Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Pancetta 2023 – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last year, Drew Estate launched the 2023 edition of the Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta, a limited release available only at Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop in Havertown, PA, and Barrister Cigars in Union, NJ. This intriguing blend marries the distinct characteristics of Liga Privada T52 and the Liga Privada Unico Feral Flying Pig. Crafted with a Connecticut Stalk Cut and Cured Habano wrapper, a Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. The Unico Serie Pancetta is rolled into a 4 ¾” x 50 belicoso format, complete with a 2023 release footband. and priced at $299 per 24-count box.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Belicoso
Length: 4 3/4″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Habano
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras
Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
Blender: Willy Herrera
Number of reviewers: 5 – Jessica (Stogie Sister) Kevin J. (maninblack77) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Diana (ArmyRN) Noah S. (Noah)
Price: $12.50
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: December 2023
Contributed by: Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop

Initial Impressions – Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Pancetta 2023

Appearance: 89

“This short cigar sports a walnut-colored wrapper. It has a rough tooth and a few thick veins. It is rolled tightly and finished with a double cap. There are many areas where it looks like the roller added a little too much glue.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 90

“Leather, cinnamon, and chocolate all stand out immediately when I give the wrapper a good sniff. The aroma on the foot is just as pronounced with the same cinnamon mixed with floral notes.” –Noah S. (Noah)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Upon toasting and lighting this cigar I am greeted with a heavy note of charred cherrywood with some undertones of spice that tingle the palate long after the smoke is gone. The smoke through the sinuses is hot and spicy with an oily characteristic. The mouthfeel is thick and the finish is long.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“It took some time for the foot to get fully toasted but once I did the first third was full of leather notes as well as a charred oakiness that was slightly off-putting as it was bitter at times. These flavors persisted throughout the entirety of the first third. At times the bitterness was almost too much and I had to put it down to rest. Medium bodied throughout the first third.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Luckily the charred oak bitterness went away in the second third and I was left with a lot of leather, oak, and a grilled meat flavor that was pleasant at times. There were also some baking spices present. Still medium-bodied with a nice burn and good draw. At times it wanted to put itself out so I had to nurse it to prevent this.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“Upon toasting and lighting this cigar I am greeted with a heavy note of charred cherrywood with some undertones of spice that tingle the palate long after the smoke is gone. The smoke through the sinuses is hot and spicy with an oily characteristic. The mouthfeel is thick and the finish is long.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The final third brings in a bit more complexity. I now get creamy oil on the draw followed by a nut, and wood. The finish is sweet followed by savory. The sweetness in the last third brings a nice balance to the cigar and was definitely my favorite third.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“A nice soft nicotine buzz begins to build upon entering the home stretch along with a good bit of heat within the cigar. The dark chocolate sweetness drops back a bit to the finish as the charred oak bitterness and black pepper spice really begin to stand out. At this point, the spice really nips at the tip of the tongue and camps out on the palate long between each puff, especially after a good retrohale. With the diminishing sweetness comes a slight drop in balance, however this smoke is still highly enjoyable, just a little more earthy than it began. This stick has proven to be nub-worthy, remaining delicious and luxuriously smooth right down to the end.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Overall Impressions – Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Pancetta 2023

Draw: 95

“Upon the pre-light inspection I noticed that the body on this cigar was noticeably firm and I immediately became apprehensive that the draw was going to be too tight. I am tickled to report that the firmness of the cigar was in no way an indicator of the draw which was absolutely perfect. Each puff produced a mouthful of decadent smoke with just the right amount of resistance.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Burn: 93

“A solid burn that got wavy at times but was easily corrected.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Construction: 94

“This cigar used well-produced tobaccos. You can tell by the ash color and burn line. The bunch and roll are expertly crafted.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 92

“The smoked woods and fire cured type flavors can be strong and people either love them or hate them. Worth a try and that last third, for me, was fantastic.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“Personally I believe if the charred oak and grilled meat flavors were not so overpowering, this would have been a much more enjoyable cigar. I love leather and baking spices but they didn't come to fruition like I had hoped. The bitterness that took over the first third also lost this cigar lots of points for me. I wouldn't exactly write this off but I wouldn't reach for another one of these either. Good but definitely had room for improvement.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“This is a cigar to be enjoyed after a nice meal. It forces you to focus on it and to not rush the experience. The profile is definitely one for a seasoned cigar smoker who enjoys a full-body, heavy cigar. There will be no mistake that you smoked a cigar. I can see me enjoying a few more in the near future.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“So the little gaffs that occurred with the cutting and the stem were annoying, but not enough for me to not enjoy this cigar. I found the flavor profile to be intriguing and different. I enjoyed the coffee, leather and chocolate, but probably more so due to the mix of orange and peppermint I encountered. The pepper was just enough for a tingle but never overpowered the other notes. I would definitely revisit this cigar and would be curious to pair it with a variety of beverages.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

“Simply put, this cigar was absolutely fantastic and the smoking experience overall was top notch! From start to finish it performed like a champion with a perfect draw, a perfect burn and superb smoke output. Its flavors were simple yet delicious and well balanced, never over the top or unpleasant while the smoke was undeniably smooth from the first puff to the last. Even though it didn't feature a ton of transitions it certainly didn't need to as the flavors alone were well enough to make the experience for me. The possibilities are endless with regards to pairing options for such an incredible stick and I can't wait for the reveal so I can explore each and every one of them. This cigar will make its way into my normal smoking rotation without a doubt!” –Noah S. (Noah)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 78

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Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Pancetta 2023 – Blind Cigar Review