Partagas de Partagas No 1
Size: 170 x 43 ? Dalia
Smoke time: 1hour 40mins
Box date: Unknown Source: ACMCC (Andy)
I got this cigar in a deal with Andy earlier this year, the box date is uncertain, but is pre 03 when the cigar was discontinued, and post 1980, because prior this smoke had a special Partagas de Partagas band.
Appearance: Imposing, slightly squared in-the-box with a rustic, toothy Colorado Claro wrapper carrying a lot of raised veining, but compensated for by a light, oily sheen. Standard band ?A? (Embossed) which further dates the cigar to pre 2002.
Construction: Generally the cigar felt well packed although slightly more spongy towards the foot. The triple cap was perfectly applied, and on cutting, the cold draw was perfect. The smoking draw was easy throughout and the burn unwavering. I did need to make a re-light in the second third, but that was more my fault than the cigars. The ash was faultless. No corrections required.
Flavour: The pre-light aroma was light, still musky and vaguely cedarlike. The start was straight in, and no messing, sharp lime and slightly salty. From then on the base for the rest of the third was pepper edged, slightly bittered stone fruits (something akin to a mix of plum, apricot, damson) with some light wood. The sweetness in the flavours was adult, not too sweet, and left a delicious after-taste in the mouth. The second third was generally similar to the first with woodiness becoming more pronounced and acting as an enjoyable veil to the fruitlike flavours. Towards the end of the second third I did get a sharp intake of very sweet lemon citrus which lasted a few puffs and then vanished. The last third was characterised by a noticeable increase in power and a kick-in of cocoa. For a little while I could still taste the fruits along with something not unlike creme caramel through the chocolatelike tastes, but they gradually diminished allowing the cocoa to become first more woody and finally to take on a deeper leathery tone. Excellent smoke!
Overall: What were Habanos thinking of in 2003, another brilliant but deleted cigar. Medium strength flavours on a Medium/Strong body ( I got a bit of a ?reel? when I stood up). I was delighted with the de Partagas, it would have been better just enjoyed than reviewed. The smoke packs plenty of good tastes but lacks the flamboyancy and vivacity of the Partagas 898.
Marks. I?m giving the Partagas de Partagas a 7.4. Had I smoked this cigar in the evening the mark might have been higher, but for the review series as it stands, the 898 still leads.
Next up. Cohiba Siglo V
Size: 170 x 43 ? Dalia
Smoke time: 1hour 40mins
Box date: Unknown Source: ACMCC (Andy)
I got this cigar in a deal with Andy earlier this year, the box date is uncertain, but is pre 03 when the cigar was discontinued, and post 1980, because prior this smoke had a special Partagas de Partagas band.
Appearance: Imposing, slightly squared in-the-box with a rustic, toothy Colorado Claro wrapper carrying a lot of raised veining, but compensated for by a light, oily sheen. Standard band ?A? (Embossed) which further dates the cigar to pre 2002.
Construction: Generally the cigar felt well packed although slightly more spongy towards the foot. The triple cap was perfectly applied, and on cutting, the cold draw was perfect. The smoking draw was easy throughout and the burn unwavering. I did need to make a re-light in the second third, but that was more my fault than the cigars. The ash was faultless. No corrections required.
Flavour: The pre-light aroma was light, still musky and vaguely cedarlike. The start was straight in, and no messing, sharp lime and slightly salty. From then on the base for the rest of the third was pepper edged, slightly bittered stone fruits (something akin to a mix of plum, apricot, damson) with some light wood. The sweetness in the flavours was adult, not too sweet, and left a delicious after-taste in the mouth. The second third was generally similar to the first with woodiness becoming more pronounced and acting as an enjoyable veil to the fruitlike flavours. Towards the end of the second third I did get a sharp intake of very sweet lemon citrus which lasted a few puffs and then vanished. The last third was characterised by a noticeable increase in power and a kick-in of cocoa. For a little while I could still taste the fruits along with something not unlike creme caramel through the chocolatelike tastes, but they gradually diminished allowing the cocoa to become first more woody and finally to take on a deeper leathery tone. Excellent smoke!
Overall: What were Habanos thinking of in 2003, another brilliant but deleted cigar. Medium strength flavours on a Medium/Strong body ( I got a bit of a ?reel? when I stood up). I was delighted with the de Partagas, it would have been better just enjoyed than reviewed. The smoke packs plenty of good tastes but lacks the flamboyancy and vivacity of the Partagas 898.
Marks. I?m giving the Partagas de Partagas a 7.4. Had I smoked this cigar in the evening the mark might have been higher, but for the review series as it stands, the 898 still leads.
Next up. Cohiba Siglo V
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