P2 or D4

[jsaunders9]

Time for another box purchase for me and I'm having trouble deciding as usual. Despite previous issues with some P2's I'm thinking of giving them another go. But about a year ago I had a D4 that was as El Prez puts it "cigar utopia". D4's since have been spotty for me. But all my past experiences with both P2's and D4's were in the form of singles and I think it's high time to commit to a box and give them a fair chance. But which one? I enjoy both formats equally so that is no help. Damn, I hate these hard decisions.

As always, any input is greatly appreciated.

[khomeinist]

How about a box of Partagas 898v or H Upmann 2s? Not really answering your question, but that is intentional. I have had mixed results with both the PS2 and PSD4. Not sure if you like smaller cigars, but the Partagas Shorts are pound-for-pound champs for many right now.

[lemmycaution]

Maybe you should get a 10ct box of each. If not I would say get a HQ box of D4's, my experience is that they have been really exceptional lately. I have a hard time making decisions on what to buy too, so I hope this kind of helps.

[thechenman]

My suggestion would be a 10 ct. P2 box. But probably your best bet would be to PM El Presidente and ask him what he has in stock that is smoking well.

[Colt45]

If Partagas is what you want, I'm also for going off the board and going with the 898.

[TripaLarga]

I'd also just suggest a 10 box of each.

[ksblazer]

Between the 2 I've always prefered the D4's.

PS: The late 09's are smoking really well.

[LeafLover]

Box of D4's and a 10 box of P2's. That pretty much kills two birds with one stone. The pinch is not quite as much as buying two boxes.

[shrink]

If Partagas is what you want, I'm also for going off the board and going with the 898.

Having just finished a superb early 2006 898V, I can attest to Colt's wisdom here. These are off the scale.

Personally, I always have plenty of both D4's and P2's, of various vintages. Maybe I've burned out a bit on the D4's, but I've really been lovin' the P2's from 2006. They're like nectar to me. My 2006 D4's are good, but they need a few more years to reach their peak, IMO. I've sample both vitolas from 2008, and found them both good enough to lay down.

[phxkev]

I got a 10 box of P2's recently and they are bland. Maybe in time they will improve. Always loved the D4.

[Guest rob]

I'll side with those who suggested trying Partagas 898's.

I have all the cigars you mentioned, and where the P2 and D4's are ok.... the 898's are a dream.

[sje]

P2, try and pick up some 06 (10 counts) i am yet to be disappointed.

[mbrody]

Funny how the natural inconsistency is really the determining factor.

I have a 10er of 06 P2 that 5 have been boring, 1 good.

I have had 08 and prior D4 singles that were boring, 1 great.

I have had 07/08 898V that have been boring, good and great.

Recent 09 D4 (HQ) have all been great.

The moral of the story? Buy HQ if you want to hedge your bet...as others have said, ask Rob.

For me, Rob's HQ program has really cut down the "meh" or "boring" response from cigars! If you can swing the extra coin, I believe it is worth it!

[PointSource]

For me, D4 over P2. Almost easily.

[MIKA27]

I believe both D4 and P2's are great, I wouldn't really be able to decide except to say that the P2 IMO is slightly creamier and smoother than the D4's. Depends on what you're craving.

[jsaunders9]

Thanks for the input all. The suggestion of 898's was for me one of those "smack your self in the head" moments. They had been on my shortlist to buy in Cuba but didn't make the final cut and they had slipped my mind. So I've ordered a box of 25!

[Colt45]

So I've ordered a box of 25!

Let us know what you think

[Habanos2000]

Thanks for the input all. The suggestion of 898's was for me one of those "smack your self in the head" moments. They had been on my shortlist to buy in Cuba but didn't make the final cut and they had slipped my mind. So I've ordered a box of 25!

I've always been a fan of the D4's and liked the P2's. I ordered a 10 box of HQ 898's for the first time a couple months ago and based on how these are smoking now, 08 production, they're easily one of my top 5 favorite smokes. I was really impressed and am sure you'll be happy with your purchase.

[ksblazer]

Thanks for the input all. The suggestion of 898's was for me one of those "smack your self in the head" moments. They had been on my shortlist to buy in Cuba but didn't make the final cut and they had slipped my mind. So I've ordered a box of 25!

8-9-8 varnished are one of my all time favorite cigars. Look forward to seeing what your experince will be like.

[thechenman]

You won't regret it. The 898Vs are my staple Partagas...along with the Lusis on the larger side and the Shorts on the smaller side. Best of the line up IMHO.

[jsaunders9]

So here they are in all their glory. Just arrived this morning and I immediately unpacked and opened the box. What a wonderful aroma, that smell that only a full box of CC's gives off.

It was a perfect night here in Ontario to enjoy a cigar so I thought why the heck not try one of these beauties right now (despite knowing full well I should leave them to rest in the humi for a bit)

I slipped out one of the sticks and it felt rather firm, but had a great barnyard and strong tobacco aroma. Ahhh that Partagas perfume!

When I went for the prelight draw, I found out this baby was plugged or at least very well packed but there was no going back now.

So for the next 30 min I fought with the draw, massaging as best I could but to no avail. In desperation I attemped to open it up with a long needle which helped some. What decent mouthfuls of smoke I did get were very good, earthy with some black pepper.

Finally I had to admit defeat as the plug kept comming back and laid it to rest about halfway. So, off to the hummi they go for some r&r with fingers crossed in hopes that was the only bad one in the batch. Still, what little taste I got was promising.

[MIKA27]

They look great Jimbo. Did Canadien customs hit you hard in duties, I couldn't help but notice the sticker on the box.

[lemmycaution]

I just had a plugged Sir Winston the other day, what a pain. I should have let them rest too but I couldn't resist. I still don't think that has anything to do with getting a plugged cigar, except that maybe they are too wet. Good choice with 898's

[jsaunders9]

They look great Jimbo. Did Canadien customs hit you hard in duties, I couldn't help but notice the sticker on the box.

Not at all, I found a good source within Canada.

[MIKA27]

Not at all, I found a good source within Canada.

Does that source know anyone in Australia....?