Partagas 8-9-8 Varnished OPG ABR 14 WRC

[schubb]

The Partagas 8-9-8 Varnished is one of my top cigars of the year for a few reasons. At 6.7"x43, it just feels great in the hand. This year was the first that I have really gotten into CCs, and the flavor profile of the 8-9-8 makes the transition from NCs very easy, as it is just rich and full from start to finish but still manages to seem smooth for me. I smoke about 1 or 2 cigars a week and generally like to rotate what I am smoking for variety. However over the summer I smoked one of these every week because they were just that good. I have not had any construction issues with this box so far, just a perfect draw and burn for about an hour and 45 minutes every time.

Prelight: Wonderful, intoxicating aroma from the wrapper, barnyard and more. Water for this review but these have stood up to every bourbon, imperial stout, and Islay scotch I have thrown at it, even cask-strength Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 12. Draw has the perfect amount of resistance.

1st third: Wood, leather, and pepper right from the start. A touch of creaminess for maybe the first inch or so. Little bit of sweetness as well. I see a lot of reference to bell pepper sweetness on the forum here, and that could be what I am getting. I'll have to take a bite of pepper next time I'm cooking before I saute.

2nd third: Touch of sweetness is still hanging in there a bit. Rest of profile has just gotten fuller, and some espresso comes through during this third.

Final third: Sweetness is gone, and espresso is now driving this cigar. Body has just continued to increase in fullness, and every flavor just works together perfectly.

Total time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

As with all the others I've had from this box, this cigar was just perfect from start to finish. Not the most complex cigar, but there was enough of an evolution as it got fuller to keep it interesting. Just hits my palate in all the right places. These are a treat every single time.

[PuffDaddie]

Nice review.

[dflan82]

Thanks for the review. One of my favorites as well

[TypicalSituation]

Smoked my first one this year. By far the best cigar all year. Don't know if it was just one of those magical sticks or they're all like that, but an amazing smoke none the less. And completely agree about it feels right in the hand!

[Wrangler]

Nice review man!

[Optic101]

Nice Review !

[ElJefe]

Excellent review Mate. The first few I had out of my first box were good but nothing to write home about. However, I left the box alone for a month and each stick then on was fantastic. So good in fact that I bought this as my first Fifty (50) Cab ever.

Great review as it makes me want to fire one up. Sadly I have none left lol.

Cheers.

[cottierm]

Very nice review! Thank you for it.

Michel

[irratebass]

these have stood up to every bourbon, imperial stout, and Islay scotch I have thrown at it, even cask-strength Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 12.

You had me at these words......seriously though, this is one that has been on my list as well (I know that list is a big one), and I will be getting me a box soon.

Nice review! Keep em coming.

[RijkdeGooier]

Excellent review Mate. The first few I had out of my first box were good but nothing to write home about. However, I left the box alone for a month and each stick then on was fantastic. So good in fact that I bought this as my first Fifty (50) Cab ever.

Great review as it makes me want to fire one up. Sadly I have none left lol.

Cheers.

I would love a 50-cab of these ?