Cigar: Drew Estate Liga Privada Unico Serie L40 (Lancero)
Size: 7 x 40rg
Filler: 3 Nicaraguan Grown Cuban Seed
Binder: Plantation-Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Wrapper: CT River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano Leaf
Price: $12.95
Individual Weight: 10.5g
Press Release:
Originally Posted by :
“In our ongoing creation of the Liga Privada line, hundreds of different, distinct blends and vitolas are crafted in our ceaseless search for the perfect smoke. Most samples are dismissed with only a rare, select few being deemed worthy, but regretfully due to tobacco limitations, costs, construction limitations, etc. most of these blends cannot be made into a their own stand-alone line. However, they are so perfect in flavor and aroma; we continue to selfishly make them for ourselves to smoke. This is not our desire, we want the Liga Privada connoisseur to enjoy the very same cigars our “El Jefe” smokes regardless of any reason. And with this in mind, we have created the Único Serie – a home for these unique ones. All of the cigars within this series are not only different in size and recipe, but they are extra special, extremely limited and exceptionally delicious.”
Pre-Light: The cigar smells of cedar but not much else. A dry draw brings notes of dry Oolong Tea, and Eucalyptus. Varying from the standard lancero sizing, this cigar is a 7” x 40rg (7.5 x 38 is typical); this cigar is in its own league when finding its identity. It is too long to be a petite lancero, but too short to be classified as a regular lancero by purists standards. I guess I could call it a Petite Lancero Gordo? The additional size was needed to make room for the 5 different tobaccos used in this cigar to make up the desired blend. This is very usual for this type of vitola. Whatever it is, it tastes delicious, and I haven’t even lit it yet. The cigar has a wonderfully smooth, toothy and oily wrapper that seems to scream quality and attention to detail. There are few cigars I’ve seen that can hold a candle with the raw beauty of this cigar. The L40’s cap is cut evenly, and perfectly aligned. There are no noticeable soft spots in the roll.
Light: The first few puffs off the cigar bring the taste of toasted cashew and chocolate milk to the palette with a touch of spice on the finish. The spice doesn’t come through as a dominant flavor profile; it seems to just add to the warmth at the back of the throat. It seems to be building as the cherry grows to its full potential. It is also picking up steam in the strength department quite readily. It seems that the middle flavors are the dominant portion of the flavor profile at the second inch starts. The spice has given up a bit of space to a creaminess that has worked its way into the fold.
1/3rd.: As I puff, I am greeted with the cedar notes and nuttiness up front, with the spice and leather tastes coming in after, with a creaminess and toasted bread note. It has very deep and complex flavors for such a small vitola. The strength is very strong for a cigar of this size. It holds up through the entire first third, keeping up with some of the boldest cigars I’ve smoked. The notes of chocolate start to come back here at the end of the first third of the cigar.
½ Way: With chocolate and honey being at the fore front of the nose on retro-hales, this cigar continues to develop into delicious flavor combinations. Wood and leather, then coffee and nuts, the flavors seem to change with nearly every puff! At the halfway point I notice a butter-cream flavor that coats the mouth after the exhale. The flavors are very pleasant and continue to finish with inviting warmth that stays for 30-45 seconds after you exhale.
Final 3rd: The final third of the cigar starts with roasted coffee as the predominant taste, with nuances of dark chocolate and a honey-like sweetness rounding out the flavor profile. There are softer flavors that are also noticeable on retro-hales such as toasted marshmallow and warm bread.
Final Thoughts: I’m just now noticing how little I’ve written in this review so far. I seem to be taking my time (the cigar has been burning for over an hour and 25 minutes now), but haven’t been putting down the words as readily as I usually do due to the fact that this cigar has me sat back in my chair, enjoying myself too much! This is what cigar smoking should be. A complex smoke of decadent flavors that mingle playfully on the palette while the smoker relaxes in a blissful state of nicotine induced tranquility. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to finish this cigar the way it was intended; uninterrupted.
For the full review, high resolution pictures, and final score; go to The Daily Tobacconist!
[Reply]
Originally Posted by Jonathan Drew:
Bad Finger.
Read the review of the Liga Privada L40 LANCERO. It seemed spot on but the part I like best is when you stopped to sit back in the chair and just enjoy the end of it. Classy, my friend.
Thank you for the kind words. A Lancero was a real challenge for us and we were hopeful that the guys would like it as much as we do.
Best,
JD
No problem senor. You keep making em, I'll keep smoking and enjoying em.
[Reply]
