According to the Drew Estate website, “Patience and a never-ending drive to craft the world’s most exceptional cigars are deeply rooted in the 10 year history of Liga Privada.” According to Jonathan Drew, President and Founder of Drew Estate, “Following the revolution in Cuba, the Corojo seed took roots in Florida, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Growing Corojo in new climates produced mixed results and much heartache for those who chose to grow it. By creating hybrids of Corojo the leaf was reborn keeping all of its spice and potency intact. Hibrido or Hybridization is a farm-level process utilized for decades to create tobacco that is disease resistant, but also to display the qualities of an unmatched capa.”
The result is a cigar that continues the Liga Privada lore.
Cigar Review: Liga Privada H99
Size: Robusto (5 x 50)
Wrapper: Connecticut Corojo
Binder: Mexican San Andres Otapan Negro Último Corte
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Debut: July 2018
Box Count: 24
Final Smoking Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
The Cigar: Featuring a Colorado in color Connecticut Corojo wrapper that has a visible vein structure and a lot of oils. The cigar is seamlessly rolled with Liga Privada H99 Witten in red on a white and silver background. In the hand the cigar is firm and well packed with an above average weight.
The Taste: With the cap clipped the initial profile is spice with hints of chili peppers, jalapeño and a touch of earth. The aroma from the foot of the cigar is remarkably sweet with hints of cedar and cocoa.
Once the cigar is cut and lit its obviously from the first light the Liga Privada H99 isn’t and strong as the T52 or No. 9. There are variable spices consisting of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cardamom, which make up bakers spices. These spices are sprinkled on a canvas of earth and cedar.
The second third sees the bakers spices move toward the finish of the cigar while the cigar features notes of charred wood, cream and a subtle cherry like component. It comes off as if it would pair nicely with an old fashioned. The retrohale adds a hint of coffee with a growing amount of pepper and more charred wood.
As we move into the last third things don’t change up much and despite this the experience is still extremely enjoyable. There are notes of charred wood, cream, coffee and a subtle cherry. The retrohale enhances the charred wood and the pepper is at its most notable.
Conclusion: As someone who has been smoking for 25 years, I remember when Liga Privada No. 9 was first released. It was a different cigar than it is today. Wether the blend changed after Swisher purchased Drew Estate or the crops weren’t as flavorful is debatable. The Liga Privada H99 takes me back to those early days of Liga Privada. Yes, this is a different cigar but its rich flavor and subtle nuances make this an incredible smoke just like the original Liga Privada was.
Score: 94
Price: $16.50 (Before any local & state taxes)
