CRQuarto
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- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
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- 1,850
Liga Privada No. 9 "The Flying Pig"
Size: 4" x 60 rg Perfecto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazilian
Filler: Dominican / Honduran
Strength: Mild - Medium
Shant and I were recently in Costa Mesa, and while in the area decided to stop by Maxamar Cigars to poke around. While there we noticed that the shop had gained a considerable number of new lines and vitolas, so naturally we purchased a few things. One of the cigars I walked away with was the Flying Pig, which immediately caught my eye as I loved the pictures of this short, stubby little stick. I had my first Liga Privada a while ago courtesy of Jon, and must say I was really blown away by how amazingly good it was. I, like many I am sure, was wary of anything put forth by Drew Estate, so on hearing that he was releasing an unflavored cigar I was a bit skeptical. So far the Liga Privada line has really changed many smokers opinion of Jonathan Drew, and hopefully he continues expanding on the line.
Pre-Light
I'd have to say that the construction of this cigar really was what sold me on it, as ridiculous as it may seem. Not only is the general construction itself outstanding, but the actual design of it is really visually appealing. I love the little curled pigtail cap and short, fat little shape that does indeed have characteristics of a pig. An excellently made cigar, this thing is solid and hefty in the hand, with a hard feel when squeezed. The wrapper is a rough, blistered Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that is glistening with a large amount of oils, and smells of good, rich tobacco.
Draw & Burn
Once the curly pigtail cap was clipped off, I found a perfect draw with just the right amount of resistance. Once lit, this thing was creating huge plumes of smoke from the foot, and the burn stayed razor sharp, revealing a solid salt and pepper ash that held strong until let go at an inch. I noticed that the blistering I found in the wrapper was visible in the ash as well, which I always find a bit strange looking.
Flavor Profile
The pre-light draw was surprisingly mild, with only a light hint of tobacco. Once lit, however, the oily smoke immediately began coating the mouth with flavors of rich tobacco, well creamed coffee, leather, woodiness and a flavor that I associate with Broadleaf, but cannot ever seem to pinpoint. Delicious! I was amazed at how oily this cigar tasted, not that it was a bad thing, only that I had not expected it. The finish was also a bit of a surprise, as it was rich yet short, lasting only long enough to gather flavors. About halfway into the cigar, I noticed that a very nice peppery spice had appeared, and an earthiness crept in as well.
Overall Impression
All in all, this was an excellent smoke with a lot of potential I feel for aging. The flavor profile is very rich, solid and consistent with little complexity. A few years should bring out the complexity in my opinion, and hopefully I'll have the opportunity to try one later down the road after some downtime. If Drew keeps putting out smokes of this quality and style, I'll certainly become a fan. The shape was a great look, but once I began smoking it I felt that it was a bit cumbersome if held in the mouth.
Size: 4" x 60 rg Perfecto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazilian
Filler: Dominican / Honduran
Strength: Mild - Medium
Shant and I were recently in Costa Mesa, and while in the area decided to stop by Maxamar Cigars to poke around. While there we noticed that the shop had gained a considerable number of new lines and vitolas, so naturally we purchased a few things. One of the cigars I walked away with was the Flying Pig, which immediately caught my eye as I loved the pictures of this short, stubby little stick. I had my first Liga Privada a while ago courtesy of Jon, and must say I was really blown away by how amazingly good it was. I, like many I am sure, was wary of anything put forth by Drew Estate, so on hearing that he was releasing an unflavored cigar I was a bit skeptical. So far the Liga Privada line has really changed many smokers opinion of Jonathan Drew, and hopefully he continues expanding on the line.
Pre-Light
I'd have to say that the construction of this cigar really was what sold me on it, as ridiculous as it may seem. Not only is the general construction itself outstanding, but the actual design of it is really visually appealing. I love the little curled pigtail cap and short, fat little shape that does indeed have characteristics of a pig. An excellently made cigar, this thing is solid and hefty in the hand, with a hard feel when squeezed. The wrapper is a rough, blistered Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that is glistening with a large amount of oils, and smells of good, rich tobacco.
Draw & Burn
Once the curly pigtail cap was clipped off, I found a perfect draw with just the right amount of resistance. Once lit, this thing was creating huge plumes of smoke from the foot, and the burn stayed razor sharp, revealing a solid salt and pepper ash that held strong until let go at an inch. I noticed that the blistering I found in the wrapper was visible in the ash as well, which I always find a bit strange looking.
Flavor Profile
The pre-light draw was surprisingly mild, with only a light hint of tobacco. Once lit, however, the oily smoke immediately began coating the mouth with flavors of rich tobacco, well creamed coffee, leather, woodiness and a flavor that I associate with Broadleaf, but cannot ever seem to pinpoint. Delicious! I was amazed at how oily this cigar tasted, not that it was a bad thing, only that I had not expected it. The finish was also a bit of a surprise, as it was rich yet short, lasting only long enough to gather flavors. About halfway into the cigar, I noticed that a very nice peppery spice had appeared, and an earthiness crept in as well.
Overall Impression
All in all, this was an excellent smoke with a lot of potential I feel for aging. The flavor profile is very rich, solid and consistent with little complexity. A few years should bring out the complexity in my opinion, and hopefully I'll have the opportunity to try one later down the road after some downtime. If Drew keeps putting out smokes of this quality and style, I'll certainly become a fan. The shape was a great look, but once I began smoking it I felt that it was a bit cumbersome if held in the mouth.
