A Journey with the Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig
Today’s cigar was nothing short of a powerhouse: the Liga Privada Unico Serie Feral Flying Pig, a bold, broad-shouldered creation from Drew Estate. This 5 3/8 x 60 perfecto vitola, wrapped in a toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Oscuro, is known for its strength, complexity, and unapologetic presence. Rolled with an undisclosed blend of Nicaraguan fillers and Brazilian Mata Fina binder, it’s a cigar designed to take its time—and to take you for a ride.
The Smoking Experience
From the first light, the Feral Flying Pig didn’t hesitate. Thick plumes of smoke came pouring out with minimal effort. The draw was effortless yet substantial, setting the stage for a dense and flavorful experience. Right away, there was a syrupy sweetness—something akin to molasses or dark caramel—that coated the tongue and lingered well after each puff. Despite the cigar’s reputation for strength, the beginning was balanced, full-bodied but not overpowering.
As the cigar progressed into the first third, the flavor profile was rich but not loud. There was an earthiness—mature and dignified—with barnyard funk, cocoa, and a trace of stone fruit or dried cherry buried beneath the surface. Everything was cohesive, nuanced, and deeply satisfying. The cigar seemed to know its pace, never rushing, never dull.
The second third brought a notable transition. The sweetness receded, making room for dry oak, dark chocolate, and a bit of coffee, particularly strong on the retrohale. That dry oak, in particular, set the tone—drying out the palate but never becoming acrid or thin. It was here that a cold Coca-Cola entered the pairing, perfectly offsetting the dryness and amplifying the underlying chocolate and spice notes. The pairing was a revelation: classic and bold, like the cigar itself.
A sudden spike in spice caught me off guard—like a flame kicked up by a gust of wind. One puff it was steady and smooth, the next, a bold wave of pepper and heat. Few cigars can shift that fast and remain in control, but the Feral handled it like a seasoned musician hitting a dramatic note in a quiet ballad. From there, bittersweet chocolate dominated, with a lingering espresso bitterness that added depth rather than harshness.
Even as the cigar neared its final inch and a half, the smoke remained cool, the flavor potent, and the construction flawless. The ash held impressively long—stubborn, compact, and worthy of admiration. It eventually dropped, unceremoniously but harmlessly, mid-session. A small price to pay for such a bold companion.
Overall Impression
The Feral Flying Pig is not a cigar for the faint of heart, but it is certainly one for the thoughtful smoker. Its transitions are dramatic but grounded. Its strength builds deliberately. And its ash? Monumental. From syrupy richness to spice-laden complexity, it offers a full narrative, not just a flavor. Paired with AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, the mood was set: rebellious, powerful, unforgettable.
There may be other contenders for your money out there—like the stunning new Plasencia Alma del Cielo—but the Feral Flying Pig will always have its place in the pantheon of bold, expressive cigars. Today’s experience was one for the books.
The Retrohale Score: A (94)
Bold, rich, and expressive with powerful transitions from syrupy molasses to dry oak, cocoa, coffee, and spice, delivering a full narrative of complex flavor with flawless construction.