Liga Privada No. 9
The cigar that redefined what a premium smoke could be. Liga Privada No. 9 is Drew Estate’s crown jewel — a bold, full-bodied masterpiece draped in a dark, oily 18-month-aged Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks wrapper that delivers wave after wave of chocolate, espresso, and earth. Originally created as Jonathan Drew’s personal blend in 2007, the No. 9 earned its name after being the ninth attempt to achieve perfection, and it has since become one of the most iconic cigars in the modern era.
Key Features & Benefits
- Iconic Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks wrapper aged a minimum of 18 months for peak flavor and oil content
- Plantation-grown Brazilian Mata Fina binder adding silky sweetness and complexity
- Select Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban-seed long-filler tobaccos for a rich, layered core
- Full-bodied strength with a smooth, refined delivery that belies its power
- Handcrafted at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in EstelÃ, Nicaragua
- Available in nine distinct vitolas to suit every smoking preference
- Rated 94 by Cigar Aficionado and named #10 on their Top 25 Cigars of the Year
The No. 9 Story
Liga Privada — meaning “private blend” — began as Jonathan Drew’s personal smoking cigar, never intended for commercial release. The blend went through eight iterations before the ninth recipe hit the mark, earning the name No. 9. Word spread quickly among Drew Estate employees and friends, and demand grew so intense that the company had no choice but to bring it to market. Since its public debut in 2007, the Liga Privada No. 9 has become one of the most sought-after cigars in the world.
The secret to the No. 9’s legendary status starts with its wrapper — a Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks leaf that undergoes a rigorous 18-month aging process before it ever touches a rolling table. This extended aging develops an extraordinary depth of flavor and a glossy, near-black sheen of natural oils that is immediately recognizable. Only the finest top-grade leaves make the cut, which is why Liga Privada production remains limited despite massive demand.
Flavor Profile
From the first draw, the No. 9 announces itself with rich dark chocolate and espresso, underscored by a deep earthiness that runs through the entire smoking experience. Cherry sweetness and bittersweet cocoa emerge early, complemented by exotic spice and subtle pepper through the retrohale. As the cigar develops into its second third, notes of nougat, toast, cedar, and roasted nuts join the mix while the chocolate deepens into a creamy coffee character.
The final act brings leather, caramel, and a satisfying spice that builds without ever becoming harsh. Despite its full-bodied classification, the No. 9 smokes remarkably smooth — a testament to the quality of its aged tobaccos and the skill of Drew Estate’s master rollers. Construction is consistently excellent, producing thick plumes of aromatic smoke with an even, razor-sharp burn line.
Available Sizes
| Vitola | Size | Box Count |
|---|---|---|
| Coronets | 4 x 32 | — |
| Petit Corona | 4½ x 46 | 24 |
| Short Panatela | 4½ x 46 | 24 |
| Robusto | 5 x 54 | 24 |
| Corona Viva | 6 x 48 | 24 |
| Toro | 6 x 52 | 24 |
| Belicoso | 6 x 52 | 24 |
| Corona Doble | 7 x 54 | 24 |
| Flying Pig | 4 x 60 | 12 |
Specifications
| Brand | Drew Estate Liga Privada |
| Line | No. 9 |
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks |
| Binder | Plantation-Grown Brazilian Mata Fina |
| Filler | Honduran & Nicaraguan Cuban Seed |
| Body | Full |
| Origin | Nicaragua |
| Factory | La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, EstelÃ, Nicaragua |
| Release Type | Regular Production |
| Original Release | 2007 |
Summary
Box Count: 24 cigars
Region: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Binder: Plantation-Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks
Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Liga Privada No. 9?
Liga Privada means “private blend” in Spanish, and “No. 9” refers to the ninth recipe iteration that finally met Jonathan Drew’s exacting personal standards before the cigar was ever released to the public.
What makes the No. 9 wrapper special?
The wrapper is a Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks leaf that undergoes a minimum 18-month aging process. Only the highest-grade leaves are selected, resulting in an exceptionally dark, oily wrapper with extraordinary depth of flavor.
How does the Liga Privada No. 9 compare to the T52?
Both share the same Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Honduran/Nicaraguan fillers, but the No. 9 uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper while the T52 features a Stalk Cut Habano wrapper. The No. 9 leans darker and earthier, while the T52 offers more spice and leather.
What flavors does the Liga Privada No. 9 deliver?
Expect rich dark chocolate, espresso, earth, cherry sweetness, cedar, roasted nuts, leather, and caramel, with subtle pepper and exotic spice through the retrohale.
What sizes does the Liga Privada No. 9 come in?
The No. 9 is available in nine vitolas including Petit Corona, Short Panatela, Robusto, Corona Viva, Toro, Belicoso, Corona Doble, Flying Pig, and Coronets.
Is the Liga Privada No. 9 a limited edition?
No, the No. 9 is classified as regular production. However, due to the strict wrapper selection and aging requirements, production is inherently limited and allocation to retailers remains tight.
Where is the Liga Privada No. 9 made?
Every Liga Privada No. 9 is handcrafted at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in EstelÃ, Nicaragua, where Drew Estate’s most premium blends are produced.
What rating has the Liga Privada No. 9 received?
Cigar Aficionado awarded the Liga Privada No. 9 a 94-point rating and named it #10 on their prestigious Top 25 Cigars of the Year list.








jtdjeffers (verified owner) –
One of my go to sticks to grab and smoke, the broad leaf is probably my favorite wrappers out there. These always stay consistent with a great burn and plenty of smoke out put.
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Clinton Saunders (verified owner) –
It’s always good when I can get my hands on a few of these. Very full and bold, with tons of smoke. This is also a fairly strong stick, which I like. Every one I’ve smoked has always burned well too. Quality at a decent price that makes you feel like you’re smoking a special occasion cigar.
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Justin White (verified owner) –
This is a classic, and for good reason. Every one I’ve smoked has been very consistent. Tons of smoke output, very nice burn line, nice semi-open draw. I would give it five stars except for that in terms of what I get here, good broadleaf flavors with that classic Nicaraguan spice profile, I think there are better cigars on the market for the price. Two prime examples would be from the creators of this cigar – The Tabernacle from Nick Melillo and Mi Querida from Steve Saka. Personally even if the no. 9 were the same price as either of those great cigars, I would reach for the Tabernacle or Mi Querida first. I think they taste better hands down, and they both have the construction quality of the Ligas. Considering that the Liga is more expensive than either, though it is a very solid cigar in its own right, I’m going with four stars on this one.
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Kevin (verified owner) –
Robusto sized and highly prized. One of my favorite cigars. Smells a bit like raisins and it carries some of that over to the flavor profile. Perfect slow burn with tons of output. Killer price as always with Oxford. Don’t hesitate to try out a Liga #9!
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Jason Grace (verified owner) –
The unicorn. When these came back a round at Oxford I had to pull the trigger, and when I did they were here in perfect condition in a matter of days. Oxford crushes the game.
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Thiago A Ferreira (verified owner) –
Charuto pra comprar e envelhecer caixa. Sensacional em todos os terços da fumada. Melhor da marca sem dúvida
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Thiago A Ferreira (verified owner) –
Disparado o melhor charuto da marca. Se eu encontrasse mais, eu compraria para envelhecer. Surpreende a cada fumada
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Thiago Araújo Ferreira (verified owner) –
Amazing blend for this cigar!
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