with Jon, has been great. He has never broken his word by me, and has always come through with what he said he was going to do.
It is his advice that I go by in my business, and thus far, it has proven to be solid. In ten months we are seeing ever increasing business, and so far, from Hawaii to the East coast, or Nationwide, if you will. With that said, his words are better seen than repeated in paraphrase. This is from an e-mail I received today.

"...good choice. I suggest that we make the Torpedo with
the Cedar Wrap, as it doesn't affect the price all that
much. I am going to make up three samples with
different blends but all with Maduro wrappers.

Once you select the blend that you like the best out
of the three, we will get production going and then
add you to the..."

4.5 x 54 Torpedo Chateaued
24ct Box
This will lend to the bullet look, as well as make for excellent taste notes, and storage. The overall shape also screams to be held in the mouth and chomped as seen in SGT ROCK, and Other Military Comix, or in any Military movie, or on any battlefield then or now(The Marine Colonel(BC) in Fallujah, was chomping a cigar as he was gruffly telling the RTO where to call fire from a rooftop during the battle)

I have no doubt that this cigar will be a great medium length smoke. I have replied with a request for Cameroon wrapped samples as well. I do have a hard time choosing between Cameroon, and Maduro, as both are so good!
So far, going from an ameteur afficianado, to a small businessman, and being a soldier all at once, has been very tough at times, but always rewarding. I want this to happen not so much for myself, but for everyone out there who believes they can succeed at whatever they choose. I am even looking in to ways to make a percentage of the sales on these go to the USO, or MWR, or some useful contribution to the guys and girls in Harms Way, because, afterall, this is for them. It is also for all those of you who support our Nation's Warriors, and those who have come before. Pretty lofty ideals for such a small cigar? We think not, afterall, there is only one speed, right? Balls Out! Do it with total gusto, careening through life with all the risk you can take for the big win,and finally sliding home to the grave with a skid and a shout, "Hell Yeah, What a Rush!"

replied. Man this is Good Stuff!

As I said earlier, I will let the world know when this baby is ready for sale. It is a dream that I have had since I smoked my first Brooklyn. You know how it goes. Wow, that guy has his own cigar line. Cool! One day, yes sir, one day I will have mine! There are days when I just look up, and say,"Man, I am living the dream!"
Find your's, grab it by the tail, and hang on!

Remember Bloof, Success is not guaged by where one is at, but by the adversity, and challenges, one has overcome to get where he is at. At least that way makes me feel better when I see where I am at times

Yippee Kai Yay! I found this old thread!

Here is the latest on the MIL-SPEC ladies and gents!
(Tentative until I actually see them)
4.5 x 54 Torpedo
6 x 54 Torpedo
5 x 58 Robusto Box Pressed
6 x 54(?) Toro
7 x 48 Churchill

This is what has me really excited:

"James.

I have finished something for you. I made you about 400 cigars in total or so in 4 sizes (about 100 of each). I used a special broadleaf wrapper. They are f**king(edited) awsome.

What to do for bands. For now, I will use a new Natural band that has not even reached the stores yet(I just got a box of Dirt with this new band...COOOOOOL!) ... and I will not box them yet. I will place them in bundles for the time being.

You are going to flip when you smoke them. Thats my word.

I will get them in this weeks shipment from nica and you will have them in 3 weeks. Get ready.

Jon"


This is almost as good as being there when my First Son was born!
I cannot wait to sample these fine cigars. I plan on sending a few to Fernando to get out to some of you so you can give us all your 'No BS' "what's it like?" Something tells me that 58 ring Box Pressed Robusto is going to require a nice steak dinner before lighting up :cheers: :rock:

Fernando, you have e-mail!