Partagas Serie E 2 (2017/18) 12DCRC

[mt1]

Here's one of my favorite cigars!  If you haven't tried a Partagas E2, I do recommend it.  To me, it is the best example of the full-bodied Partagas flavors in a bold, big-smoke type of package.  I had purchased two Xmas samplers from FOH to share with a good friend of mine and we decided to meet up late over the weekend to taste these at a cigar-friendly restaurant/bar.  They sell cigars but are also happy if you bring your own and they supply the ashtrays, cutters, and lighters.  I like this place a lot for having an outdoor cigar area but their food sucks and the service is even more terrible.  A few times, we've simply sat down and brought our own drinks, which they didn't seem to mind (but they may not have noticed altogether as their waiters/waitresses are absolutely the worst).

Right off the bat, I get the full on toasty and woody flavors from the E2 in a big way.  The big ring gauge means this cigar is always full-bodied and is great for smoke production.  You truly dive in deep when you smoke the E2.  I would be curious to hear everyone's thoughts on the E2, because personally I am not a big fan of the D4, there is something about the flavor that is just lacking to my taste, but the E2 has always been good to me.  I would say they are totally different blends but I don't know anything.

Despite the big flavors of this cigar and it being relatively young, the E2 is rather gentle in my opinion and can be enjoyed without much age.  The woods build over the nuts and you end up with a smoke that is creamy, ever so slightly sweet, and with a very silky velvet-like texture.  A true treat for the senses is where the flavors are good and the smoke has a feel to it.  I also get some puffs here and there of some sourdough, some bell peppers, and sometimes even some floral notes--a very interesting cigar.

Powering through to the last third, this cigar becomes intense!  It is still predominantly those woody/toasty/nutty flavors but the creaminess of the smoke subsides as I get closer to the head.  The smoke becomes more crisp, more sharp, but not unpleasant (yet).  Unfortunately, some peppery spice comes out near the end and the very last few puffs give me some ammonia before I put the cigar down for good.  Perhaps they need some more time, it's been a while since I've smoked a cigar this large and this fresh I'd forgotten some cigars get that strong hit of ammonia at the end.  I was happy to let it go so as to not ruin the entire experience.

We moved on to the Xmas Sampler Cohiba Robusto afterwards anyway, so things were only about to get even better...(that review to come later).

What about you guys?  Any E2 fans that are not D4 fans?  I think I would personally rather smoke half an E2 than a D4 and still pay the E2 price.

[nKostyan]

45 minutes ago, mt1 said:

What about you guys?  Any E2 fans that are not D4 fans?  I think I would personally rather smoke half an E2 than a D4 and still pay the E2 price.

cigar as a woman-you can not overestimate their strength, and if it is "young hot Mulata", it is necessary to use a sweet drink, it will help to cope with high nicotine

And just like a woman, a cigar can't be dropped by Smoking only half.

 

[leafdream54]

Great review - it sounds like a fantastic cigar!  Can't wait to try mine soon.

[mt1]

3 hours ago, nKostyan said:

cigar as a woman-you can not overestimate their strength, and if it is "young hot Mulata", it is necessary to use a sweet drink, it will help to cope with high nicotine

And just like a woman, a cigar can't be dropped by Smoking only half.

 

Couldn't agree more, I just wanted to highlight how I didn't like the D4 in comparison.

[nKostyan]

Here I agree with you, it is not correct to compare completely different cigars

[rcarlson]

Excluding the ammonia ending, my experiences with the E2 are identical to yours.  Mine have all been Laguito with impeccable construction and burn to boot.  Larger format than I usually like, but these are one of my favorites. 

Agree there's not much comparison to the D4. Only had few that were enjoyable.  Even then it's a totally different critter.  

[KavalanWhisky]

I've been a recent convert to the D4, when i first started smoking I had one and thought it was terrible but now I've grown to love them. I recently started smoking the E2 and love it, feel that its a longer D4 which is great for me, I managed to snag a few boxes yesterday as I love the size and RG so works perfectly for me.

Great review! Where in APAC are you based? In HK by any chance?

 

[Derboesekoenig]

On 12/11/2018 at 9:43 AM, nKostyan said:

cigar as a woman-you can not overestimate their strength, and if it is "young hot Mulata", it is necessary to use a sweet drink, it will help to cope with high nicotine

And just like a woman, a cigar can't be dropped by Smoking only half.

 

Sometimes I don't understand what you're saying, but your posts are always great lol I studied Russian for two years in university and all your posts remind me of the infinite Russian proverbs. I feel like there is one for every instance in life, and they are all pretty funny.

Great review as well. I need to try some E2s. Love the D4s, and obsessed with Lusi

[nKostyan]

I am also grateful for the review and have already ordered a pack of 5 pieces of E2. Hopefully a sweet drink will help me survive the power of this cigar. There is another Russian joke about this: "it is Known that a drop of nicotine kills a horse... and the little hamster from a little nicotine breaks apart» ?

[Siberian Bear]

"Hamster gets blown up into little pieces!" That's a closer translation to the original ?

[JIK]

Been meaning to try this, great review. 

[Whisky91]

Add this one to my list of cigars I want to try