Today, we are reviewing the 2024 release of Drew Estate’s Liga Privada UF-4. Since its 2010 introduction, the Liga Privada Único Serie UF-4 has been an exclusive offering at the Casa de Montecristo store in Illinois. This cigar originally started as a test blend of the Liga Privada T52 but was ultimately not selected for production. However, it became Jonathan Drew’s favorite version of the blend, co-founder of Drew Estate.
If you go back in Drew Estate history, before the UF-4 was released, it was originally called the Liga Privada JD-4. The story goes that the cigar was renamed to MF-4 (which, according to Steve Saka, who was with Drew Estate at the time, stood for what you think it stands for). When the MF name posed a potential issue with My Father Cigars, the cigar was renamed UF-4 (UF is said to mean Ultra Fuerte) before release. During this time, some refinements and tweaks were done to that original test blend.
SPECIFICATIONS
The UF-4 blend features a Connecticut Stalk Cut habano wrapper, a Brazilian binder, and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua. While the tobaccos are similar to the T52, this is still a different blend, and it is bolder. The 2024 edition was released in a Toro size. In more recent years, the UF-4 has been released with a cedar sleeve and footer band.
- Wrapper: Connecticut Stalk Cut Habano
- Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
- Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate
- Toro: 6 x 52
PERFORMANCE
The UF-4 opened up with notes of espresso, earth, mineral, pepper, and cedar. During the first third, the espresso emerged as the primary note. Earth, mineral, mixed pepper, and cedar settled in the background, joined by a cream note. The retrohale showed a bold mix of pepper spices. As the cigar moved through the second third, pepper increased on the tongue and in the retrohale. Pepper also increased. By the final third, the pepper and cedar displaced the espresso. The espresso settled into the background, with mineral and earth notes. Meanwhile, the cream notes dissipated.
In terms of flavors, the UF-4 delivered a medium to full-bodied experience in the first half, and a full-bodied experience in the second half. This was countered by full strength from start to finish. The burn required minimal touch-ups to maintain a straight burn line and straight burn path. The draw had a touch of resistance, which I like.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Final Thoughts
Many people are aware of my thoughts on single-store releases; they are often overhyped. However, the UF-4 stands out as an exception. Its profile is bold and gritty, with a blend of intense flavors that come together for a powerful smoking experience. Fourteen years ago, this cigar scored 95 points on Cigar Coop. Today, it scores 90 points, but that’s not a decline in quality; it reflects our different scoring criteria than in 2012, when we first reviewed it. This cigar is for the experienced enthusiast, and I’d buy and smoke it again. With a score of 90 points, it earns the Cigar Coop Standard of Excellence designation.
Summary
- Key Flavors: Espresso, Earth, Cedar, Mineral, Cream, Pepper
- Burn: Excellent
- Draw: Excellent
- Complexity: Medium
- Strength: Full
- Body: Medium to Full (1st half), Full (Second Half)
- Finish: Very Good
Rating
Value: Buy One
Score: 90
REFERENCES
* Pricing for the 2025 release (which was still available at press time) was listed on the Casa de Montecristo Chicago website.
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
