Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to:  1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system.   Today, we assign numeric ratings to two previously assessed cigars from Drew Estate’s Liga Privada line – the Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig and the Liga Privada No. 9.

Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig

Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig

In December, 2011, Liga Privada launched their third “Flying Pig” cigars – the Liga Privada Serie Unico Feral Flying Pig.  Unlike the first two pigs which were blend variations of existing Liga Privada lines (the Liga Privada No. 9 Flying Pig and Liga Privada T52 Flying Pig), the Feral Flying Pig is a new blend and has been incorporated into the Liga Privada’s Unico Serie (one blend, one size).

From an appearance standpoint, the Feral Flying Pig is longer than the other Flying Pigs – it is a 5 3/8 x 60 sized perfecto.  At the same time it incorporates the same trademark Flying Pig pig-tail cap.

As for the blend, while the Feral Flying Ping utilizes the same Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and Brazilian Mata Fina as the Liga Privada No.9, it is the incorporation of Nicaraguan fillers that make this cigar a powerhouse of strength.While this is a strong cigar, the Feral Flying Pig is an equally flavorful one – making the Feral Flying Pig a classic full-strength, full-bodied cigar.  The Feral Flying Pig delivers flavors of espresso, chocolate, pepper, chicory, and honey.   This cigar will be a factor in the 2012 Cigar of the Year countdown at the end of the year.

Here is the original assessment of the Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig.

Assessment: Memorable
Score: 92

Liga Privada No. 9

Liga Privada No. 9

As far as the Liga Privada series goes, this is the one that started it all.  Liga Privada means “private blend”.   This refers to the fact that Drew Estate President Steve
Saka began experimenting and blending several personal blends.  The “No
9” (aka number none) resulted when Saka selected the ninth blend as his
favorite.

The blend features Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and a filler consisting of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos.   The resulting smoke is a highly complex flavor profile.  The flavors range from chocolate, cherry/raisin sweetness, roasted coffee, espresso, nut, cream, and a nice variety of spice.   The flavors are full-bodied and balance nicely against some medium strength.

Here is the original assessment of the Liga Privada No. 9 Parejo.

Assessment: Memorable
Score: 93