When Drew Estate launched its Liga Privada No. 9 line in 2007, it had no idea this series would become the brand’s most critically lauded and sought-after family of cigars to date. But slowly, word about Liga Privada smokes began to spread, and Drew Estate consequently decided to double down and produce a new variation of the range — the T52 — that would be stronger and more robust, with bolder, heavier, richer and earthier qualities lent by a stalk-cut, Connecticut-grown, Cuban-seed Habano wrapper.
While other tobacco leaves are primed — removed from the plant and treated leaf by leaf — stalk-cut tobacco is cut below where the leaves start growing on each plant, so they remain on the stalks intact. The cut plants are left to wilt in the sun for a bit and then hung in a warehouse for aging, during which time each plant’s leaves continue to draw nutrients from the stalks to which they’re still affixed. It’s this aspect of their processing that makes these leaves so prized by high-end cigar makers.
As for the binders and fillers in the T52 series, these are Brazilian Mata Fina leaves and Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos from seven individual farms, respectively. At Drew Estate’s Gran Fabrica cigar factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, only the most experienced tercedors (rollers) are allowed to assemble Liga Privada T52 sticks in limited quantities per day. The ultra-premium sticks are then sold exclusively through select retailers.
Featuring immaculate construction, a supremely lush draw, and plumes of dense white smoke when lit, the Belicoso vitola of the Liga Privada T52 range is a dark, imposing, full-bodied, medium-to-full-strength cigar that arouses the senses and leaves a lasting impression on the palate. In addition to complex flavors redolent of coffee with cream, cedar, semi-sweet chocolate, raisins, shaved coconut and spices, these sticks afford a tangy, syrupy, slightly minty finish.
As Drew Estate fans are probably aware, the Liga Privada T52 line is in perennial, cult-like demand — just as much (if not even more so) as the Liga Privada No. 9. Therefore, if they’re in stock, don’t hesitate to order a box or two of the T52 Belicosos because who knows when they’ll be available again.