I recently picked up an acid extra ordinary larry from the back of my humidor, and man, it reminded me why this thing has such a cult following. It's not your typical cigar by any stretch of the imagination, but then again, Drew Estate has never really been about doing things the "normal" way. If you're looking for a traditional, leathery, old-school Cuban-style smoke, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for something that tastes like a botanical garden exploded in the best way possible, you're in the right place.
The first thing you notice about the Larry is the sheer size. It's a 6 x 60 Gordo, which means it's a thick, heavy stick that demands a good chunk of your afternoon. You can't just squeeze this into a twenty-minute coffee break. You need to commit to it. And honestly, that's part of the charm. It's a slow-burning, aromatic experience that feels more like a treat than just another smoke.
That Massive Size and the Purple Label
When you see that bright purple band, you already know what you're getting into. In the Acid lineup, the purple labels are famous for being the most aromatic and floral of the bunch. The acid extra ordinary larry is basically the king of that category. It's huge, it's bold, and it smells like a mix of rose petals, red wine, and something spicy that I can never quite put my finger on.
The construction is surprisingly solid for an infused cigar. Sometimes people think that because a cigar is "flavored" or "infused," the rollers don't care as much about the build, but that's not the case here. The wrapper is dark, oily, and toothy. It feels substantial in your hand. When you clip the end—I usually go with a straight cut on something this wide—the cold draw is like a burst of sweetness. It's got that sweetened tip that Acid is known for, which some people love and others well, they have opinions. Personally, I think it fits the vibe of the Larry perfectly.
Is it too big for a regular smoke?
A 60-ring gauge is no joke. If you aren't used to big cigars, it might feel a bit awkward at first. It's a lot of tobacco to get your mouth around, and it produces a mountain of smoke. But the benefit of that size is that the smoke stays relatively cool. Because there's so much surface area, you aren't overheating the tobacco, which allows those delicate botanical infusions to really shine through without getting bitter.
Breaking Down the Infused Flavor Profile
Let's talk about what's actually going on inside this thing. Drew Estate is pretty secretive about their infusion process, but we know it involves "herbs, botanicals, and essential oils." With the acid extra ordinary larry, the flavor is definitely on the floral and fruity side.
Right after lighting it up, you get this immediate hit of sweetness from the cap, followed by a very distinct rose and lavender note. It sounds weird to say a cigar tastes like flowers, but it's remarkably smooth. About an inch in, a bit of a "dark fruit" flavor starts to emerge—think of a heavy red wine or maybe blackberries. It balances out the floral notes so it doesn't feel like you're smoking a potpourri bowl.
What I find interesting about the Larry is that underneath all those infusions, there's actually some decent tobacco. It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, which provides a natural earthiness and a bit of cocoa. As you get further into the second third, the infusion starts to take a backseat, and you get more of that rich, chocolatey tobacco flavor. It's a nice transition that keeps the experience from feeling one-dimensional.
The Actual Smoking Experience
Smoking an acid extra ordinary larry is an event. You're going to be sitting there for at least ninety minutes, maybe two hours if you're a slow puffer like me. The draw is usually wide open—Drew Estate is known for having a very easy draw—so you don't have to work hard to get a ton of smoke.
One thing to watch out for is the room note. If you're smoking this around non-smokers, they actually might not hate you. Unlike a heavy Maduro that smells like a campfire, the Larry smells sweet and almost incense-like. My wife usually complains when I light up a cigar on the patio, but she actually likes the smell of this one. It's got a very pleasant, aromatic quality that lingers in the air.
The burn is usually pretty even, though with a 60-ring gauge, you might need to touch it up once or twice if there's a breeze. The ash is bright white and holds on for a good inch or two before falling. It's a well-made product, which is what you expect when you're paying for a premium infused stick.
Who Should Actually Buy This Thing?
I'll be the first to admit that the acid extra ordinary larry isn't for everyone. If you're a "purist" who only smokes unflavored puros from Nicaragua or the DR, this might be a bit too much for you. It's a very different animal.
However, it's a fantastic choice for a few specific types of people:
- The Occasional Smoker: If you only have a cigar once a month and you want something that tastes "good" right away without having to develop a palate for leather and cedar, this is a win.
- The Dessert Lover: This is a perfect after-dinner smoke. It's sweet, it's rich, and it pairs amazingly well with a cup of black coffee or even a sweet rum.
- The Curious Veteran: Even if you usually smoke traditional sticks, it's fun to change things up. The Larry is a great palate cleanser when you want something totally different from your usual rotation.
I usually keep a couple of these in a separate humidor (pro tip: never store infused cigars with your regular ones, or everything will start tasting like flowers) for those nights when I just want to sit back and enjoy something easy-going and flavorful.
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, the acid extra ordinary larry is exactly what it claims to be: extraordinary. It's big, it's loud, and it's unapologetically flavored. It doesn't try to be a refined, subtle masterpiece. Instead, it's a fun, high-quality smoke that offers a massive amount of flavor and a really relaxing experience.
Whether you're a long-time fan of the Acid line or you're just looking for a big cigar to celebrate a weekend, the Larry is worth a try. Just make sure you have plenty of time on your hands and a comfortable chair, because once you light this thing up, you aren't going anywhere for a while. It's a slow-motion journey through some of the most unique flavors in the cigar world, and honestly, I think every smoker should try it at least once just to see what all the fuss is about. It might not become your daily driver, but it's definitely a stick you'll remember.