For the next several reviews, I will be burning through some exceptional cigars that were gifted to me by family and friends for my birthday. Up first is the famed @drewestatecigar #LigaPrivadaNo9. This cigar has made an uproar since its release and is said to be worth the hype by many seasoned cigar enthusiasts. Meaning ‘Private Blend,’ the #LigaPrivada is an enticing Connecticut Broadleaf Oscuro wrapped Maduro cigar that is bound with a Brazilian Mata Fina leaf and filled with a magical blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed filler.
Clipping the cigar released a fantastic cocoa/espresso scent. The ventilation was perfect and allowed for a quick light. During my first 3 or 4 quick pulls to get the cigar going, I noticed that the smoke was very heavy previewing the rich flavor to come. The flavor delivery is smooth, and the profile is grounded with nuttiness, spice, and earthy notes. There’s a dryness that will settle on your pallet…not off-putting, but I would compare it to eating walnuts or if you’ve ever bitten into a roasted coffee seed.
The exterior of the cigar is gleaming from the oils coming out as the cigar burns. Along with those exuding oils, the flavor transitions to a beautiful creamy profile. Despite being deemed a full strength cigar, this shouldn’t scare off those smokers that are usually medium-bodied fans. Due to the fantastic leaf blend, the flavors are very cleanly pronounced and come through less intense/harsh as many other full-bodied cigars. The spice that I’m beginning to pick up in this last bit of the second 3rd is an earthy black peppercorn and not “hot” on the exhale.
The cigar continues on the path with spice and coffee notes. I’m happy to see the earth and walnut flavors die down as the natural sweetness picks up. These 3 notes in combination (spice, coffee, dark sweetness) is the perfect profile to conclude a cigar. It has the kick to hold your attention until the end but is subtle and calming like a gentle massage after a long day. It has a buttery exhale that leaves you smacking your lips as you try to savor every little bit of this cigar. #BarsandCigarsATL
