Drew Estate · Liga Privada No. 9
New WorldAficionadosLiga Privada No. 9 Robusto
Drew Estate's flagship Liga Privada in a 5 x 54 Robusto — a dense, oily Broadleaf Maduro with espresso, dark chocolate, and earth. A cult classic.
Flavor profile
Sweet · Roast · Earthy · Spice
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2022
91/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The Liga Privada No. 9 started life as Jonathan Drew's personal house blend — "Liga Privada" literally means "private blend" — and word got out. Today it's one of the most chased premium cigars in the United States, and the Robusto is the size most people reach for first.
What it tastes like
This is a rich, full-bodied smoke built on a dark, oily Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf wrapper. Expect dense espresso and dark chocolate up front, layered with earth, leather, and a steady black-pepper backbone. It's bold and complex but beautifully balanced — never harsh, just deep. The construction is famously flawless, with a slow, even burn that rewards a relaxed pace.
Who it's for
The No. 9 is a full-strength cigar, so it's best for experienced smokers with a developed palate — newcomers will likely find it intense. Smoke it after a meal, ideally with an espresso, a pour of bourbon, or an aged rum. If you're weighing it against rich Cuban classics, our Cuban vs Nicaraguan breakdown is a good read, and since the Broadleaf wrapper is the star here, see Maduro vs Connecticut to understand what makes that dark leaf tick.
Found a No. 9 worth remembering? Log it and rate it in the Casa DNC app so you can track down the same box again.
Curious how it stacks up? See Maduro vs Connecticut wrappers.
More cigars like this
Drew Estate
FullHerrera Estelí Miami
Herrera Estelí Miami — Willy Herrera's full-bodied tribute to his roots, a dark Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro smoke with sweet cedar, espresso, and earth.
Drew Estate
FullLiga Privada No. 9 Belicoso
Liga Privada No. 9 in a 6 x 52 figurado with a tapered head — the same oily Broadleaf Maduro, with a concentrated draw and rich, dense smoke.
Drew Estate
FullLiga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble
The 7 x 54 Corona Doble — the largest core Liga Privada No. 9, a long, full-bodied Broadleaf Maduro for a slow, two-hour evening smoke.
Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto head-to-head
See how Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.