Southern Draw Kudzu cigars look great and taste even better. These Robert Holt handmade premium cigars are rolled in Esteli at the famed Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars factory using specially selected tobaccos.
The Kudzu Southern Draw range includes five vitolas, available in boxes of 20 or 'drawpaks' of 4-5 sticks each.
You can read our Southern Draw Kudzu review below or watch our official video review found at the bottom of this page.
An introduction to Southern Draw
Southern Draw Cigars is based in Texas and was founded by a family of veteran tobacconists. The Southern States heritage goes to the heart of the brand, but the premium cigars include old-world Cuban production techniques.
The result is an excellent range of handmade cigars and Kudzu is no exception. In this Southern Draw cigars review, I'll take a closer look at the construction, flavors, and strength profile of this appealing smoke.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars, Esteli
- Wrapper: Habano Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Sizes available:
- Southern Draw Kudzu Robusto (5.5 x 54)
- Southern Draw Kudzu Gordo (6.5 x 60)
- Southern Draw Kudzu Axil Lancero (6.5 x 40)
- Southern Draw Kudzu Perfecto (6 x 56)
- Southern Draw Kudzu Toro (6 x 52)
How is the Kudzu constructed?
Nicaraguan tobaccos are blended masterfully in the filler and binder on each Kudzu Southern Draw cigar before the whole thing is wrapped in Habano Oscuro leaves.
Southern Draw Kudzu cigars give you everything you could want from a premium handmade cigar. The box press is neat and crisp, with tight seams and an expertly executed triple cap.
Each stick features two bands: one which simply reads 'Kudzu' and another with the Southern Draw logo and motto. "Soli Deo Gloria" is a Latin phrase that means "Glory to God alone," and a nod to the very high standards that go into these premium cigars.
What I got from the cold draw
The Kudzu cold draw really must not be missed. After clipping the cap and closed foot, you may detect chocolate, dried fruits, and spices, along with cedarwood.
On the cold draw itself, there's more of that chocolate and pumpkin spices, with creamy, malty notes that make for a very smooth flavor.
Flavors I enjoyed
Southern Draw Kudzu has an overall flavor profile that combines chocolate and spices with woody notes and cedar. It's a rich and pungent profile that evolves nicely throughout the different thirds, and pairs perfectly with a whiskey on the rocks.
First third
Kudzu starts strong, a hallmark of AJ Fernandez cigars in general. The spices are there right from the first puff, and there's plenty of smoke to enjoy. If you're an indoor smoker, the retrohales will be something to savor throughout this cigar.
Cedar is also there from the start and will remain the driving force behind Kudzu's flavor profile throughout, rounded out by malted, creamy tastes.
Second third
Into the middle of the stick, some of the fruity sweetness begins to fade, to be replaced by earthy, dark coffee tones instead.
The spices take on more of a peppery profile, a transition away from those pumpkin spices of cinnamon and nutmeg that were present in the first third, and smoke production remains good.
Final third
Kudzu does not become overly strong at any point - more on that below. But the profile is rich and well-rounded, especially into the final third where cocoa and coffee really come through with more force.
You may need to make some gentle touch-ups to ensure an even burn line, but that's no problem. Kudzu can take it and will reward you with a satisfying smoke right down to the nub.
How strong is the Kudzu?
Kudzu is not the strongest cigar - I rate it medium strength with the mellow body - but the flavors are distinct and present in plenty enough quantity to make this an incredibly satisfying smoke.
The result is one you'll want to go back to again and again, so with each of five vitolas available in boxes of 20, Southern Draw Kudzu cigars are one to stock up on, as you'll want them to be a permanent presence in your humidor.
Closing thoughts
I love this cigar and have yet to see a bad review of it. Almost everyone who smokes it immediately places it in their favorites, not to mention in their humidor for future revisits.
Choose a box of 20 in one of the five vitolas: Robusto, Gordo, Axil Lancero, Perfecto and Toro. Or choose a drawpak if you'd like to try 4-5 sticks first, but you should fully expect to come back and place a bigger order once you experience this masterful handmade cigar.