Liga Privada Unico Serie L40

[shilala]

I was gifted this stick by Ken (steelcityboy) at our Pittsburgh Herf back in January. I swore to him I'd smoke the damned thing, so I did. :)
I wouldn't be bothering with a review were it not a pleasant surprise. I actually enjoyed it. I'll break it down a bit as I saw it...

On lighting, it tasted like aluminum and Hershey's cocoa. Not sweet chocolate, more like dark chocolate with no hint of sweet. It wasn't a good start as I was already a bit puckered up about this stick, and probably over-critical. The over-critical likely worked in this stick's favor. I had expected black pepper because I've heard "pepper, pepper, pepper" in regards to this Drew Estate stuff. There was no pepper whatsoever. None. No black pepper, no white pepper, just mildly sweet Nicaraguan spice.

About a half inch in, the aluminum disappeared, and the chocolate/caramel goodness showed up in droves. A nice, medium-thick body presented itself. A medium level of spice remained present throughout the stick. It was not a Nicaraguan powerhouse by any means, something I had also expected. It was middle-of-the-road powerful in regards to both spice and nicotine.

At halfway, nothing had changed. The body filled out a bit and the cigar got that "I'm being smoked pretty hard" taste that I like. It had achieved all it was going to, and that was it. Done deal. If anything, I insisted there was a Dominican tobacco sweetness working in, and it made me go check later to see if there was Dominican tobacco in the cigar, but there was not. I'd probably have bet you there was.

The cigar had lots of what I like, classic maduro sweetness, albeit on the light side, plenty of cocoa and caramel, and a nice touch of spice.
As I smoked, I thought of somewhere around eleventy billion $2 or $3 cigars that tasted exactly like this one, although none in a lancero (almost lancero) format. A 5 Vegas A maduro robusto for instance, almost identical, or at least close enough to not warrant an extra ten bucks. An Old Henry maduro robusto is the same profile, but spicier. An '08 JJ Maduro is it's big brother, a fuller, thicker cigar. At that time it was a $10 stick and much better than they are now, but it still illustrates my point. Been there, done that.
There is nothing new or fascinating about this cigar. I will say that it's construction is so perfect, and the cigar is so beautiful that it almost looks artificial. The craftsmanship is over the top.

Would I recommend this cigar? Absolutely. It's a nice one-dimensional medium-strength cigar that should appeal to any maduro lover. The price is a gagger. 5 bucks would be fair. 7 or 8 bucks, reasonable. 13 bucks? Ridiculous.
There are many, many cigars that do more for a lot less.
Another thing that concerns me is the ability to age these. There really doesn't seem to be anything there to benefit from aging. A loss of flavors would be the only thing I could imagine, then a brother would really be out some coin.

My final thought? Spend the 13 bucks on a fresh Padron Anni. It does everything this stick does, but does it better, plus a whole lot more.
If this cigar comes down to half the price, you've got a fair, solid winner. :tu

[big pete]

Great review Scott! I was intrigued by this stick but for the price, I think I'll pass for now (unless I can get it for sub $10)

[shilala]

Great review Scott! I was intrigued by this stick but for the price, I think I'll pass for now (unless I can get it for sub $10)
I wouldn't be scared away if you're grabbing one cigar. Its worth a shot, and you just might fall in love. Just don't pick up a box until you know they really do it for you.
I wouldn't dissuade anyone from trying this cigar at least once, and I think that's something everyone should take away from reviews. Look for things you like, and if there's something there, go ahead and try one.
If there's something that appeals to you in this review, by all means, spend the extra few bucks.
Had I spent the money myself, I would be okay with it. I wouldn't buy any more, but as a one-time experience, and the fun I had, it was worth it. Since I can't try this stick for the first time again, any subsequent trials would never live up to the dollars spent. :tu

[big pete]

I think I'll eventually try one but I won't go out of my way to find on. There's a ton of sticks I still want to try in that price range or lower

[maninblack]

Thanks for the review Scott. I'm generally not a fan of long and skinny's and the price point os outrageous, but most LP smokes are pricey.

[dwoodward]

Thanks for the heads up Scott. I was waiting for a review on this stick. 13 for a stick is a lot. I am glad you enjoyed the cigar tho, might be worth a smoke if gifted. :D

[Blak Smyth]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it Scott, I am a huge fan of this stick.
I am actually surprised you enjoyed it :D

[Taki]

Nice review Scott! :tu
I too am not a huge fan of the L40 but that being said, I still have some sitting in my humi.

[shilala]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it Scott, I am a huge fan of this stick.
I am actually surprised you enjoyed it :D
You're the one that made me think I wouldn't like it. :)
It is nearly identical to Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixotes, and I've destroyed box after box of those little gems. They were about $47 a box before the taxes went up. I think they're around $65 now.
You should try a fresh Quixote, you'd be shocked. And a guy can get 4 or 5 of them for the price of one of these. It's a crazy world. :)

[emopunker2004]

You're the one that made me think I wouldn't like it. :)
It is nearly identical to Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixotes, and I've destroyed box after box of those little gems. They were about $47 a box before the taxes went up. I think they're around $65 now.
You should try a fresh Quixote, you'd be shocked. And a guy can get 4 or 5 of them for the price of one of these. It's a crazy world. :)

Famous has em for $49.99 and CI has them for $49.50. Just a heads up Scott

[688sonarmen]

Thanks for the honest review Scott!

[Subvet642]

Thanks for the review, Scott! As always, very detailed, very useful!

[688sonarmen]

And yes, the Sancho Panza Double Maduros do kick ass!

[shilala]

And yes, the Sancho Panza Double Maduros do kick ass!
Can you see the resemblance to the L40? They may be a bit stronger and sweeter, but aside from that, I'd think JDrew tried to copy that cigar with this effort.
Another almost identical is the 5 Vegas A maduro and the Esteban Carrera maduro (discontinued). The Carrera had a hint of raisins that's missing in this stick, and was actually more complex at around 2 bucks a stick.
There are a ton of Rocky maduros that are very close to this profile, the Indian Tabac Super Fuerte and Indian Tabac maduro come to mind immediately. Both $2-$3 sticks, or less. I've bought many at less than 2 bucks.

Here's the thing, it's one of my absolute favorite flavor profiles, and I've chased this profile to the ends of the earth. At a time, it's all I'd smoke to the tune of 5 sticks a day. That's why I liked it.
But it's a "beginner stick" in the profile, albeit well done. This profile should lead a guy to Padron Anni's and Anejo and LGDiez Vintage maduros and oscuros at the same (or similar) price-point. Those sticks do much, much more for the coin. :tu

[php007]

Nice review, I really wasn't that impressed with it either. Who knows. maybe age will tell a different story.

[shilala]

Nice review, I really wasn't that impressed with it either. Who knows. maybe age will tell a different story.
In my reading on the blend after I did the review, Drew's buddy/partner (I think it's Sorkas?) stated that he himself did not hold out hope for aging on these blends. 3 years max is what they're thinking before they go south. I also read on Brook's site where he smoked an aged stick. It didn't review well.
The one Ken gave me was in perfect smokable shape. Humidified perfectly, burned perfectly, and I'd think it was at it's absolute pinnacle. Maybe a year would yield a little difference in the smoking experience, but I honestly think, from all my experience with this profile, that age is just going to make the stick milder. That's not really something someone wants that enjoys this kind of cigar, or at least it's not something I want.
I also believe that Padron Anni's really suffer after a few years. I have a pile of '06's that really lost their groove. They're very muted and don't develop like a freshie, or a year or two old Padron Anni. They just kind of roll over on their belly and lie there. :)

[Gooner]

Thanks for the review Scott!

[SteelCityBoy]

Glad you finally gave it a shot Scott! I love your insight into this stick and really do take your feedback seriously. I love this stick and want to make sure I get all the enjoyment I possibly can out of it. I was worried when I heard that some of the DE Liga line may not age well. I would be heartbroken if three years from now all my DE Liga stuff went mild and didn't pack the same chocolately goodness end to end as these sticks do.

Either way, I still love them and think I always will, and if nothing else smoke them up faster! Glad you gave it a try brother! Great review!!!! :tu

[shilala]

I was worried when I heard that some of the DE Liga line may not age well. I would be heartbroken if three years from now all my DE Liga stuff went mild and didn't pack the same chocolately goodness end to end as these sticks do.

Ken, the work has already been done, and both JDrew and Brooks have found they don't age well at all. You can count on it. You have a couple choices:
1.) Get your heart broke.
2.) Sell some stuff and keep buying freshies, refilling as you go.
Ask yourself if you really, honestly believe that five years from now you'll be smoking these sticks. Use the evidence you've seen in droves here, everyone's tastes change.
These sticks will not remain htf for long. They're bringing too much coin and they need to get them out there to make money while the sun is shining. I'd look for the price to tank (were these not 7 bucks at release?). They're already becoming a lot easier to find. It's the standard progression of this profile of stick.
JJ maduros were around $240 a box a few years ago. Now they're $100. Same profile. Blends fall out of favor as new ones appear.
I've made the mistake of overstocking sticks that don't age well, don't get your nuts caught in that vice. :tu

[Stephen]

Ken, the work has already been done, and both JDrew and Brooks have found they don't age well at all. You can count on it. You have a couple choices:
1.) Get your heart broke.
2.) Sell some stuff and keep buying freshies, refilling as you go.
Ask yourself if you really, honestly believe that five years from now you'll be smoking these sticks. Use the evidence you've seen in droves here, everyone's tastes change.
These sticks will not remain htf for long. They're bringing too much coin and they need to get them out there to make money while the sun is shining. I'd look for the price to tank (were these not 7 bucks at release?). They're already becoming a lot easier to find. It's the standard progression of this profile of stick.
JJ maduros were around $240 a box a few years ago. Now they're $100. Same profile. Blends fall out of favor as new ones appear.
I've made the mistake of overstocking sticks that don't age well, don't get your nuts caught in that vice. :tu
The L40's weren't (I believe they were just released this past October/November), but four/five years ago I could pick up a fiver of #9 Parejos for less than forty bucks, at least around here. Nobody was really buying them but I thought they were a great stick for the price.

[shilala]

Thanks, Stephen. The MSRP on the L40 was $12.95.
The info from Saka on aging is here (http://www.halfwheel.com/?p=22812).
I have read and talked about these turds far too much, it's making my head swim. :D
I've already taken time, a couple years ago, to get Viaje and Tatuaje looked over.
Oddly enough, if there's a line that I think I'd enjoy, it'd be this one.
I'm looking forward to trying the Dirty Rat. I like the words I've read.

One more aside...
If there was ever anyone who shouldn't be doing reviews, because they clearly pull things out of their ass to embellish, it's Charlie at Halfwheel. He gives great info, but his reviews make me wonder if he's even smoking the right stick. :lr

[Chainsaw13]

Oddly enough, if there's a line that I think I'd enjoy, it'd be this one.
I'm looking forward to trying the Dirty Rat. I like the words I've read.


Dirty Rat you say? :D

[T.G]

Thanks, Stephen. The MSRP on the L40 was $12.95.
The info from Saka on aging is here (http://www.halfwheel.com/?p=22812).
I have read and talked about these turds far too much, it's making my head swim. :D
I've already taken time, a couple years ago, to get Viaje and Tatuaje looked over.
Oddly enough, if there's a line that I think I'd enjoy, it'd be this one.
I'm looking forward to trying the Dirty Rat. I like the words I've read.

One more aside...
If there was ever anyone who shouldn't be doing reviews, because they clearly pull things out of their ass to embellish, it's Charlie at Halfwheel. He gives great info, but his reviews make me wonder if he's even smoking the right stick. :lr

Scott,

FWIW, Saka's comments were only about the LP9. The T52 is a different blend (only 2 of the 5 filler tobaccos are common between the T52 and the LP9), as is the L40 (again, only a few common components - and more in common with the T52 than the LP9).

Apples and oranges.


Ken, the work has already been done, and both JDrew and Brooks have found they don't age well at all. You can count on it.

I'd also like to see a link to where Jonathan said that.

[shilala]

I like apples and oranges both. Especially the great big Florida naval oranges I get around Christmas. I do see your point, though. You'll probably see mine when I say that the common weed along with even more tobaccos are equally likely to give up the ghost in a hurry. That's certainly been my experience with blends that employ 5 or 6 tobaccos. Think "shop blends".

I think the verbage from Johnathan is on the iphone app, Adam. That doesn't make much sense, but that's what just came up when I checked my brain.
I've read so much stuff on these cigars since I smoked that one the other day that I really don't remember. I don't even read that much about cigars I like, for crying out loud.
I have to dig around some more before I smoke this dirty rat, t52, FFP and JD4 I have. I'll post up whatever I find.

[T.G]

Scott, I just smoked a 2-1/2 year old T52 (from the original release batch) a few days ago at Ratters house, they're holding up fine. I also have some 3 year old pre-releases I can dig out and try at some point. I will say that I do feel that the LP9 loses it's luster somewhere along the way, yet I know people who absolutely love the aged ones. As for the L40, for you or me to sit here saying what that cigar will turn into in three years is just blindly throwing darts and hoping something hits the bristle and sticks.

[srduggins]

I believe the LP9 Brooks smoked was 6 years old, so you're halfway there. There probably aren't many NCs that can age a further 6 years after release.

Brooks also thought the EPC EI 2009 went downhill quickly, but I still enjoyed the last one I smoked. Different smokes for different folks.

So far the L40 is near the top of my LP list, but wasn't a fan of the JJ maduro when I had it last (a few years ago). It may be time to try that one again.

[T.G]

I believe the LP9 Brooks smoked was 6 years old, so you're halfway there.



Scott's the one who stated back in the first half of the thread that they would be dead at 3 years.

[gnukfu]

Aluminum? Does this come in a tube? Were you smoking the tube Scott?

[LigaPrivadaT84]

Can't get enough L40s. Love the Sancho Panzas, but don't enjoy the Vegas 'A' nearly as much. Not sure what flavor profile they all share except the chocolate flavors one can find in most maduros. Agree that the construction on the LPs is much better than Sanchos especially the cap. In my experience, the L40 have much more nutty character and earthy flavors not found in any Sanchos or 5Vegas.

[SteelCityBoy]

Here's the thing, it's one of my absolute favorite flavor profiles, and I've chased this profile to the ends of the earth. At a time, it's all I'd smoke to the tune of 5 sticks a day. That's why I liked it.
But it's a "beginner stick" in the profile, albeit well done. This profile should lead a guy to Padron Anni's and Anejo and LGDiez Vintage maduros and oscuros at the same (or similar) price-point. Those sticks do much, much more for the coin. :tu

Scott, if you enjoy that flavor profile I would honestly try all the DE LP stuff if I were you. Many have them have the same profile IMO. The LP9 may have a bit less chocolate and some more spice and the T52 ramps up the chocolate flavor without the spice. The FFP is just on another playing field in strength but again has similar flavor profiles as the others. That is why I love the DE LP stuff so much. It hits my flavor spot perfectly! I know it's been a long time coming that you finally tried this L40 but heck, give em all a shot! I would love to hear what you think!

[SteelCityBoy]

Ken, the work has already been done, and both JDrew and Brooks have found they don't age well at all. You can count on it. You have a couple choices:
1.) Get your heart broke.
2.) Sell some stuff and keep buying freshies, refilling as you go.
Ask yourself if you really, honestly believe that five years from now you'll be smoking these sticks. Use the evidence you've seen in droves here, everyone's tastes change.
These sticks will not remain htf for long. They're bringing too much coin and they need to get them out there to make money while the sun is shining. I'd look for the price to tank (were these not 7 bucks at release?). They're already becoming a lot easier to find. It's the standard progression of this profile of stick.
JJ maduros were around $240 a box a few years ago. Now they're $100. Same profile. Blends fall out of favor as new ones appear.
I've made the mistake of overstocking sticks that don't age well, don't get your nuts caught in that vice. :tu

I just think I need to start smoking them then! I am glad that I came across your feedback on this. If I do continue to love the DE LP stuff in the future I will just buy some up since as you say it is likely they will become more available and maybe even less expensive. I wouldn't say I am sitting on a ton of it right now, but I do have a pretty nice collection of all the DE LP line up, all of which are at prime smoking. Time to fire up!

[shilala]

Scott, I just smoked a 2-1/2 year old T52 (from the original release batch) a few days ago at Ratters house, they're holding up fine. I also have some 3 year old pre-releases I can dig out and try at some point. I will say that I do feel that the LP9 loses it's luster somewhere along the way, yet I know people who absolutely love the aged ones. As for the L40, for you or me to sit here saying what that cigar will turn into in three years is just blindly throwing darts and hoping something hits the bristle and sticks.
I can see where you're coming from, Adam.
I tried to very carefully preface my opinions by my comments on not only old "value" blends, but also Padron Annis. Some people prefer aging on nc's on a wide scale, I don't. A couple years, yes. Past a few years, no.
Of all the nc's laying around here that have caught a good amount of age, the Anejo is the only one I can confidently say that really hangs on to some spark. Litto's LGD line does well, just thought of that one.
Time will bear it out. I'd be willing to bet you dinner on it, my friend. Whatta ya think, steaks or Mexican?

[HollywoodQue]

Great discussion guys, I continue to learn a lot from the great reviews....thanks for sharing.

[Stephen]

I smoked my first Feral Flying Pig last night. I liked the flavors it put off, but they never changed. That's not bad for a shorter smoke, but for a cigar that took me the better part of two hours to finish I got pretty bored with it. Who knows, maybe I have cigar ADD? My thoughts? What you see (or in this case smoke) is what you get. You'll know in less than 30 seconds whether or not you're going to like or dislike this cigar, because it doesn't deviate much from there.

I have no doubt that my palate is far less refined than most on here, so I'll defer to someone who knows what they're talking about.:D

[shilala]

I smoked my first Feral Flying Pig last night. I liked the flavors it put off, but they never changed. That's not bad for a shorter smoke, but for a cigar that took me the better part of two hours to finish I got pretty bored with it. Who knows, maybe I have cigar ADD? My thoughts? What you see (or in this case smoke) is what you get. You'll know in less than 30 seconds whether or not you're going to like or dislike this cigar, because it doesn't deviate much from there.

I have no doubt that my palate is far less refined than most on here, so I'll defer to someone who knows what they're talking about.:D
I have an FFP on my desk and a couple in the humi. It's too much smoke for the garage, it'll stink up the whole world. I'll give it a try when it warms up a bit.
My guess is that you're right on target, brother. :tu

[T.G]

I can see where you're coming from, Adam.
I tried to very carefully preface my opinions by my comments on not only old "value" blends, but also Padron Annis. Some people prefer aging on nc's on a wide scale, I don't. A couple years, yes. Past a few years, no.
Of all the nc's laying around here that have caught a good amount of age, the Anejo is the only one I can confidently say that really hangs on to some spark. Litto's LGD line does well, just thought of that one.
Time will bear it out. I'd be willing to bet you dinner on it, my friend. Whatta ya think, steaks or Mexican?

Scott, your opinion of the cigar and how it compares to Sancho Panza doble maduros or the 5 Vegas A line is just that, your opinion. I have made no comments on those statements. I think it's great that you feel you can buy a $2-$3 5 Vegas A and for your own enjoyment, get the same profile. Not everyone seems to agree with you, but, I'm honestly glad that you can get off that cheap.

It's your authoritative claims as to the potential of these cigars that I'm addressing. You even went so far in your word of god claims to say that Jonathan, Saka and Brooks all had already proven your statements, when in reality, all that had been said was a benign review by Charlie (not Brooks) and some random commentary by Saka about a different cigar.

If you wish to believe that you have some crystal ball about cigar aging, go for it. Just remember, not even Saka nor Jonathan would come out and make such authoritative statements, and each one of them knows more than the both of us combined. And to top it off, they blended the cigar that you claim to be an expert on after smoking but a single sample.

[shilala]

Scott, your opinion of the cigar and how it compares to Sancho Panza doble maduros or the 5 Vegas A line is just that, your opinion. I have made no comments on those statements. I think it's great that you feel you can buy a $2-$3 5 Vegas A and for your own enjoyment, get the same profile. Not everyone seems to agree with you, but, I'm honestly glad that you can get off that cheap.

It's your authoritative claims as to the potential of these cigars that I'm addressing. You even went so far in your word of god claims to say that Jonathan, Saka and Brooks all had already proven your statements, when in reality, all that had been said was a benign review by Charlie (not Brooks) and some random commentary by Saka about a different cigar.

If you wish to believe that you have some crystal ball about cigar aging, go for it. Just remember, not even Saka nor Jonathan would come out and make such authoritative statements, and each one of them knows more than the both of us combined. And to top it off, they blended the cigar that you claim to be an expert on after smoking but a single sample.
Word of god claims, they were? You sure put a lot of faith in me.
If I was confused in my claims, I apologize. I wonder if you've lifted a finger to research and dispute my claims? I already told you I'd go search again as time allows and gather the links for you. I'm sorry that satiating your doubt isn't the driving influence in my life, especially considering you have a keyboard in front of you the same as I do.
I relayed my experiences on cigar aging as my experiences in my and my opinions. Simply that. You're welcome to take it or leave it, as is anyone. Imagine this, you could actually do your own review and voice your opinions.
I'm not sure where I claimed to be an expert on the cigar, but after realizing you think I'm godly, I can see where you'd think that. I'm flattered, but I can assure you, I'm far from godly.
I'm happy to hear your opinions on my opinions, I figure they're about as valuable as mine. I've appreciated your opinions for quite some time, agreed with many, and disagreed with some. I just never felt the need to be condescending.
I think you need a hug.

[srduggins]

A couple of classic posts right there.

Scott's the one who stated back in the first half of the thread that they would be dead at 3 years.

thanks for pointing this out. I've been reading the thread from the beginning, I must've forgotten that.

While I don't think it is a far cry to think a NC cigar is better after 1 year, than it is after 3, I also don't think many of them would be "dead" after 3 years.