Partagas Lusitania

[mm12]

The wrapper on these is very oily maduro with some minor veins. It's almost as if they've been coated in a thin layer of wax. Construction is perfect, nice and firm, uniform throughout. The aroma is barnyard with a sort of rubbery smell to it (to me it smelled kind of like a new tire). Draw is perfect and at cold has a slight toasted tobacco flavor.

Open: Medium full to full in body. Black pepper, earth, coffee, and slight hints of chocolate and cream.

First Third: The body pulls back to medium. The predominant flavors are cream and cherry. There's a hint of coffee and chocolate around the edges, and a slight cayenne pepper spice on the palate. There's a moderate amount of white pepper spice through the nose. As I progress through the first third, the flavor profile moves towards milk coffee with a slightly fruity sweetness to it.

Second Third: Still medium in body. Sweet cream with a cayenne pepper spice predominate. There's a little woodiness around the edges. About halfway through, some light earthy flavors join the cream/cayenne, and the spiciness begins to build.

Towards the end of the second third, the cigar has a really nice sweet and spicy flavor to it.

Final Third: The body is back up at medium full. The flavor profile is sweet cream, cayenne pepper, and a bit of wood. As I get into the final third, the fruit flavors begin to re-emerge and build. At the end, I'm left with a flavor profile of very (cayenne) spicy stewed fruit.

It's been almost a year since I've had one of these, and they're really starting to change and develop some nice complexity. The last one of these I had was a dark brooding powerhouse, chock full of earth, wood, and Partagas spice. This cigar was much more complex and it wasn't "dark" at all. The cayenne pepper was fairly spicy and it built throughout the length of the cigar, but the flavors around it were very light/bright. 93/100.

[dicko]

fantastic looking. sounds like they taste as good as they look too. cheers

[Jaksen]

This is a true star. One of my favorite double coronas with the most delicious peppery taste.

[CigarmanTim]

You're right...it is a star. The '08's are great.

[MrGlass]

Thanks for the review. I've been toying with the idea of getting some of these, and you've just pushed me over the edge with this.

[thechenman]

Thanks for the review. Love this cigar. My favorite DC...

[cgarner]

I've only smoked 2 of these cigars and both where great, however I couldn't get through the whole cigar. It is such a big cigar I couldn't finish it.

[El Presidente]

One of our top cigars in 2009 and your excellent review just shows why

[bkmynn]

Nice review - great way to end the day and start the night!

[Ken Gargett]

doesn't that first photo make them look just gorgeous. mouthwatering.

[lemmycaution]

I've been going through a box of TEB 08 and they have all been wonderful. Thanks for the review and that beautiful picture.

[partagasd4]

They look great. I want to try one, but been waiting for my local shop to get them.

[bolivr]

Top review, thanks! TEB May 08s here too from the czar. Almost so good I hesitate to smoke them saving them for a special occasion

[Disburden]

They look great, congratulations!

[micha]

Great review! Sounds just like my kind of flavours. I have to pick some up. Thanks for sharing.

[CBL]

GREAT looking sticks! Amazing color on those wrappers! Wish I could find a box of 10 with that shade and keep them locked away for a couple of years! A cab 50 is probably still the Holy Grail for me

[micha]

Just had my first ever Lusi last night and I just loved it. I just have to update on my thoughts about this review, 'cause it absolutely hits the spot. It gave me a ton of flavours throughout that glorious 2 h smoke. I had cherries, cream, milk coffee, wood and so much more in there. The only drawback would be that on the last inches I felt it needs a little more age, but I didn't really care at that point.

If you ever wonder what Rob is saying about how a cigar has to take you on a journey, just take the time and try one of these. You will know. I have to figure out how to get some more humidor space and the next thing is to go after an HQ box of thes wonderful ladies.

[Charltonc]

I need to try some 08 Lusitana's because all of my friends tell me that most Lusitanas need 5-7 years to be smokable. They are somewhat snobby at times.