Fresh off of announcing the streamlining of their portfolio and the imminent release of the new M81 line, Drew Estate is sending out the first of its fall offerings to shops. Worth noting is that one of the fall releases is an Undercrown Sun Grown, which stands out immediately if one saw last week’s reporting that the Undercrown Sun Grown line is going away indefinitely.
The Flying Pig format we’re familiar with today, right down to the pigtail, actually has its origins in the pages of a size selection catalog intended for cigar salesman. A photograph from a catalog dated 1895 served as reference for the creation of DE’s stubby expressions.
There are only so many Bunceros and Rolleras at La Gran Fabricas that are certified to craft pigs, so they only land twice a year – Spring and Fall. In total, 6 pig variants will be available this month. Kentucky Fire Cured, Undercrown Maduro, Undercrown Shade and Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pigs will be available to all premium cigar retailers, while only participating Drew Diplomat Program partners will have Liga Privada No. 9 and Liga Privada T52 Flying Pigs.
The story behind the Liga Privada Unico Year of the Rat cigar is so far from what I expected that the distance between my expectations and reality, is quite simply, embarrassing. The YOTR was initially released in 2016, so it’s a story many already know. In case you’re not one of them, I’ll hit the highlights. This cigar commemorates the 20th anniversary of the only Stanley Cup Finals appearance that the Florida Panthers have had in their entire history as an NHL team. The rat angle comes from Scott Mellanby allegedly having to kill a rat in the locker room prior to scoring two goals in the game – which became known as the “rat trick.” After that, fans proceeded to throw rubber rats on the ice after any goal scored by the Panthers. For a time, one could only find these cigars at the Drew Estate Lounge inside the Panther’s BB&T Center, but they’ve gotten a few wider releases since then. This marks the first year in which this cigar has been released twice, and there’s no confirmation as to whether or not this will become standard practice.
“The Rat infestation is back for a second time this year and all you Dirties are going to get another chance to get your claws on them,” says Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate. “You’ll be singing Slick Rick, drying your crying eyes if you sleep on ‘em.” The YOTR features Connecticut Broadleaf capa, Brazilian capote and Nicaraguan/Honduran tripa tobaccos. Each 5.5 x 46 Corona Gorda is wrapped in gold foil and will also be available later this month.
Is the pig vitola more of a collectible for you, or do you enjoy smoking them? Have you had the Year of the Rat? I’d love to hear about it all in the comments below!