My first Patagas 8-9-8

[CigarAsh]

Sitting on my deck this evening enjoying my first ever Partagas 8-9-8 V. The first thing I can say about it is this just explains to me how much I love a good cigar. I got this from the czar as a single added on to my robustu sampler.

The cold taste before I trimmed it was all pepper and spice. I almost didn't want to light it tasted so good cold. After the cut the cold draw was a little tight but still excellent for a lonsdale type size.

After the light the first puffs were way more than expected. Perfect spice and pepper. After the first inch I noticed this amazing salty after taste. Never had that in a cigar before and really enjoy it. The spice, salt and pepper have just continued throughout the cigar. Pairing it with a nice anejo sipping tequila, which honestly isn't a good match for this cigar. Maybe a good bourbon with a little sweetness to it to offset the saltiness.

On the last third now and the pepper is a little lighter with a nice soft leather that leaves a cool lingering bit of flavor on my palette.

All in all, just a wonderful cigar. I'm curious about how others view the flavor of this cigar. I've seen a lot of you rave about. Is this the classic "Partagas flavor"? Have a #2 and a serie d to smoke also. Is this what I can expect from those?

God, I love a good cigar!

[nick17]

thanks for the review ive wanted to try the 8-9-8 for some time just never got around to it and if your testing notes are right then ya that what you will find in the SD#4 and SP#2

[BobKincaid]

Just curious: what about the tequila didn't work with the 898V? I'm wondering if the two were giving off similar taste sensations, since some tequilas, even anejos, can have a pepper quality all their own.

Since you're into Belgian ales, have you ever considered pairing up a good CC with something like an Affligem Tripel? I have to think that would be spectacular!

[shrink]

Congrats on your first Party 898. It's my favorite regular production cigar.

[Wil]

One of my favorites too. It is the perfect size for me. I tend to get a bit of leather and spice, as well as cedar. Ripping cigar.

[Colt45]

A great cigar. I think you can expect similar qualities in many of it's brethren.

I'm not a big fan of tequila with cigars either - something about the citrus/acidic

qualities that just dont jibe for me.

[Habanos2000]

I think you've discovered what many of us already knew, the 898v is just a fantastic, full bodied cigar. I've rarely been disappointed with one. While tastes are always subjective, I'd say if the 898 did it for you, you'll be happy with other Party cigars. I always have 898's and SD4's in my regular rotation.

[DougB]

Good to hear you enjoyed it. I got my first box a couple of weeks ago and have been smoking them regularly since...bought another yesterday . They have delivered outstanding smoking experiences for me each and every time. I love the Partagas profile. Can't go wrong I think.

[riazp]

Man reading all the comments here, and being a big partagas fan, I need to pop my 898 v cherry it seems! looks like i'll be looking to pick some up soon!

[tmac77]

I like 898's and love tequila mmm mmmmm good. I find that some tequilas are a bit too smokey/spicey to pair up with a cigar like an 898 but are fantastic with mild/medium bodied cigars.

[Bahnofstrasse]

Enjoying one as we speak...

Pound for pound the best regular production Habanos imo. Full bodied, and full of flavor. If you have never had the pleasure of having one,, stop waiting and pull the trigger.

[dicko]

damn fine cigar

[Guest rob]

I love them. Between P 898, Bolivar Corona Extra and HU Sir Winny Im all set and need no more.

I go through about three 898s a week these days.

[partifan]

These are wonderful cigars. Between the Short, the 898, and the Lusitania, you get similar flavors in times you would like. The D4 takes some time to come around, and are too inconsistent for me.

[CigarAsh]

Just curious: what about the tequila didn't work with the 898V? I'm wondering if the two were giving off similar taste sensations, since some tequilas, even anejos, can have a pepper quality all their own.

Since you're into Belgian ales, have you ever considered pairing up a good CC with something like an Affligem Tripel? I have to think that would be spectacular!

The tequila just seemed to overwhelm the flavors of the cigar - didn't really complement it so much as clash with it. You're right - there's a little pepper to a good aged tequila and maybe that's what didn't work for me. I usually like a good Irish whiskey or bourbon with a cigar - those always seem to work well together. The sweetness of a bourbon is good with a big cigar.

Love the belgian ales also, but I've never tried the Affligem - I'll add it to the list. Real fan of most of the true Trappist varieties and also St Bernardus is a big favorite. I usually stick with the dubbels with cigars. You get up to some of the more powerful ales and you lose the cigar.

It all depends on which I'm trying to enjoy the most. Am I smoking a cigar or drinking an ale? The other is then just a background complement. As I'm trying to taste a bunch of new CCs, I'm trying to make sure it's the cigar I'm noticing more than the beer.

[Dbone]

Robski and crew turned me onto the 898. I have 3 HQ boxes ATM, and ready to buy more. I just can't get enough of these fine cuban cigars. Glad you stumbled onto this cigar Cigarcrash.

[mdzotti78]

Man reading all the comments here, and being a big partagas fan, I need to pop my 898 v cherry it seems! looks like i'll be looking to pick some up soon!

You and me both my friend. I'm going to have to put them at the top of my list.

[Pilgrims]

Here, here to the positive comments, great smoke and great size...

[ZAZ]

These are on my short list to pick up. Thanks for sharing.