The Liga Privada No.9 & T52 Tubo Sampler throws you straight into Drew Estate's cult-favorite blends. These 6x52 Toros come in protective aluminum tubes - three each of the No.9's chocolatey darkness and T52's peppery kick. At $105 for six sticks, you're paying premium pricing for what many call the "holy grail of boutique cigars." The Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers feel oily to the touch, smelling like raisin bread fresh from the tube. Just remember - these need dryboxing. That legendary 18-month fermented wrapper holds moisture like a sponge.
No.9's cold draw punches with black cherry syrup and damp earth. First light brings espresso bitterness that softens into molasses sweetness - think Cuban coffee brewed with brown sugar. The T52 starts fierier - cracked black pepper and charred oak upfront, settling into roasted almonds. Both produce thick, creamy smoke that coats the palate. Watch the burn line; the dense fillers sometimes canoe if you rush.
Approaching the halfway point, No.9 shifts gears dramatically. Baking spices emerge - cinnamon stick and allspice - layered over bitter cacao nibs. Retrohale reveals the Brazilian Mata Fina binder's signature minerality. T52 doubles down on power: leather tannins and wheat bran dominate, with occasional flashes of overripe plum sweetness. Both blends show that signature Drew Estate density. Smokers report either "nirvana-level body" or "nicotine overload" depending on tolerance.
The last third separates devotees from casual smokers. No.9's earthy base gets interrupted by a strange metallic tang (those Honduran fillers showing teeth) while T52 unleashes its secret weapon - Saint Andre's Negro leaf adds burnt coffee grounds intensity. Relentless nicotine buildup demands slow pacing. Savvy smokers pair these with full-bodied rum to amplify the sweet undertones. Neither blend apologizes for its strength - you're here for the ride.
