Anyone have thoughts on the Liga Privada No.9?

[Asher]

Here's a review I posted as part of a blind review contest on another board several months ago:

Appearance (15/15): My expectations for this cigar were high. The cigar was approximately 6 inches long with a ring gauge of about 52, covered by a very toothy dark maduro wrapper, as you can see in the pictures.

This cigar was firm to the touch and showed no significant flaws. The foot revealed consistent bunching, and the head was finished with an attractive double-cap.

The pre-light aroma had faint citrus notes. So far, so good. Unfortunately, it was downhill after this point.


Ash (8/10): The ash was dark gray and showed significant grain. When the burn was uneven, some light-gray ash from the binder was visible. The ash was solid and consistent, and held for about an inch and a half before dropping.

Draw (10/10): The draw was excellent, neither too loose nor too tight.


Burn (7/10): The burn was uneven, though it eventually would correct itself. The wrapper was thick, and the burn problems were particularly noticeable at the edges of the wrapper leaf.


Smoke (9/10): There was plenty of thick, white smoke. The first half-inch or so produced slightly less smoke than I like, but besides that the smoke volume and appearance was excellent.


Flavor/Blend (13/20): Unfortunately, there's not much to say about the flavor of this cigar. The initial aroma smelled of sweet wood: cedar and hints of sandalwood. The flavor was a muddled mix, not unpleasant, but lacking any discernable flavors. After an inch or so, a faint citrus flavor emerged. This was followed by a coppery taste that wasn't overwhelming, but detracted from the already bland taste. Very little flavor development followed. In the second third, I tasted charred wood. The final third was a bit harsher, and delivered a mild cedar flavor. The flavors were never particularly unpleasant, just bland and boring.


Uniqueness (6/10): There's not much to say here, since the cigar lacked well-defined, distinct flavors.


Finish (12/15): The harshness and copper taste detracted from the finish. I smoked the cigar until about an inch and a half remained (about 1.5 hours), and it was pleasant enough that I wasn't fighting an urge to pitch the cigar. I wouldn't smoke this cigar again when trying to relax and enjoy a fine smoke, but it would be an adequate "yard 'gar."

Total Score: 80/100