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Many of Drew Estate’s recent offerings have been gaining up in popularity, evidenced as it is hard to run into someone who doesn’t appreciate the Liga Privada No. 9 or the Joya de Nicaragua Dark Antanos.
Another in the Liga Privada line is the T52. It seems that favor falls 50/50 between the T52 and the No. 9, with fans of the T52 clinging to the noticeably more prominent spice flavor relative to the No. 9. I wanted to see what the buzz with the T52 was about, so I picked one up at a local Drew Estate event.
Construction: The T52 is wrapped in a sungrown habano wrapper is that is particularly dark and toothy. There is a good amount of oil on the leaf, enough to make the stick glisten just a bit. One thing that strikes me right off the bat is the weight: the stick is a lot burlier than what it first appears.
There was one relatively prominent vein, but its appearance was masked due to the darkness of the wrapper. The stick was taught, with no soft spots and a tight build. I’m a fan of the band. I enjoy the rampant lion that is a throwback to heraldry, giving the cigar a classic look – but not outdated as the remainder of the band is mock-scribble on a straightforward patterned background.
The pre-light smell is similar to a late-summer forest, of oak as opposed to pine, with a background hint of walnut, while the pre-light draw is fine with no indication of potential plug issues. The initial smoke is voluminous, but a bit thin, picking up small bit in thickness after about a half of an inch, and then really thickening up after the first half. A strong draw also brings out a fair amount of resting smoke, which just looks nice and augments the environmental aroma.
Right out of the gate the burn is very even. This is a big plus as there is no need for the stick to self correct a burn when it burns properly from the start. The ash was somewhat unique; it was pretty tight, but after about an inch it seemed as if it would fall off on its own, so I ashed it in about one inch or less increments.
Initial Flavors: The initial notes are very herbal, with hints of spice in the background. There is a definite leather note, leaning more towards thick, less-processed leather as opposed to a more finished and polished leather. That particular specificity may seem a bit odd, but I find the “less-processed” leather to be a bit better in the case of the T52, providing a better smell and meatier, if you will, taste. There is also a very mild sweet note that is exceptionally subtle that I can’t quite place.
After about an inch, the prominence of the leather fades a bit and gives way to mocha and nutmeg, with just a small bit of cream. The flavors hit in almost the same combination in terms of strength that you’d find with a drink from a coffee house, but a lot of the mocha note is picked up in the smoke versus on the palate, which is interesting in itself. The nutmeg is complimented by a well-rounded spice package that includes a range of peppers – not just black pepper or cayenne, but also some of the sweeter notes like those found in red bell pepper. Within the first inch it is evident why people say this cigar is heavier on the spice than the No. 9.
Continuing Flavors: After about the first third, the spice package noted above really picks up, with the mocha relegated predominantly to the smoke (still very interesting…), with very little to no cream. There isn’t really much cocoa, and only a small bit of cinnamon. I prefer not to have pre-conceived notions about a stick but I was somewhat expecting to get hit with that by now based on what I’ve heard. To be clear, that is not a detriment in the least. As the first third works its way down to the half-way point there is a return of the herbal notes, and the introduction of a grass or straw note, which brings to mind the flavor profile of a Lowland single malt whisky. They prove to be complementary to the spices.
The halfway point brings about toast in lieu of the grass, but not in lieu of the spices which remain in full force. At first blush, toast and spice may not seem to go together well – dumping a handful of containers from a spice rack onto a freshly toasted piece of bread probably doesn’t serve as a oft-consumed breakfast. That’s not the case with the T52, though. They play together very well, and while maybe not overly complex, they are quite good. The toast serves almost as a substitute to the cream you’d enjoy in many of the spicier maduros. This combination takes the stick home, although there is the return of a mild sweet note at about the last third. It is a bit floral, but definitely sweet. I want to say it reminds me of caramelized apples but the flavor is not that defined or strong, and I really can’t quite put my finger on it.
With Whisky: N/A – only water. I suspect this would pair well with a stronger Lowland, like maybe a Rosebank, or a northern Highland, like a Brora or even Tullibardine. I’d be careful with a lowland – while I say Rosebank, you’d have to be careful in the selection. Some Islays may work well too, like a Bunnahabhain. The key would be to not get something overly spicy, like some Speysiders, I think, but also something that is strong enough to stand up to the strong flavor profile and medium to full body of the cigar. Northern Highland would probably be the safest bet.
This is a great stick. Simple as that. It is very well constructed and has an enjoyable flavor profile. While the Liga Privada No. 9 is more of a pepper and wood stick, this is definitely the spice stick – meaning all the rumors are true. I gave the Liga Privada No. 9 a 8.5 rating, and I feel the same is warranted for the Liga Privada T52. However, I do suspect that both of these scores are potentially on the low side. This stick would not rate lower, and, given a couple more, I am tempted to bump them to a 9.0. I’d like to see just a little bit more out of the sticks in terms of complexity at a given point in time – meaning a really abundant and wide flavor profile all at once. I may have another of each of these, and will consider the bump at that time. Either way, these are both solid sticks.
Regret the Purchase: No (from an event).
Buy Another: Likely, already bought 6 of the Flying Pigs to try out (will review at some point).
Buy a Box: I would seriously consider it, but with a couple of caveats. First, with interesting vitolas such as the Flying Pig and the Dirty Rat (also have one of these), I’d want to experience more of the line prior to committing to a specific size. Second, I’d have to increase my smoking volume to really justify a box. They both strike me as box-worthy, but I’d almost be inclined to do a split, getting half of a box of the No. 9s and half of a box of the T52s.
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