As Fall settles in, it’s time for the next chapter in our exploration of CigarPage’s BDL series.
After reviewing the smooth and creamy BDL Liga 7, we now turn to the Liga 5, with its dark maduro wrapper and refined box-pressed shape.
I’m eager to see how it holds up in our Bespoke Unit tasting matrix and how it compares to its predecessor.
BDL Liga 5 Cigar Details
- Brand: BDL
- Range: Liga 5 Maduro
- Reviewed Vitola: 5.5″ x 48 Robusto Box-Pressed
- Wrapper: Maduro
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Factory: Tabacalera Pages (Estelí, Nicaragua)
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Full
- Estimated Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
- Pricing: $40 / Box of 15 [Browse On CigarPage]
Look & Feel Of The BDL Liga 5 Maduro
- Wrapper Hue: Bark
- Rolling Consistency: Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Earth, Saw Dust, Clove
The BDL Liga 5’s maduro wrapper, while not flawless, gets the job done. I noticed some minor tears in two of my review samples, but given that these cigars are priced under three bucks a stick, it’s a small sacrifice.
The soft box press is well-executed—neither too sharp nor too rounded—giving it a comfortable feel in hand. From the body and foot, expect earthy aromas with notes of sawdust and clove-like spice, adding intrigue to the initial presentation.
Reviewing The BDL Maduro Box-Pressed Cigar
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Sea Salt, Pine, Cocoa Powder
Upon cutting the cap and taking a few dry draws, I was immediately transported to the Pacific Northwest coast.
The first thing that hit my palate was a sea salt minerality, followed by the scent of pine sap and a rich cocoa powder savoriness at the back. It’s an unexpected yet welcome blend of flavors even before the cigar is lit.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Earth, Cocoa, Cinnamon
Surprisingly, the flavors from the dry draw carry over into the first third of the Liga 5—a rarity among cigars.
The cigar opens with earthy notes of cocoa and cinnamon spice, with the retrohale delivering a kick of classic Nicaraguan black pepper. It’s a smooth start, setting the stage for the complexity to come.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Red Meat, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper
In the second third, the cigar really picks up strength.
Imagine a steak sizzling in a hot cast iron skillet, finished with a dusting of black and cayenne pepper—that’s what the Liga 5 evokes. The mouthfeel becomes coarser, and the retrohale presents a garlicky note.
Whether it’s the flavors or just my appetite speaking, the cigar’s profile deepens.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Mushroom, Oak, Salt
The final third returns to earthy flavors, with mushroom-like earthiness on the top of the palate and an oakiness in the background.
The salty undertones from the dry draw make a comeback, and the clove spice reappears in the retrohale. The smoke has maintained its complexity until the very end.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Perfect
- Final Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
Much like the Liga 7 Connecticut, the Liga 5 smokes faster than expected, which could be due to its box-pressed shape.
Box-pressed cigars generally contain less tobacco, which likely contributes to the quicker burn. Despite this, all my review samples burned evenly, an impressive feat for such a shape.
Overall Experience
The BDL Liga 5 remains consistent with the presentation of the BDL series, featuring identical packaging to its predecessors except for the subtle addition of “Liga 5 Maduro” on the box.
Unfortunately, the mystery behind the name “Balthazar De Leon” remains unsolved…
Pairing Recommendations For BDL Liga 5 Maduro
This cigar feels perfect for an afternoon spent outdoors—perhaps after a day of apple picking. The Liga 5’s savory nature pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider, which brings out a dark bread flavor note and enhances the cigar’s spiced profile. Add a splash of rum to elevate the experience further. For a savory touch, try pairing it with a nice amber beer, which complements the earthy flavors.
Food-wise, a charcuterie board with sharp cheeses and cured meats would work wonders with the Liga 5, balancing its savory notes with the minerality of the cheese. Chocolate pretzels make for a fun pairing, especially alongside an amber beer. To end on a sweet note, try a slice of apple pie, which will enhance the cigar’s cinnamon and clove elements.
Closing Thoughts
In one word, the BDL Liga 5 is ‘savory.’
The blenders at Tabacalera Pages have crafted a truly complex, rich cigar that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned smokers. Despite its coarser texture, its balance of flavors competes easily with cigars priced at double or triple the amount, making it a solid choice for those looking for great value.
"The BDL Liga 5 Maduro is a savory, well-crafted cigar that combines complexity and smooth smoking experience, making it an unbeatable value for under three dollars."
Further Reading
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