Stogie Reviews: Drew Estate Liga Privada Flying Pig
25 Feb 2010
Drew Estate is best known for its line of infused cigars called Acid. But it is the traditional Nicaraguan puro Liga Privada that is winning over seasoned smokers.
The Liga Privada No. 9, which means private blend number nine, was originally created for Drew Estate President Steve Saka. It features a seven-tobacco blend with a Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper and is aged for a full year before being shipped for sale.
Building on the success of the No. 9, Drew Estate extended the line in 2009 with the release of the Liga Privada T-52, which is a different blend and features a stalk-cut habano wrapper. The Flying Pig, a four-inch by 60 ring gauge perfecto, is a limited release vitola under the original No. 9 line with a production run of 24,000 cigars.
The unique shape was chosen by Steve Saka from a picture of an 1895 cigar salesman’s size selection case. The Flying Pig features more ligero than the No. 9 but the same Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. The changes in the blend give the Flying Pig more strength than the No. 9, and a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
The construction is excellent with a firm feel and no visible defects in the oily wrapper. It smells of earth and leather with just a hint of pepper. Because the Flying Pig is a perfecto, I was a little worried about the draw being tight in the beginning, but the initial draw is good and opens up slightly once you pass the first half inch.
The cigar yields plenty of creamy smoke with initial flavors of leather, earth, and some sweetness. As it progresses, the leather fades and cedar and a nice spice join the mix. A sweetness reminiscent of cocoa also picks up. The burn is consistent with a bit of wavering, but it never requires a touch-up. The Flying Pig burns slowly with an average smoke time of around and hour and a half.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Flying Pig. The flavors are interesting and blended well. Construction and combustion qualities are excellent as well, which you would expect from a cigar with an MSRP of $12 per stick.
My only small complaint is that on one of my two samples the cap came off half way through the cigar. While this was bit disconcerting at the time, it did not affect the draw or the flavor at all. All of these factors combine to earn the Liga Privada Flying Pig four stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
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Nice review. I was looking forward to your take on one of the Liga Privada sticks. The No. 9 has become one of my favorite cigars. Sadly I cannot seem to find a flying pig anywhere.
Bet I have some butts in my ashtray longer than that thing. What a stump!!
lkat-
No one can find the flying pig, that's why it's called that. You'll find them when pigs fly. 🙂
I have enough trouble finding the T-52.
I am supposed to be receiving one of these in the mail today or tomorrow from a friend in a cigar club. This will be my first Liga Privada–something about a Drew Estate cigar that costs over $10 just makes a mental block for me. I hope it surprises me and justifies the cost.
I have never tried any of the Liga Pravada series, but Drew Estates' Acids and most of ther Natural line have never clicked with me.
I have the same feeling as Dmjones that a Drew cigar over $10 does make me do a double take.
Correction:
The article has been updated to reflect that the wrapper used is the same as the No. 9. Initially, a spokesman for Drew Estate incorrectly said that the Flying Pig used a habano wrapper.
I tried a flying pig last week. Nice smoke but I really prefer the T-52.
Since being introduced to the Liga Privada series of smokes from the Best cigar Rep. In the business in the Northeast (Dave Lafferty)from Drew Estate,nothing else will do! From the moment I tried a pre-release cigar I was hooked!I don't think there is anything better even if it was rolled on the thighs of Virgins. People have to stop the mental block they have with Drew estate products and give this one and other Liga's a shot, they won't be dissapointed!!!
Yeah, I'm really surprised that some of you are so close minded! The liga no. 9 and t52 are so well made…so nice to smoke and enjoy….well worth the money to try and enjoy every once in a while. The flying pig I smoke was smooth and sweet and hints of mocha. Took about an hour! Anyone need one, let me know, I can send it to you!
cj
I'll take you up on your offer. Found some T52's this weekend, but pretty much abandoned hopes of finding the flying pig.
The flying pig is one of the best smokes around.I bought a box the other night at Barrister Cigars.John Drew was there it was a pretty cool event.The T52 is my favorite out of this line,however,the flying pig is a work of art and is my second favorite.By a hair the T52 beats it.Two beautiful cigars and for me the T52 is better than the Opys X.
Where are those little beauties? Are they going to make any more of them? I love them. I bought a coupla boxes back when they were available. Are they just making us wait so they sell them out again?