Partagas Short - ASR MAY-18 (L&SRW1)*

[GVan]

I saw MOE's Review Week and decided to try a rather problematic box of Parti Shorts for my "short review".  The story on these has been interesting as it's a 50 count SLB box code that many here on the forum have and report very good CC's - but, for me these have been a frustrating!  From the very start these have had a medium dark Colorado wrapper.  You could almost see that the leaf of the wrapper had two different shades and textures transitioning at the half way point which I'd never seen before.  At about the halfway point, right where the shade changes - the cigar would be very moist and always require multiple relights to finish the last half.  After smoking about 6 of these, even @Devo tried a few with the same results, I put the box away with a note to not touch them for about 6 months -- it's been almost 5 months so, close enough and time for another try.

I picked one that was a little light in weight @7.0 grams instead of the stated ideal of 7.46 grams.  Did a V-cut to improve the surface area, CD was sweet graham crackers and it had a light draw resistance. Beautiful, shiny, medium brown Colorado wrapper with a firm feel. The change of texture and shade at the halfway point is now less noticeable than when I first received this box and I would say that the wrappers have increased their shine / oils.  It's 78 degrees F. outside and 56% humidity. It's very windy at 18 mph with gusts up to 22 mph. 

First third, smooth and light bodied producing lots of fragrant light grey smoke. The ash is stacked dimes and seems to be good construction. Graham crackers, nutmeg but not the typical Partagas spices in this third. Burning very evenly - right up until I decide to take a picture. Probably the high winds on the second floor porch effecting the burn.  Light in strength and little complexity - tastes stay consistent for the first third.

2nd third: Approaching the half-way mark, started to get a little funky burn line. Requires a little touch up. This has happened before on almost all of these. Still smooth and light, no harshness. A taste of hay enters with overall toasted tobacco. Graham cracker and nutmeg is now gone. Burn line fixes itself. Towards the end of this third, strength ramps slightly up to medium.

Last third starts with a slow purge as it’s going out - one more puff and it’s out (not again!!!). This occurs at the ~37 minute mark. Relight and it’s still burning a little funky. Still an improvement over others as it stays lit up until I can't push the band down any further.  At the point of the above picture it's getting hot and I'm done.  Pretty much the flavors of the last third stayed consistent with the second third - but, maybe even a little smoother.  The Parti short smoked @ 51 minutes down to slightly past the band.

My Rating: 81 points - good for a Cheap & Cheerful at that price point.

Price = 10/10 points (I paid $4.10)

Construction, Smell and Prelight = 13/15 points (Firm, CD and smell was sweet Graham Cracker, love it)

Burn Consistency = 13/20 points (still a little problematic)

Flavors = 29/35 points (good, not typical Partagas but enjoyable)

Complexity = 16/20 points (Graham cracker, nutmeg, hay)

 

[smbauerllc]

Very nice review.
Just recently tried these and have really enjoyed the 2 i have smoked so far

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