Let’s call it like it is Liga Privada No. 9 defined today’s Connecticut Broadleaf blends. Drew Estate had plenty of success before the #9. But Liga is what cemented the DE name as a manufacturer capable of doing it all. Originally developed by Steve Saka and Nick Melillo back when they worked for Drew Estate, Liga Privada started as a blend exclusively for Saka. Once others got their hands on it, though, Drew Estate realized they needed to open this fantastic offering up to everyone, and history was made.

Each Liga Privada No. 9 features a flawlessly smooth Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper up top. This wrapper leaf is hand fermented for at least 18 months. Like “low and slow” cooking, the ultra-long fermentation process brings out maximum flavor and nuance in the tobacco. Once the wrapper is ready, the blend gets a Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan filler added. Then each cigar ages another year before sale. If you haven’t experienced Liga Privada No. 9 yet, do yourself a favor and pick some up. Quite simply, Liga 9 is about as good as a cigar gets.