Drew Estate Liga Undercrown Maduro Belicoso (NCRW)

[Tdm_86]

As I do smoke a portion of NC, I thought I would do a review on the one that’s never let me down (in any vitola for that matter). This particular example is the Belicoso, it’s without a ‘Maduro’ foot band so it must be from before 2015. These are the NC equivalent of a Monte 2 to me. 
Brought 2 of them to a buddies house and I decided we should pair this with a Blanc de Blancs Champagne as I find the acidity works well with this cigar.

Pre-light

A very dark and slightly mottled wrapper as they invariably have. A perfect roll, packed full and even. It smells of dark chocolate and barnyard. 2 snips of the perfect cutter and the cold draw tastes like toasted tobacco, hay and has a slight tingle like whole black peppercorns. The draw is quite open, despite the packed roll (I’ve come to expect this from Drew Estate).

First third

The first few draws are quite peppery, and that’s about all you can taste. But no worries, these seem to always open up that way and then quickly transition to their actual profile. And so does this one, after about 5 puffs the main draw flavor is a sweet, maybe molasses like, chocolate. The finish is a little spicy and sweet like cayenne pepper. 
 

Second third

The upfront sweetness subsides a bit, the chocolate is now darker and a little bitter. It’s accompanied by light raisins like Sultanas. Here, the pairing with the champagne comes into it’s own. The finish has moved to baking spice and is a bit peppery on the retrohale. It’s cruising right along, putting out copious amounts of smoke. 
 

Final third

The dark and bitter chocolate is now overshadowed by a deep sweet earth and leather. On the finish I can still detect the Sultanas in the background. It has a little trouble burning in this last third, needs 1 relight.

Conclusion 

A very good cigar, construction is very consistent and I really like the flavors. Chocolate like a good Monte 2. We ended up smoking these in about 1hr 20mins. Paired with the champers and good company, an allround great experience. Only took the 1 picture because we were too busy enjoying ourselves. 
 

91/100

[El Presidente]

11 hours ago, Tdm_86 said:

 

First third

The first few draws are quite peppery, and that’s about all you can taste. But no worries, these seem to always open up that way and then quickly transition to their actual profile. And so does this one, after about 5 puffs the main draw flavor is a sweet, maybe molasses like, chocolate. The finish is a little spicy and sweet like cayenne pepper. 
 

 

Conclusion 

A very good cigar, construction is very consistent and I really like the flavors. Chocolate like a good Monte 2. We ended up smoking these in about 1hr 20mins. Paired with the champers and good company, an allround great experience. Only took the 1 picture because we were too busy enjoying ourselves. 
 

91/100

Excellent review 

I am intrigued why so many NC's (particularly Nics) start off straight pepper before quickly moving on to a distinct/pleasant profile. 

[Tdm_86]

6 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Excellent review 

I am intrigued why so many NC's (particularly Nics) start off straight pepper before quickly moving on to a distinct/pleasant profile. 

It must be a deliberate choice by the blender. Perhaps to convince people that it’s ‘full flavor, firing on all cylinders from light up’ or some such marketing nonsense 

[Cigar Surgeon]

15 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Excellent review 

I am intrigued why so many NC's (particularly Nics) start off straight pepper before quickly moving on to a distinct/pleasant profile. 

Deliberate placement of the ligero. I don't get it myself, I've had a number of NCs now where they place it more in the middle so the cigar starts out creamy and then moves up to pepper or intense spices which I think is a better strategy.

🤷‍♂️

[Ford2112]

Not a fan of the pepper smash in the face flavor.

[Kaptain Karl]

I see pepper as bad cigar blending. Great cigars are retrohaled, and pepper though the nose isnt it.