Among all the cigars on CigarPage’s website, the BDL series has been a pleasant surprise.
Not only are they rich in flavor, but they’re also incredibly affordable. While the branding might not be the flashiest compared to other offerings from Tabacalera Pages, these cigars are absolutely worth a try.
Today, I’ll be diving into the final blend of the series, the Liga 12 Habano, and putting it to the test using the Bespoke Unit Cigar Matrix:
BDL Liga 12 Habano Cigar Details
- Brand: BDL
- Range: Liga 12 Habano
- Reviewed Vitola: 5″ x 54 Robusto
- Wrapper: Habano
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Factory: Tabacalera Pages (Estelí, Nicaragua)
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Full
- Estimated Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
- Pricing: $45 / Box of 15 [Browse On CigarPage]
Look & Feel Of The BDL Habano Robusto
- Wrapper Hue: Darker Habano
- Rolling Consistency: Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Cookie Dough, Rye, Earth
When I first pulled these cigars out of my humidor, I had to double-check if I had grabbed the Liga 12 Habano or the Liga 5 Maduro; that’s how dark the Habano wrapper on this cigar is.
Indeed, the wrapper on the Liga 12 is noticeably darker than other Habano wrappers in my collection, with a slight oiliness and minimal veining that gives it a premium appearance. Moreover, compared to the Liga 5, my review samples of this Liga 12 look more refined.
Aromas from the body and foot reveal notes of cookie dough, rye bread, and earth.
Reviewing The BDL Liga 12 Habano
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Slightly Tight
- Aromas: Sea Salt, Pine, Cocoa Powder
After cutting the cap with my trusty guillotine cutter, I found the draw tighter than expected. Unlike the effortless draws of the BDL Liga 7 and Liga 5, this blend draws more like a Cuban cigar, which might be intentional from the blenders at Tabacalera Pages.
The dry draw delivers rich chocolate fudge, complemented by a raisin-like sweetness and a hint of cedar, likely due to my Spanish cedar humidor, where these cigars have been resting since early spring.
1st Third Smoking Experience: Initial Flavors & Retrohale
- Notes: Pumpernickel Bread, Black Pepper, Nutmeg
Despite its understated branding, the Liga 12 is unmistakably Nicaraguan as soon as you light up. It starts with a burst of black pepper, followed by rich notes of pumpernickel bread and nutmeg.
The retrohale brings a unique, slightly funky white pepper note, adding to the complexity.
2nd Third Smoking Experience: Developing Flavor Profile
- Notes: Walnuts, Rye, Vanilla
In the second third, the Habano wrapper truly begins to shine.
Upfront, you’ll find slightly bitter walnut flavors with a rye kick, while the back of the palate features subtle vanilla bean notes. Though the flavors become more pronounced, the mouthfeel gets a bit coarser, adding to the cigar’s rugged appeal.
Final Third Smoking Experience: Smooth & Balanced Finish
- Notes: Leather, Brown Sugar, Walnuts
The final third brings out deeper flavors, with notes of leather and a brown sugar molasses sweetness. A hint of walnut bitterness lingers on the back of the palate, and the retrohale introduces a fruity cayenne pepper burn.
This part of the cigar is where it all comes together—the mouthfeel is smoother, and the flavors mellow out beautifully.
Overall Burn & Construction
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Tight At First, Loosens Throughout
- Final Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
Throughout my review samples, the Liga 12 consistently burned slower than the other cigars in the BDL line. Although it started with a tighter draw, it loosened up to a more comfortable experience.
One of my review samples did have a problematic draw, leading me to abandon it midway. It’s a disappointment, but it’s a reality with handmade cigars—even the most premium sticks can have their off moments. Tools like a Perfect Draw are handy for rescuing stuck cigars, and fortunately, at three bucks a stick, losing one isn’t too painful.
Overall Experience
The BDL Liga series maintains a consistent design across the line, with the main distinguishing feature being the “Liga 12 Habano” label on the 10-pack paper packaging.
As mentioned earlier, this Habano could easily be mistaken for its Maduro sibling, so I’d recommend ordering different vitolas for clarity—like the box-pressed Liga 5 and the rounded Liga 12.
Pairing Recommendations For The BDL Liga 12 Habano
The best time to enjoy the BDL Liga 12 is during or after a relaxed evening meal. It pairs wonderfully with a butternut squash soup, as the cigar’s bready notes complement the soup’s slight sweetness.
If you’re in a breakfast mood, a slice of banana bread will mask some of the stronger rye notes while enhancing the aromatic spice flavors in the blend. For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert pastry will pair beautifully, highlighting the vanilla and brown sugar notes while refreshing the palate.
When it comes to drinks, this cigar begs for a bourbon companion. Even a simple bottle like Evan Williams can elevate the experience, with the vanillin from the barrel aging harmonizing with the Liga 12’s sweetness, creating a more premium feel than the price suggests.
For a non-alcoholic option, a Pumpkin Spice Latte will add warm spice notes, while the dairy helps temper some of the sharper black pepper flavors. Personally, I prefer a simple black espresso, which adds a touch of bitterness while enhancing the cigar’s bready flavors.
Closing Thoughts
As I wrap up my experience with the BDL Balthazar series from Tabacalera Pages & CigarPage, I’m genuinely impressed.
I remember my early days of smoking stogies when I was stuck with cheap, harsh cigars, and these BDL blends are leagues ahead. They’re an excellent choice for introducing friends to the world of cigars or even filling a few empty slots in your humidor.
Among the trio, the Liga 12 stands out as the most complex and nuanced. My personal ranking would be the smooth Connecticut Liga 7 at the top, followed by this flavorful Habano Liga 12, and lastly, the robust Liga 5 Maduro.
Oh, and I still find myself wondering—who exactly is ‘Balthazar’?
"The BDL Liga 12 Habano delivers rich, complex flavors that make it a standout in the affordable BDL series, perfect for a casual yet flavorful smoke."
Further Reading
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