Partagas 898 LMB FEB 18 (S46RW)

[havanaclub]

Decided to open up a cab to see how they are smoking.

 

Straight cut

Paired with Blantons

 

 

Cold draw tight and knew I would need my new Perfecdraw.

 

The tool definitely helped to open up things up, but it still had a little bit of a snug draw.

Had a few relights but it didn’t seem to affect the flavours.

 

1st: started out mild-medium with some nice baking spices and sweet bell pepper notes.

 

2nd: the cigar definitely moved to full with nice transitions to cocoa, leather, spice with a touch of the sweetness I get from bell peppers.

 

3rd: wood, leather and spice ending full bodied.

 

Based on the snug draw and the relights I would rate it a 89. Was a very pleasant cigar with excellent potential no doubt. Will revisit in a year or so.

 

 

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[GVan]

I'm surprised by the 89 rating - these have been touted as one of the best cigars of the year from 2018.  Every time they come up I've had to talk myself out of paying the premium price because I really like the size - 43 RG.  Love Parti Shorts & Lusitania's as well and am pretty much sticking to having most of my purchases at 50 RG or under because I prefer the "skinnies" and I'm still building my collection - right now at ~ 1200 cubans.  Up to this point, I've been keeping only to sale priced regular production and am averaging $6.36 / stick.  Having reached about 3 years worth of smoking stock, I will now think about buying that "special occasion box" and pay the price. 

I know they're still young - how do you rate these on your personal scale as far as price versus taste?  Are they a must have in your collection and worth the extra coin?

[Kaptain Karl]

I 100% agree with the 89 rating. I’ve had about 8 out of my box from the same code. Initially they were AMAZING 95 point sticks, but the past year they’ve been pretty flat. I just think they’re going to need another year or two for the flavor to ramp back up. 

[JoeyBones777]

I agree with @Kaptain Karl. These were good young then hit a sick period has been my experience as well.

[FHFinster]

Nothing worse than an empty bottle of Blantons.

[vhampl03]

@GVan congrats on the $6.36 avg stick price - how did you manage that?  Impressive...

[GVan]

Good question, @vhampl03.  I approach buying cigars just like purchasing stock in the market.  I'm pretty much on the computer twice per day checking sales and monitoring prices against my CC Plan (Yes, I have a written plan).  I track box codes, watch FOH TV, read members independent reviews from @MoeFOH 's weekend review contests -- as well as closely following trends of perceived value by consulting the knowledgeable membership of FOH.  I made a decision over a year ago to stick to regular production, because I buy into @El Presidente's discussions, and many posts, that you do not have to buy expensive cigars to truly enjoy cuban cigars.  When I find a great CC at ~ $4 / stick I get excited and it makes this hobby fun!  I keep a logbook and spreadsheet on past prices, cost of current purchases, price per stick, and all of my current tasting notes to carefully define what I enjoy and where the current value matches up with my "Purchase List" from the "CC Plan".

Mostly, I read everything here on FOH (including all the old posts saved to help us newbies) and ask questions of the "experienced" members to understand current quality levels and "hot cigars" that are on their way up in taste / value ( a good source for this is @JohnS 's incredible and frequent reviews).  Of course, I have a lot of PLPC's, PLMC's, RGPC's, SPNP's, Boli PC's, Parti-Shorts and SCdlH Principe's that help drive down the overall cost / stick.  But I also have HuP Mag 50's, Padron 64's & 26's, Monte PE's, Dip 2's and Monte 2's that are closer to $9 to $12 / stick as my "Special Occasion" cigars.  I've intentionally stayed away from $20 and $30 premium sticks although there will come a point in my plan where I buy a few special (read as expensive) boxes but only when I'm sure they're worth the coin (which is why I asked @havanaclub above his opinion on 898's above ) and why I really appreciated @Kaptain Karl 's response.

FOH members are always willing to share their time, expertise and passion (my personal favorite example of this is @PigFish 's opinions about cigars and his amazing knowledge of RH).  If it would be helpful, PM your email and I will be glad to share my CC Plan, Purchase List or Current Inventory Spreadsheet.  I'm not saying these are great, they just work for me and keep me focused as I collect NC's and CC's for current smoking and aging for the future enjoyment.

[havanaclub]

I'm surprised by the 89 rating - these have been touted as one of the best cigars of the year from 2018.  Every time they come up I've had to talk myself out of paying the premium price because I really like the size - 43 RG.  Love Parti Shorts & Lusitania's as well and am pretty much sticking to having most of my purchases at 50 RG or under because I prefer the "skinnies" and I'm still building my collection - right now at ~ 1200 cubans.  Up to this point, I've been keeping only to sale priced regular production and am averaging $6.36 / stick.  Having reached about 3 years worth of smoking stock, I will now think about buying that "special occasion box" and pay the price. 
I know they're still young - how do you rate these on your personal scale as far as price versus taste?  Are they a must have in your collection and worth the extra coin?

These are one of those cigars that imo are worth the extra coin. Now this is also a cigar like Trinidads that are worth finding in Cuba for the prices.
Let me put it this way, if people are paying 321 for this ridiculous fat nub torpedo Partagas maduro No2, I would not hesitate to pay 10 or 15 more bucks for a cab of 898.
The mad no1 is a great cigar imo, I am just putting things into perspective. I grabbed theses a year ago for just over 300, so when you see connie A going for 387, and monte n2 going for 305 I would not blink to pick up the 898 at a relatively similar price point.

I rated this one an 89 as it was plugged and needed a perfecdraw that’s all. It affected the experience no doubt. But these will be fine, I won’t touch another for a year or so. They age very well.


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[Nico]

What’s the price point on the 898?