One Minute Review- Drew Estates Liga Privada #9

After many years of cigar smoking, the first thing I think of when I here the name "Drew Estates" was "Flavored Cigars for people who don't know better".

Until recently, that is.

Jonathan Drew and Steve Saka have made it their mission in life to turn Drew Estates into a viable cigar company selling "real" cigars, and the Liga Privada #9 (which translates to "Private Blend #9") was their second major attempt (the first being the mild and not overly complex but smokable Chateau Real)...Much like the Tatutaje Black Label, the blend was originally created specifically for Drew Estate President Steve Saka to smoke himself (thus the "private blend") before it was released to the general public.

Sporting a Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper, the cigar is made up of a Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan fillers.

It is a VERY dense cigar, one that you know you are holding when smoking...It also has a very dark brown wrapper that is extremely attractive when coupled with the cigar band of white and silver (and i Loved the raised Griffin logo on the band)...

I detected a fairly strong sweetness on the predraw, along with a little pepper...when lit, the major flavors were coffee, chocolate, pepper (just the right amount, imho), cedar and just a tiny bit of citrus...the flavors all blended VERY nicely, making a great and fairly complex smoke...The draw and burn was perfect through the entire stick, which is no small task...

The Bottom Line: Honestly, I was surprised by this smoke (especially considering where it came from) but for at least one cigar, the hype is valid...this is a pretty great cigar with a wonderful compliment of flavors. The price is ok at an average of about $10 each (you can get them quite a bit cheaper the Devil Site), but I would definitely try one if you have not yet...you will be surprised.

Final Score: 89