Drew Estate's Liga Privada No. 9 was a smash hit - the best of the brand, according to some. But a product that successful is bound to spawn related cigars. In this case, the variation was to use tobaccos that are a bit more "accessible." Where the No. 9 was a no holds barred attempt to create a crowning smoke for the founder's private stash, the Undercrown Maduro Gordito takes things in a bit of a different direction. It's not as strong, not as rarified, and not as difficult to produce. And as you know, that's sometimes a good thing. There's a time and a place for every smoke, right?

Well, in this case, despite their best efforts to tone things down a bit, the Undercrown Maduro wound up being a fantastic smoke, too! Oh, darn. This stick earned ratings above 90 and found it's way into top lists for 2017. Tasters reported strong oak and leather notes, as well as hits of vanilla and earthy flavors on the finish. A very enjoyable smoke, by all accounts.

If the Liga Privada No. 9 is for special times, the Undercrown Maduro Gordito, its brother, is to cap off a more normal good day. Or as a way to smoke off a bad day. The point is: enjoy.