Drew Estate Liga Privada T52 Belicoso
📌 Brand: Drew Estate
📌 Line: Liga Privada T52
📌 Size: Belicoso (6" x 52)
📌 Weight: 16.5
📌 Age: 6 years
📌 Origin: Nicaragua
Tasting Notes
Black Pepper & Anise – Spicy and complex opening
Dark Espresso – Dense, bitter backbone through the middle
Earth & Cocoa – Layered richness with natural sweetness
Oak & Leather – Deep, long finish with chewy texture
First Impressions
The T52 Belicoso wears a striking Connecticut River Valley stalk-cut Habano wrapper, oily and veiny with rugged beauty. Pre-light aromas reveal barnyard earth, rich cocoa, and sweet molasses. Its construction is firm, weighty, and unmistakably premium.
Smoking Experience
First Third – Black pepper, anise, and earthy richness hit immediately. Dense smoke with Drew Estate’s signature aroma fills the air.
Second Third – Espresso and cocoa dominate, supported by subtle sweetness. Complexity builds, and the burn have issues, need correction
Final Third – Oak, leather, and peppery strength bring the cigar to a bold, satisfying close.
Pairings
Alcohol: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon – its deep caramel, spice, and oak backbone complement the cigar’s bold espresso and leather notes.
Tea: Pu-erh Tea (Yunnan, Aged) – earthy, fermented character mirrors the cigar’s depth while cleansing the palate between heavy draws.
Music Pairing
Still D.R.E. – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg. Smooth yet powerful flow mirrors the cigar’s balance of strength and refinement.
Final Thoughts
The Liga Privada T52 Belicoso is a powerhouse wrapped in sophistication. Bold, earthy, and complex, it’s a cigar that commands attention and pairs beautifully with strong, aged drinks. A smoke for experienced palates seeking depth and strength. Needs some correction and on a moments feel a little bit bland.
Final Score: 6/10
Why not a 10?
Correct the burn twice around the half way, there are moments where the cigar feel quite bland, possibly due to the age
Only cigars that deliver flawless draw, balance, flavour evolution, construction and satisfaction get a 10.