Al Saqr No. 9 Size: 6.5 x 44 Vitola: Churchill Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro Binder: Jalapa, Nicaragua Fillers: Estelí, Nicaragua Aging: 9 Months Factory: Toraño, Jalapa, Nicaragua Flavor Notes: Dark cocoa, raisin, leather, black coffee, cedar, dried apricot, toasted walnut, savory earth, white pepper, molasses, dark chocolate Pairing Notes: Dark espresso, aged rum, oak-forward bourbon, dark berry wine, dark chocolate, dried figs Privada Storytelling In a market obsessed with giant logos, loud bands, and fear of missing out, Al Saqr arrived quietly. According to the story, these cigars were originally rolled for a private majlis in Dubai. They were not designed for retail shelves or public reviews. One cigar simply made its way out, then another, until a small group eventually reached the United States. Al Saqr means falcon. The name fits. The cigar feels sharp, focused, and completely uninterested in being agreeable. Its Mexican San Andrés wrapper brings darkness and weight, while Jalapa binder and Estelí filler create the structure underneath. This cigar does not ask what kind of profile you prefer. It has already made up its mind. Flavor Journey The pre-light carries dark raisin, earthy cocoa, damp soil, dark chocolate, and deep sweetness. The first third opens with dark cocoa, raisin, leathery San Andrés richness, cedar, and black coffee. The second third introduces dried apricot, toasted walnut, savory earth, spice, and white pepper. The final third becomes heavier with molasses, leather, black pepper, dark chocolate, and cedar, finishing long and assertive. Why It Belongs in Privada Because some cigars are memorable precisely because they refuse to soften themselves for the market. Al Saqr No. 9 is direct, dark, and unapologetic. Its unusual backstory, slender Churchill format, and rich San Andrés profile make it the kind of cigar that creates conversation long after the smoke clears. Production Notes Rolled in Jalapa, Nicaragua using a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper, Jalapa binder, and Estelí filler. Aged for nine months before release. Highlights 6.5 x 44 Churchill format Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper Jalapa and Estelí Nicaraguan core Dark cocoa, fruit, leather, and espresso profile Aged nine months