Partagas Serie E 2 LMB Jun 17 (PRW)

[Islandboy]

PSE2 has quickly become a favorite of mine due to its consistency of evolution and unique flavor profile. I paired this one with a 2015 Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz, which turned up a winning combination on all fronts.

This stick is from a PSP box that I’m about a quarter of the way through. There’s a nice lively brownish rosado shade to the wrapper, with a pleasant but unassuming aroma that gives few clues to what’s ahead. Draw is perfect if not a bit easy, and aside from a few minor touch ups along the way, burn was good, with the ash jettisoning only on my command. Nice. 

First third is fairly light and sweet, reminiscent of a QdO 54 without the vanilla. Smooth barnyard hay with some mahogany wood spices, and graham cracker and honey on the nose.

The second third has the sweetness on the nose diminish ever so slightly, with the addition of cocoa powder and a nice orange peel element to the flavor. Warm toast also becomes prominent. Near the end of the second third, a familiar capsicum/vegetal flavor emerges.

I find the evolution to be quite consistent with this particular Parti, which is impressive given that I’ve never really experienced this combination of flavors in any other cigar. In fact, this is where specific flavors become difficult for me to describe in any way that does the wonderful balance any justice. In the final third, there’s a familiar pleasant warmth, reminding me of fresh bread baking, along with its spices, and a buttery smoothness blanketing everything. Still wafting in and out are the graham cracker, honey, and orange peel, and some familiar Partagas spices, but overall it’s a warm breadiness that takes over. An excellent and unique cigar.

On a side note, this particular pairing was quite enjoyable as well as compatible, IMO. Now I’m admittedly not a wine connoisseur by any means, but I found the Shiraz to be a wine rich in dark fruit flavors. It started out with a prominent pepper element on the tongue (but a long, smooth finish), giving it a very bold flavor, where the PSE2 offered a wonderful sweet and smooth balance in the beginning. As the cigar grew more bold and less sweet in its flavor profile, the wine lost its pepper element and became noticeably more smooth, with a concentrated richness that introduced a marzipan sweetness. They seemed to both evolve in a synchronized balance with each other. Overall, this was a very memorable taste experience....one that summed up nicely everything we love about this lifestyle. 

I boldly rate the combo a 96. 

If any grammatical errors remain, I blame it on the Australian Shiraz...its alcohol content is on the upper end of the scale ? Cheers! 

[MigsG]

Great review, I've never had the E2 but have heard great things, some folks say definitely a sweeter flavor than the P2, which I currently have.  What's your vote, E2 or P2?

[Islandboy]

14 minutes ago, MigsG said:

Great review, I've never had the E2 but have heard great things, some folks say definitely a sweeter flavor than the P2, which I currently have.  What's your vote, E2 or P2?

2 cigars from the same Marca that are quite different IMO. Both equally excellent. I have less experience with P2, but those I've had have been very nice, more in line with typical Partagas flavors, with a few nice additions. The E2 is more complex, running through a wider range of flavors. 

[MigsG]

14 minutes ago, Islandboy said:

2 cigars from the same Marca that are quite different IMO. Both equally excellent. I have less experience with P2, but those I've had have been very nice, more in line with typical Partagas flavors, with a few nice additions. The E2 is more complex, running through a wider range of flavors. 

Que bueno, thanks. I love Partagas and that's one of the few I have yet to try. Sold! ?

[slowsmoke]

Great review.  I too find the E2 to be one of the most complex cigars my rookie palate has ever enjoyed.  Reading these kind of reviews validates that!  That and I can feel the Maui breeze every time I see your pics.  Wish I were there.

[Gamehawker]

Nice review.

[Raskol]

Great cigar...great review. Thank you. 

[Bucky McSwensen]

Just reviewed the same one!  Love to compare notes.  This has been a good review weekend.  Great review

[TheMonk]

Great review!