Size: 52 х 152 (5.98")
Shape: Toro
Filler: Honduran and Dominican
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Smoking Time: 1 ½ hours
Beverage: Cappuccino
Liga Privada was created by Drew Estate, a company known best for their infused cigar line, and is touted as being a cigar created to be the personal smoke of the company president – Steve Saka. The company has taken the liberty of making this point well known by printing “Hecho Exclusivamente Para El Jefe” or crudely translated “Made Exclusively for the Boss” on the cigar’s band. Personally, I find the “private blend gone public” approach a little gimmicky, but that’s a personal matter and one that should not affect the ultimate decision on whether a cigar is good or not. The Liga Privada No. 9 has an interesting story (click here for more information on the creation of this cigar) and, according to the Drew Estate website, is actually a blend of seven different tobaccos from seven farms. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the cigar is the dark wrapper that is rough to the touch, but exceedingly attractive and well-applied. It is slightly oily and the thick, protruding veins do not seem to take away from the cigar. The simple yet classy band adds to the overall appearance. The Liga Privada No. 9 reminds me of a fine antique piece of furniture that has been restored beyond its original luster. I have read other reviews that claim that the flavor profile should be full bodied with notes of earth and espresso…I guess we’ll see.
The smell of the cigar reminds me of a Partagas, specifically a No. 2, although even stronger with notes of dried grass, earth, and hints of espresso. Similar notes are detected in the pre-draw. Upon lighting the foot I am nearly overwhelmed by the strength of the stick and have to let it cool slightly before touching it up with my Xikar lighter. I find myself greatly enjoying the dense smoke and near perfect draw, as well as the hearty flavors of coffee, tobacco and earth. However, I am disappointed that the cigar begins to mellow out after the first centimeter or so and remains unchanged in flavor for the rest of the stick. Although I do enjoy the underlying taste profile of the cigar, I find myself wanting more. It is difficult to ignore the gorgeous appearance of the Liga Privada No. 9, but unfortunately you can’t smoke good looks and I am only able to give the cigar 2 ½ Castro heads out of five.
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