Undercrown Maduro Robusto (5 x 54) Cigar

Undercrown was born on the factory floor: released in 2011, it came about because Drew Estate's torcedores were smoking so many Liga Privadas that the company struggled to keep inventory, so the rollers were asked to blend a cigar of their own to smoke instead. Jonathan Drew calls the result an "inverse Liga Privada" — built from many of the same rare tobaccos, but at different vintages and primings, and finished with an exceptionally dark Mexican Otapan Negro Último Corte wrapper. The Maduro is the original Undercrown expression, and the Robusto carries an 89-point rating from Cigar Insider.

An exceptionally dark, oily Mexican San Andrés Otapan Negro Último Corte wrapper — "último corte" meaning "last cut," a delayed harvest of several extra weeks that draws out the leaf's natural sweetness — over a Connecticut River Valley stalk-cut and cured Habano binder, the same leaf used on Liga Privada T52. Fillers are select Brazilian Mata Fina and Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers. Handmade at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua, with construction that delivers an easy draw and a razor-straight burn. Robusto format, 5 x 54. Box count: 25 cigars.

Chocolaty, earthy, creamy and peppery, with some of the richest tobacco flavors you will find at the price. The Robusto opens with coffee and a slight spice that builds as it progresses, layered over dark chocolate, leather and a sweet black-tobacco finish. Dense, velvety smoke and a balanced profile keep it engaging without ever turning overpowering.

Alcoholic: Bourbon or a bold red wine. Non-Alcoholic: Dark roast coffee.

Afternoon or evening — the everyday Liga Privada experience.