If you're new to cigars or even if you've been smoking them for years, you'd have to have just crawled out from a deep, dark hole not to know about Drew Estate.
This giant cigar monster was founded in the 90s, cemented in the noughties, sold and reinvented in more recent years and is now still fiercely blazing a lone path through the wilderness that is the world of fine, handrolled cigars.
It's no exaggeration to say Drew Estate changed the cigar world as we once knew it. There's no doubt it would like to do so again, with co-founder Jonathan Drew now firmly back driving the cigar juggernaut.
And if there’s one line that captures the heart of what Drew Estate does best, it’s Liga Privada.
So what should you set your sights on if you’re tempted to dip your toe into the Liga Privada waters? We’ve rounded up their top five best-selling cigars at Atlantic Cigar Co to help you get started.
1. Liga Privada Unico Serie Papas Fritas
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Petit Corona
Size: 4 1/2 x 44
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Maduro
Binder/Filler: Brazil / Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Habano
Liga Privada simply means ‘Private Blend’ in Spanish. The legend goes that this particular line was created for staff consumption. Dozens of different blends within that line were made, all well received. It was No.9 in particular which seemed to hit the sweet spot. When Drew and then company President Steve Saka saw hundreds of rollers and workers puffing away on this cigar, they knew they were onto a winner.
The Unico Serie moniker is reserved for limited run, unique and different sized varieties of the aforementioned blends from Drew Estate. Papas Fritas means French Fries, but ignore that – you’ll find the naming of DE cigars somewhat schizophrenic!
This is a petit corona snack size, great value as it’s a high-quality mixed filler of whole and chopped tobacco and, like all Drew Estate cigars, has a ton of smoke. Expect full bodied satisfaction in a small package.
2. Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Toro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Toro
Size: 6 x 52
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder/Filler: Mexico / Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Corojo
Okay, so bear with the confusing names. They can be a little bewildering, but they are worth getting to know. DE cigars aren’t subtle, yet they are packed with flavor.
H99 features a Connecticut grown Habano wrapper, as Mexican binder and a mix of Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. Dabbling from master blender Willy Herrera has resulted in this spice-laden Toro which delivers swathes of dense, aromatic and earthy smoke.
3. Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Perfecto
Size: 5 3/8 x 60
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Maduro
Binder/Filler: Brazil / Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Habano
We could spend all day talking about the origins of the term Flying Pig, but let’s keep it simple. This cigar is a beautiful Perfecto, shaped at both ends, with a Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut and Cured wrapper on a sweet and toothy Brazilian binder.
More spice and complexity headed your way! You’ll get a mix of dark chocolate, black pepper, and a rich earthiness right from the start. As it burns, layers of leather, espresso, and a touch of dried fruit start to sneak in. It’s bold, it’s chewy, and the flavor hangs around in the best way. Definitely not your average smoke.
4. Liga Privada No.9 Coronets 4x32 Tins
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Cigarillo
Size: 4 x 32
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Maduro
Binder/Filler: Nicaragua / Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Broadleaf
Aha, the fabled No.9 blend! These are tins for the time-pressed; a cigarillo size that gives you the blast of a ‘proper’ cigar in a fraction of the time.
Seven different tobaccos from seven different farms make up No.9 and these little beauties are handmade by only the best rollers (Rolleros/Rolleras) in the Drew Estate factory. A year of aging helps marry the flavors.
Expect deep notes of dark cocoa, espresso, and a touch of black pepper, all packed into a quick, satisfying smoke. A best seller.
5. Liga Privada Unico Serie Year of the Rat LE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Corona Gorda
Size: 5 1/2 x 46
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Maduro
Binder/Filler: Brazil / Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Habano
At 5 ½ inches with a 46 ring gauge, this one fits the Corona Gorda mold and it’s a fine example of it too.
This is the final special in our lineup today, and a perfect evening cigar in a slimmer size. Light it up and watch it burn. Like all Drew Estate smokes, it’s not one you’ll light and forget. It’s bold, rich, and layered with deep cocoa, pepper, and a little toasted sweetness that builds as you go.
These sticks are pretty rare. If you get your hands on one, consider yourself lucky.
Have fun with the names and enjoy the ride!
About the Author:
The Atlantic Cigar Staff is a team of seasoned cigar aficionados with over 25 years of experience. As part of the Atlantic Cigar family for decades, our experts know cigars inside out. We share our passion for premium, handmade cigars with enthusiasts worldwide. Our friendly and knowledgeable team guides both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers to the perfect smoke. We're always eager to share our love of cigars with you.