Partagas Serie Du Connaisseur No.3

[Colt45]

I recently smoked one of my dwindling supply from '05 - I think it a classic cigar.

Classic in flavor - an earthy core, a mid of leather, with a mixture of spices on the finish.

Classic in format - to some 35 ring may seem thin, but to me it looks and feels right, like a shortened conductor's baton. Almost elegant, though

the boldness of flavor and intensity of delivery keep it from being considered refined, and reminds us that this cigar is no fop. (imagine conducting

a classic symphony with a baseball bat.....)

I won't allow myself to lament this cigar's passing and won't save them for "special occasions", but will smoke my few remaining with gusto. That

said, I wouldn't mind seeing FOH Customs in the carlota and / or parejo format. They wouldn't have to mimic the Partagas flavor, but perhaps could

be classics on their own.

[Azksig]

I really want to try one of these. How does the No. 3 compare to the No. 2 other than size?

[khomeinist]

Bravo. Amazing complexity for such a small vitola. Perfect afternoon cigar in my opinion.

I do lament the discontinuation of the SDC series and I still hope HSA comes to their senses on this issue.

I don't find much difference between the 2 and 3, excepting length (smoking time) and possibly value.

[MontrealRon]

Great review and commentary, Colt.

Just smoked one of my last '03s a couple of days ago.

A fantastic smoke.

The six left will also not be long for this world.

It seems to me that the #3 has a higher proportion of ligero than the #2, or the #1.

They are, IMHO, somewhat stronger and fuller in body, though perhaps less aromatic.

Also, there must be some reason why a cigar that is so much smaller should sell for nearly the same price as the larger.

[CigarmanTim]

I just bought 4 singles of the #3 and 2 of the #2. Can't wait to try them

[olotti]

I feel blessed to have been able to try this cigar and thankfully put a box away while I finish the rest of another I have at home. I was a little skeptical at the size at first but I love it now and Im amazed at how aggressive a cigar this can b for it's diminutive ring gauge. I wish I would have Discovered these sooner as they'd b an everyday cigar. They are extremely satisfying and the only thing I want after I finish smoking one is another one.

[buster]

Hear, hear! One of my favorite cigars (certainly in the top three) and definitely a classic. Personally, I always feel a little bit like Clint Eastwood when I light one up:

I will admit I started holding back and hoarding these after they were pulled, but I've always been in the "I've bought 'em to smoke 'em" camp, so now, whenever the spirit moves me... Thank goodness there is still an HQ box in the online humi

Nice tribute, Ross

Rick

[PigFish]

Great review my friend.

I recall some of the best cigar that I have ever smoked and a SdC #3 makes that list. While I have all the line currently in my "collection" my preference is to the #2 but that is strictly based on economy of scale and the price point of the three cigars.

I lament the loss of these as well. They represent some of the best cigars produced in Cuba. It is a shame that many who enjoy cigars prefer an image to a superior cigar. It is a further shame that as a public board like this grows in population there will be more and more newer enthusiasts who will never have the opportunity to smoke one.

Great job Ross, we are becoming relics my friend. I think I am gonna' smoke another Grandes de Espana to celebrate life and your review!!! -R

[anacostiakat]

I totally agree. Great review of a great cigar. I too smoke more #2's than #3's and don't even have any #1's in stock.

I am constantly on the lookout for these.

[Colt45]

I agree that the three of the line were very similar in profile overall, though I also feel the No.3 is a little more intense. Ron, I believe you are correct about

the ligero ratio - here's a link to an explanation by RA:

Link

Buster, funny you mention Eastwood - I thought the same thing, only about the cigar -"this cigar is Eastwood in a made to order tuxedo - slim and elegant to

look at, still dirty harry on the inside".

I guess there's always hope guys - that we'll be able to experience these either again, or for the first time.

[aavkk]

I smoked one of these today in fact Ross, from a MAR 06 box that is just off the charts tasty. I have a few boxes of reserves thankfully. I agree that this cigar never disappoints. When I joined the forum in early 07 I remember Rob waxing on and on about these and their consistency of excellence. I couldn't agree more... HSA... assholes.

[samb]

Outstanding cigar!!! Smoked one just the other night, does not disappoint!

[shrink]

A nice tribute, Colt! The loss of the Series du Connaisseur is the most egregious deletion of all. These cigars are far and away the best of the Partagas breed.

I just cracked a box of '03 Serie No. 1's the other night. What a heavenly aroma! And the smoke? Simply one of the best cigars I've had all year. This one really took me on a journey. Nearly two hours of Habanos Heaven.

[Stalebread]

Nicely said, Colt.

I'm one of those who feel that the 3's are just a bit too thin. But I think there are a couple of singles around somewhere and I'll have to re-visit and re-consider that somewhat arbitrary preference.

On the other hand, I got a box of #2s right at the tail end of their availability and am enjoying them very much.

[Jimmy2]

Its a shame their are many in the box that are plugged and that's what hurt them in the long run like so many smaller rings cigars that have gone bye bye...People are not going to pay for a product that is not close to being perfect even though its handmade..Nothing worse than a plugged cigar for a cigar smoker .

[Hugomarink]

How common are draw problems on these thin cigars? I bought a box of the Conni 3s from Czar when their discontinuation was announced. I usually don't smoke anything smaller than a petit corona but had heard so much about these smokes that I figured I'd buy a box for future smoking. I've smoked three from the box to date and the first one was really nice but the next too were pretty close to plugged. Makes me nervous about the rest of the box. And, yes, I do dry box these for a few days before smoking.

[El Presidente]

I wouldn't mind seeing FOH Customs in the carlota and / or parejo format. They wouldn't have to mimic the Partagas flavor, but perhaps could

be classics on their own.

I am all in favour of this Colt. One for 2012.

[jsd]

Hear, hear! One of my favorite cigars (certainly in the top three) and definitely a classic. Personally, I always feel a little bit like Clint Eastwood when I light one up:

I will admit I started holding back and hoarding these after they were pulled, but I've always been in the "I've bought 'em to smoke 'em" camp, so now, whenever the spirit moves me... Thank goodness there is still an HQ box in the online humi

Nice tribute, Ross

Rick

Love the Clint reference. Those spaghetti westerns are classic.

[Colt45]

How common are draw problems on these thin cigars?

I've had some firm draws, but none unsmokeable. I've had more problems with some churchills than these - I guess it comes down to craftsmanship.

I am all in favour of this Colt. One for 2012.

Sounds great - what's in store for 2011?!?.....

[Azksig]

I found a box of Connie #2's that are on their way . I can't wait to try these as I love this size. I have only had the Connie #1 before and only a handful at that. I'll report back with details of the #2's after they rest and I sample some.