Liga Privada No. 9 Tasting Sampler – 5 Cigars

The Liga Privada No. 9 Tasting Sampler offers five cigars from one of Drew Estate’s most recognized full-bodied blends.

Liga Privada means “private blend” in Spanish. The No. 9 was originally developed as part of a series of experimental blends intended for the personal use of Drew Estate’s leadership. Of the nine original blends created to showcase Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco, the ninth became the definitive choice.

The finished blend combines a stalk-cut and stalk-cured Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf wrapper with a plantation-grown Brazilian Mata Fina binder. Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobaccos form the long-filler interior.

This tasting sampler presents the same Liga Privada No. 9 blend in four different formats. Differences in length, ring gauge and shape can affect draw, smoking duration, wrapper influence and the way individual flavors develop.

The sampler includes:

• One Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble measuring 7 × 54
• One Liga Privada No. 9 Belicoso measuring 6 × 52
• Two Liga Privada No. 9 Toros measuring 6 × 52 each
• One Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto measuring 5 × 54
• Five cigars in total

The cigars are presented in a slide-lid wooden sampler box suitable for storage, presentation or gifting to an adult cigar enthusiast.

Read more about the blend on the official Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9 page. Customers can also browse the La Saintos premium cigar collection or explore available cigar accessories in Pakistan.

Key Features

• Product Name: Liga Privada No. 9 Tasting Sampler
• Brand: Liga Privada
• Product Type: Assorted tasting sampler
• Quantity: Five cigars
• Included Vitolas: Corona Doble, Belicoso, Toro and Robusto
• Corona Doble Size: 7 × 54
• Belicoso Size: 6 × 52
• Toro Size: 6 × 52
• Robusto Size: 5 × 54
• Wrapper: Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf No. 1 Darks
• Binder: Plantation-grown Brazilian Mata Fina
• Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobacco
• Origin: Nicaragua
• Strength: Full-bodied
• Presentation: Slide-lid wooden sampler box

Cigars Included in the Sampler

One Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble – 7 × 54

The Corona Doble is the longest cigar in the sampler. Its 7-inch length and broad 54 ring gauge create an extended smoking experience with gradual flavor development.

The larger filler volume can emphasize the blend’s dense earth, espresso and dark sweetness while allowing the profile to progress over a longer session.

Its estimated smoking time is approximately 90–120 minutes, depending on smoking pace.

Cigar Aficionado awarded the Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble 94 points and ranked it No. 10 in its Top 25 Cigars of 2015.

One Liga Privada No. 9 Belicoso – 6 × 52

The Belicoso shares the Toro’s 6 × 52 dimensions but has a tapered head. This shape allows the smoker to adjust the opening by selecting how much of the tapered cap to remove.

A smaller cut may create a more concentrated draw, while a slightly broader cut can provide greater airflow. The cap should always be cut conservatively to avoid damaging the wrapper.

Its estimated smoking time is approximately 60–80 minutes.

Cigar Aficionado awarded the Liga Privada No. 9 Belicoso 91 points and ranked it No. 20 in its Top 25 Cigars of 2014.

Two Liga Privada No. 9 Toros – 6 × 52

The sampler contains two Toros, allowing the customer to revisit the same vitola or compare it under different smoking conditions.

The Toro is a straight-sided 6 × 52 parejo offering a balanced relationship between wrapper and filler tobacco. It provides enough length for gradual development while remaining shorter than the Corona Doble.

Its estimated smoking time is approximately 60–80 minutes.

Cigar Aficionado awarded the Liga Privada No. 9 Toro 90 points in its April 2023 review.

One Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto – 5 × 54

The Robusto is the shortest cigar in the sampler but uses a broad 54 ring gauge. Its compact proportions create a concentrated presentation of the No. 9 blend with less time commitment than the Toro or Corona Doble.

Its estimated smoking time is approximately 45–60 minutes.

Cigar Aficionado awarded the Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto 91 points in its December 2022 review.

Why the Vitola Changes the Experience

All five cigars use the same core Liga Privada No. 9 blend, but their dimensions and shapes can influence how that blend performs.

Differences may include:

• Smoking duration
• Draw resistance
• Combustion temperature
• Wrapper-to-filler ratio
• Flavor concentration
• Rate of flavor development
• Perceived strength
• Finish length

The Robusto provides a shorter, more concentrated session. The Toro offers a balanced reference point, while the Corona Doble extends the blend over a longer period.

The Belicoso introduces a tapered head, allowing the smoker some control over the cut and resulting airflow.

The presence of two Toros also makes it possible to compare the same format after different periods of humidor rest.

Connecticut Broadleaf No. 1 Darks Wrapper

Liga Privada No. 9 uses a dark Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf wrapper identified by Drew Estate as Broadleaf No. 1 Darks.

The wrapper undergoes stalk-cut and stalk-cured processing. Instead of removing leaves individually during harvest, the entire tobacco plant is cut and cured while the leaves remain connected to the stalk.

This process allows the leaves to continue drawing nutrients from the stalk during curing. The finished wrapper is typically dark, thick and naturally rich in flavor.

It contributes to the blend’s:

• Dense earth
• Espresso character
• Dark cocoa
• Natural sweetness
• Full texture
• Long finish

Because wrapper leaves are natural agricultural products, color and surface texture may vary slightly between cigars.

Brazilian Mata Fina Binder

Beneath the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is a plantation-grown Brazilian Mata Fina binder.

The binder holds the filler bunch together and contributes to combustion, structure and flavor. Brazilian Mata Fina tobacco is commonly associated with earthy sweetness and aromatic depth.

The binder supports the dark wrapper without removing the character of the Honduran and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.

Honduran and Nicaraguan Filler

The filler combines Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobaccos.

Drew Estate states that the complete blend contains seven distinct dark-air-cured tobacco leaves sourced from selected farms. The combination creates a layered, full-bodied profile rather than relying on one dominant tobacco origin.

The filler contributes:

• Strength
• Earth
• Coffee
• Wood
• Pepper
• Dark fruit
• Slow-building complexity

Every cigar in the sampler is handmade with long-filler tobacco at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua.

Flavour Profile

Drew Estate describes Liga Privada No. 9 as bold and complex, with dense earth and espresso followed by a long finish.

Across the four included vitolas, customers may experience:

• Espresso
• Dark chocolate
• Cocoa
• Earth
• Hickory
• Leather
• Oak
• Toffee
• Raisins
• Natural tobacco sweetness
• Black pepper
• Charcoal
• Molasses
• Cedar
• Roasted coffee

The exact balance can vary between vitolas. The Corona Doble may develop more gradually, while the Robusto can present the darker flavors in a more compact session.

Tasting notes are subjective and may be influenced by storage, humidity, smoking pace and individual palate.

Full-Bodied Smoking Experience

Liga Privada No. 9 is officially positioned as a full-bodied blend.

Its combination of dark Connecticut Broadleaf, Brazilian Mata Fina and Honduran and Nicaraguan filler creates a strong, substantial smoking experience.

This sampler is generally better suited to:

• Experienced cigar smokers
• Fans of Connecticut Broadleaf
• Customers who enjoy espresso and dark-chocolate profiles
• Smokers comparing different vitolas
• Drew Estate collectors
• Customers seeking a premium cigar gift
• Enthusiasts interested in highly rated cigars

Customers with limited experience should begin with the Robusto, smoke slowly and avoid smoking on an empty stomach.

Is It a Maduro or Oscuro Sampler?

Some retailers and customers describe Liga Privada No. 9 as a Maduro or Oscuro cigar because of its dark wrapper appearance.

Cigar Aficionado has historically used “Oscuro” in the names of some No. 9 reviews. However, Drew Estate’s official wrapper description is:

Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf No. 1 Darks

The product page should use the official wrapper specification rather than treating Maduro or Oscuro as a separate blend.

Terms such as Liga Privada Maduro cigar sampler and Liga Privada Oscuro sampler may appear naturally as customer search variations, but they should not replace the manufacturer’s blend description.

Cigar Aficionado Ratings

The sampler itself does not have one collective Cigar Aficionado score. The included vitolas have been reviewed separately.

Verified ratings include:

• Corona Doble, 7 × 54: 94 points
• Belicoso, 6 × 52: 91 points
• Toro, 6 × 52: 90 points
• Robusto, 5 × 54: 91 points

The Corona Doble was ranked No. 10 in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2015.

The Belicoso was ranked No. 20 in its Top 25 Cigars of 2014.

These ratings should remain attached to their respective vitolas. The sampler should not be described as a “94-point sampler” in a way that implies all five cigars received 94 points.

How to Approach the Tasting Sampler

To compare the vitolas more accurately, smoke them on separate occasions under similar conditions.

A suggested order is:

1. Robusto
2. Toro
3. Belicoso
4. Second Toro
5. Corona Doble

The Robusto provides a compact introduction to the blend. The first Toro establishes the straight-sided 6 × 52 reference point.

The Belicoso can then be compared with the Toro because both share the same nominal dimensions but have different head shapes. The second Toro allows the customer to repeat the reference experience.

Finish with the Corona Doble when enough time is available for the sampler’s longest cigar.

Comparing the Two Toros

Including two Toros provides more than additional quantity.

The customer can:

• Smoke one immediately and rest the second
• Compare two different beverage pairings
• Test different cutting methods
• Compare indoor and outdoor smoking conditions
• Evaluate consistency within the same vitola
• Share one Toro with another adult cigar enthusiast

For a meaningful comparison, both cigars should be stored under the same humidity and temperature conditions.

How to Cut the Cigars

The Corona Doble, Toro and Robusto have straight parejo heads and can be prepared with a guillotine, V-cutter or suitable punch cutter.

The Belicoso requires more care because of its tapered head.

For the Belicoso:

1. Inspect the tapered cap.
2. Begin with a conservative straight cut.
3. Test the cold draw.
4. Make a slightly broader second cut only if the draw is too restricted.
5. Avoid cutting below the shoulder.

Removing too much of the Belicoso cap can loosen the wrapper.

Lighting and Smoking Pace

Toast the foot gradually while rotating the cigar. Avoid placing the tobacco directly inside the flame for an extended period.

Once evenly lit:

• Take slow, measured draws
• Allow approximately 45–60 seconds between puffs
• Avoid repeated rapid draws
• Let the cigar rest if it becomes hot
• Correct uneven burning only when necessary
• Do not crush the ash into the ashtray

Smoking too quickly can overheat the Broadleaf wrapper and produce excessive bitterness.

Storage Recommendations

Store the sampler in a properly maintained humidor.

A suitable general range is:

• Relative Humidity: Approximately 65%–70%
• Temperature: Approximately 18°C–21°C

The slide-lid wooden sampler box is intended for presentation and organization. It does not replace an actively maintained humidor.

Avoid storing the sampler:

• In a refrigerator
• In a freezer
• Inside a hot vehicle
• Near direct sunlight
• Beside perfume or incense
• In excessive humidity
• In very dry conditions
• Where temperatures fluctuate repeatedly

Customers can read the La Saintos guide to storing cigars in Karachi’s heat and humidity.

Gift-Box Presentation

The five cigars are presented in a slide-lid wooden sampler box, creating a suitable gift presentation for an adult cigar enthusiast.

The sampler may be considered for:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Professional milestones
• Father’s Day
• Private celebrations
• Cigar tasting sessions
• Drew Estate collectors
• Broadleaf cigar enthusiasts

The product includes cigars and the wooden presentation box. A cutter, lighter, ashtray and humidification device should not be assumed to be included unless expressly shown in the selected product option.

What Is Included?

The sampler contains:

• One Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble
• One Liga Privada No. 9 Belicoso
• Two Liga Privada No. 9 Toros
• One Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto
• One slide-lid wooden presentation box

The total quantity is five cigars.

Buying in Pakistan

Customers searching for the Liga Privada No. 9 Tasting Sampler Pakistan should confirm the exact cigar composition before ordering.

The Liga Privada No. 9 Sampler price in Pakistan may vary according to supplier pricing, currency movements, import costs and the available presentation.

Customers wishing to buy Liga Privada No. 9 Sampler online Pakistan can check the current La Saintos product page for purchasing options.

Why Choose This Liga Privada No. 9 Tasting Sampler?

This sampler may suit customers seeking:

• Five premium Drew Estate cigars
• Four different Liga Privada No. 9 vitolas
• A full-bodied Nicaraguan cigar sampler
• Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper cigars
• Individually rated Cigar Aficionado selections
• Two Toros for repeat comparison
• A 94-point Corona Doble
• A wooden gift-box presentation
• A structured tasting experience
• A premium cigar sampler for an experienced smoker

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cigars are included?

The sampler contains five cigars.

Which cigars are included?

It contains one Corona Doble, one Belicoso, two Toros and one Robusto.

What size is the Corona Doble?

The Corona Doble measures 7 inches by 54 ring gauge.

What size is the Belicoso?

The Belicoso measures 6 inches by 52 ring gauge.

What size are the two Toros?

Each Toro measures 6 inches by 52 ring gauge.

What size is the Robusto?

The Robusto measures 5 inches by 54 ring gauge.

Are all five cigars the same blend?

Yes. Every cigar uses the Liga Privada No. 9 blend, but each vitola can express it differently.

Where are the cigars made?

They are handmade at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua.

What wrapper does Liga Privada No. 9 use?

It uses Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf No. 1 Darks.

What binder and filler are used?

The binder is plantation-grown Brazilian Mata Fina. The filler combines Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban-seed tobacco.

Is this a full-bodied sampler?

Yes. Liga Privada No. 9 is positioned as a full-bodied blend.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Its strength and dense flavour profile generally make it better suited to experienced smokers. Beginners should smoke slowly and start with the Robusto.

What flavours can I expect?

Common notes include espresso, dark chocolate, earth, toffee, raisins, cocoa, leather and natural sweetness.

Is this a Maduro sampler?

The cigars have a very dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, so some retailers use Maduro or Oscuro terminology. Drew Estate’s official specification is Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf No. 1 Darks.

What is the Cigar Aficionado rating?

The sampler has no single collective rating. The Corona Doble received 94 points, the Belicoso 91, the Toro 90 and the Robusto 91.

Does the box function as a humidor?

No. The wooden box is intended for presentation and organisation. The cigars should be stored in a properly maintained humidor.

Does it include a cutter or lighter?

No cutter or lighter is confirmed as included.

Where can I buy the Liga Privada No. 9 Tasting Sampler in Pakistan?

Customers can order through La Saintos and check the live product page for the current price and delivery options.