Partagas 898 (2014 - unknown box code)

[jholen]

Cigar: Partagas 898

Box Code: Unknown (guessing ’14 box)

Date: 7/11/15

Size: 6.7” x 43

Visual/Olfactory:

Colorado wrapper with some oily splotches here and there, no soft spots on a firm pack with one prominent vein felt under the wrapper. Off the wrapper I picked up a wood/barn note and got some very faint earth/spice on the foot. Pre-light (single v-cut) echoed the faint earth/spice found on the foot through a moderately tight draw – I opted to stick with the single v-cut and see how it developed before cutting anymore.

First Third:

Not much flavor on the first five draws however the draw did improve. As it did the flavor came to the forefront… after the first ½” the draw remained what it was throughout the remainder of the cigar – a bit tight but serviceable. The smoke coming off the foot was pleasurable and the first flavors were a mixture of sweet/spice/wood. The wood was at the forefront of the draw, disappeared, and then I was met with a nice sweet faint hay/grass/vegetable something mixed with a very subtle spice on the retrohale. As the third developed I got some hinting of fruit or fruit zest (palate not able to really discern what), though couldn’t really determine what exactly, and some burnt wood character on a few select draws as I smoked into the second third...

Second Third:

The complexity of the flavors built a bit coming into and through the second third of the smoke. As the flavors shifted I felt I was experiencing more of a complex tobacco flavor, with hints of wood/sweet/spice, instead of those flavors directly as in the first third. This trend continued and the only other thing to note was it seemed to get a bit creamier, not as in I picked up on a cream flavor but rather the presentation of it all – struggling a bit to put it into words really.

Final Third:

Very much of the same with only a hint of some possible bread notes on one or two draws. I did begin to see some hints of bitterness once I reached the final third, though as I’ve read from many of you that that aspect of a younger cigar may very well be cleared up with a bit of age and due to the limited amount I experienced I could easily see that with this one.

Smoking Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes (with one kid related break during the smoke)

Drink Pairing: Water

Strength: Mild – smoked after a hearty lunch.

Final Thoughts: I’ll admit I came into this with higher expectations and so feel a bit unsatisfied. With that said, this was an enjoyable smoke with some interesting developments that probably will only continue to benefit with a bit of age to let them settle. I would be hopeful that with that my palate could discern a bit easier what exactly was going on. I've heard much of this Cuban 'twang' though can't quantify if this was it. In terms of purchasing habits I definitely enjoy Partagas though feel that I enjoy how the Partagas profile is presented in Shorts a bit more than this. Granted, I’ve smoked five Shorts compared to one 898, but felt the flavors were a bit easier to pick out and presented themselves sooner and a bit more robust in profile with the Shorts. As mentioned earlier time may very well give these the edge on Shorts, or bring it on par, but for now likely the first Partagas I'll pick up with be a cab of Shorts.

Final Rating: Would purchase again: in smaller quantities (box-split territory for me – nice to have on hand but would opt for another box from Partagas).

Possible Ratings:

• Wouldn't smoke again: it just doesn't interest you
• Would smoke again: experienced possible construction issue and or anomaly/flaw/dud/etc, worth another try to confirm
• Would smoke again: possible change of storage conditions (temp/RH) might improve the experience
• Would smoke again: cigar was clearly too young and after letting age it might improve
• Would smoke again: if received from someone
• Would purchase again: single or special occasion smoke
• Would purchase again: in smaller quantities
• Would purchase again: box
• Would purchase again: multiple boxes

[bugman78629]

Thanks for the review.......

[FalseCast]

Thanks for taking the time to do the review. I prefer reviews of "standard" cigars, so to speak.

[jholen]

Thanks for the review.......

Thanks for the comment!

Thanks for the review! I personally wouldn't consider the 989 as a mild cigar, much less with it being so young, but then again the Shorts and Lusis are two of the few Partys I thoroughly enjoy, so it may just be me.

Only time I mentioned mild was the strength, as in nicotine strength not necessarily flavor, I'd put it at a solid medium.

Thanks for taking the time to do the review. I prefer reviews of "standard" cigars, so to speak.

Trying to help figure out what boxes to get, so reviewing most cuban singles I've got. Thanks for the kind words.

[gr8eman]

RAE, AUM, and OPG boxes from '14 are good

[jholen]

I have the Oct2014 myself and yes the draw is tighter than it ought to be across the box thus far.

Dry box them for a few days. Improves them just enough so smoking is not a struggle. Improves flavor immensely.

Worth the effort I assure you.

Good to know! Thanks.

[NCPANTHERZFAN]

Just smoked my 1st 898, have to say that this cigar did not meet the expectations. I will put them to rest for a while and revisit after a decent nap. I will also try the dry boxing as well when I revisit.

[brownpeter335]

It’s an excellent review on an excellent cigar. Thanks for sharing and keep updating.

[Orion21]

These need age. I have 898 going back to 2008 and have smoked as old as 2004. The older the better IMO. Your initial flavored of sweet spiced wood are generally what I get. Your cigar was obviously young. If properly rolled and blended these will get better every year. Cheers!

[jholen]

These need age. I have 898 going back to 2008 and have smoked as old as 2004. The older the better IMO. Your initial flavored of sweet spiced wood are generally what I get. Your cigar was obviously young. If properly rolled and blended these will get better every year. Cheers!

Thanks for the input!

[Habana Mike]

Nice review, like the scale.....

[jholen]

Nice review, like the scale.....

Thanks!