Wrapper: U.S.A. Connecticut Criollo
Binder: Mexican San Andrés Otapan Negro Último Corte
Filler: Nicaraguan/ U.S.A. Pennsylvanian
Vitola: Toro (6 x 52)
Strength: Medium-Full
Purchase Link: Liga Privada 10th Anniversary
LIGA PRIVADA 10TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW – DOM
Summary: This pigtail is a work of art. After a cut, the draw is unusually open for a closed-foot cigar. This stick is straight up sizzling like a sensory dinner at Benihana. Caramel sweetness from the extra wrapper turns to espresso once the standard foot feels the flame. While thick torrents of smoke cloud my vision, I struggle to figure out what dark, heavy flavor notes I’m getting. Espresso is not quite right anymore—maybe black pepper and aged rum (more barrel influence than sweetness)?
Numerous relights and flaky ash are making this way more difficult to smoke than catching a sake stream in my mouth. Another relight brings earth notes, a gardener’s delight. Black coffee at the close.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Visiting a plant nursery on a rainy day
Pairing Suggestion: Rum
Perceived Strength: Medium+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
LIGA PRIVADA 10TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar sure looks cool, so let's give it points for style before smoking. It brought notes of earth, pepper, walnut, clove, dark chocolate, anise, leather, and - get ready for this one - peach. Yeah, that's a weird tasting note for me too.
Construction was right on. No issues to speak of throughout the cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Little surprises
Pairing Suggestion: Water
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
LIGA PRIVADA 10TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW – BEN
Summary: The Wrapper is gorgeous! The closed foot tastes like what a southern family reunion smells like: bbq pit smoke. It’s got my attention! Baking spices, smoked meats, and a
Caramel undertone delivers a little sweet and savory. The saltiness leads me directly to the cooler. Somewhere along the way, there’s an Antihistamine sensation on the back of my retro. Very consistent in flavor. Most of the last half tastes like plain tobacco. No construction issues.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Doing yard work
Pairing Suggestion: Irish whiskey
Perceived Strength: Full
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
LIGA PRIVADA 10TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW – TED
Summary: This cigar was “dressed to the nines” with a fancy cap and a closed foot. Initially the profile was constructed with flavors of oak, red pepper spiced umami notes, a hint of raisin-like sweetness and baking spices. Towards the end of the first third, the profile mellowed a bit, taking on a creamier, smoother mouthfeel but retaining the bold flavors.
When I reached the middle section, things took a more generic turn in the profile with wood notes and coffee surrounded by a pretty strong mineral flavor. I also experienced a sharpness in the mix during the retro hale.
Through the last section, the entire profile was a peppery mix of wood, umami, coffee, roasted almonds and some baking spice. Sadly, the mineral note remained and I thought it overshadowed the potential this cigar had.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Tent camping in the wilderness
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon
Perceived Strength: Medium+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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