r3db4r0n
BoM Jan '11
Sitting in the cool spring breeze joined by friends, I look forward to diving into yet another drew estate masterpiece this evening, the Liga Privada #9. At 5x52, this is certainly a "new aged" size robusto and as such has a hefty feel to it and a good weight, a sign this is going to smoke well.
The wrapper consists of beautiful dark brown Connecticut broadleaf; It is so rich in colour that I would say it almost akin to the appearance of dark chocolate. An oil sheen that looks similar to a matt finish is apparent in reflection of my porch light; there are some surfaces veins but most are nonexistent and the seams are almost indistinguishable. The construction – as previously alluded to – is great and the filler produces just the right amount of give when pressed between the fingers.
Pre Light: The cap comes off easily and swiftly giving way to a smooth draw. The flavours produced are mild for the most part; some spice and cedar coupled with mild tobacco background nuances. Fragrances from the draw and foot are also of cedar and spice.
Light: The foot cherries well under the heat of my jetflame and giving way to a surprisingly mild draw. Flavours of spice, cedar and some sweet undertones dominate the flavour profile but nothing lingers thereafter.
First third: After letting the cigar settle about 2 thirds of an inch, this Liga began producing some fantastic flavours. Sweet nuances dominate the pinnacle of the flavour profile, followed by under tones of cedar with a very leathery and toasty finish with hints of spice. The retro-hale differs quite a bit from the retro hale. cedar and sweet fragrances are underlying while a toasty almond dominates the senses with an oaky finish; The ambient burn also shares notes of almond, cedar and spice. The burn itself has been superb from the light on down, a razor sharp line with no blistering or issues of any kind that holds onto ash for about an inch before dropping.
Second Third: Flavours from the first third remained rather consistent until halfway through the second where upon the profile picked up quite a bit. Sweet nuances are now almost absent while cedar and spice are now most prominent; The finish is quite leathery with a spice that lingers long after the draw. The retro-hale comes off brilliantly, increasing its complexity as the burn progresses. Cedar is still present along with fragrances of almond, though, now with a more toasty finish; In addition to the aforementioned, there is also the addition of a heavy spice, followed surprisingly by floral after notes. The ambient burn continues to exude notes of light almond and cedar while the burn continues to progress nicely, still dropping ash in about one inch intervals.
Final third: A beautiful finish from a great cigar; not quite what I was expecting in terms of strength as it has mellowed out some towards the finale, but never the less, it continues to deliver. Continuing to show consistency, a plethora of cedar and almond nuances greet the pallet, stronger than before though not as heavy as one would expect. There is also a pleasant earthiness along with the toasty leather nuances that have been present throughout on the finish, however spice is but a hint. The retro-hale has again transmogrified and is now very toasty and spicy; some almond and cedar remain but the floral nuance that were previously present ceases to exist. The burn was again excellent through to the nub, holding ash again for a good inch before dropping with no issues to speak of.
Final thoughts: Another fantastic smoke from Drew estate cigars. Starting off with a light that was mild and pleasing, this smoke improved steadily building on the nuances and fragrances of each passing third towards a full satisfying finish. Aside from the brilliance of the flavours and fragrances, I was perhaps most impressed by the construction of this cigar; It remained cool and drew well throughout the entirety of the smoke, even on the finish. The burn was perfect and dropped ash at almost exactly one inch intervals throughout each third. I look forward to what Drew estate has to offer in the future.
Total smoking time was about an hour and a half.
Cheers,
Shawn
The wrapper consists of beautiful dark brown Connecticut broadleaf; It is so rich in colour that I would say it almost akin to the appearance of dark chocolate. An oil sheen that looks similar to a matt finish is apparent in reflection of my porch light; there are some surfaces veins but most are nonexistent and the seams are almost indistinguishable. The construction – as previously alluded to – is great and the filler produces just the right amount of give when pressed between the fingers.
Pre Light: The cap comes off easily and swiftly giving way to a smooth draw. The flavours produced are mild for the most part; some spice and cedar coupled with mild tobacco background nuances. Fragrances from the draw and foot are also of cedar and spice.
Light: The foot cherries well under the heat of my jetflame and giving way to a surprisingly mild draw. Flavours of spice, cedar and some sweet undertones dominate the flavour profile but nothing lingers thereafter.
First third: After letting the cigar settle about 2 thirds of an inch, this Liga began producing some fantastic flavours. Sweet nuances dominate the pinnacle of the flavour profile, followed by under tones of cedar with a very leathery and toasty finish with hints of spice. The retro-hale differs quite a bit from the retro hale. cedar and sweet fragrances are underlying while a toasty almond dominates the senses with an oaky finish; The ambient burn also shares notes of almond, cedar and spice. The burn itself has been superb from the light on down, a razor sharp line with no blistering or issues of any kind that holds onto ash for about an inch before dropping.
Second Third: Flavours from the first third remained rather consistent until halfway through the second where upon the profile picked up quite a bit. Sweet nuances are now almost absent while cedar and spice are now most prominent; The finish is quite leathery with a spice that lingers long after the draw. The retro-hale comes off brilliantly, increasing its complexity as the burn progresses. Cedar is still present along with fragrances of almond, though, now with a more toasty finish; In addition to the aforementioned, there is also the addition of a heavy spice, followed surprisingly by floral after notes. The ambient burn continues to exude notes of light almond and cedar while the burn continues to progress nicely, still dropping ash in about one inch intervals.
Final third: A beautiful finish from a great cigar; not quite what I was expecting in terms of strength as it has mellowed out some towards the finale, but never the less, it continues to deliver. Continuing to show consistency, a plethora of cedar and almond nuances greet the pallet, stronger than before though not as heavy as one would expect. There is also a pleasant earthiness along with the toasty leather nuances that have been present throughout on the finish, however spice is but a hint. The retro-hale has again transmogrified and is now very toasty and spicy; some almond and cedar remain but the floral nuance that were previously present ceases to exist. The burn was again excellent through to the nub, holding ash again for a good inch before dropping with no issues to speak of.
Final thoughts: Another fantastic smoke from Drew estate cigars. Starting off with a light that was mild and pleasing, this smoke improved steadily building on the nuances and fragrances of each passing third towards a full satisfying finish. Aside from the brilliance of the flavours and fragrances, I was perhaps most impressed by the construction of this cigar; It remained cool and drew well throughout the entirety of the smoke, even on the finish. The burn was perfect and dropped ash at almost exactly one inch intervals throughout each third. I look forward to what Drew estate has to offer in the future.
Total smoking time was about an hour and a half.
Cheers,
Shawn
Last edited:
. I find it is a fantastic accompaniment to cigars, especially when reviewing.
