Partagas Serie D No.6 - RAG JUN 18 (JBWP5RW)

[williamthewolf]

 

Partagas Serie D No.6 - RAG JUN 18

 

I’ve taken a real liking to the Partagas Serie D No.6 lately. And not only as a “short smoke”, but in general. I’m picking the D6 nine out of ten times over the classic D4.

 

Out of the half dozen or so I’ve smoked in the past month, this one I’m reviewing is the first out of a new box (RAG JUN 18), whereas the others smoked before came from individual 5 packs (date/code unknown).

 

Out of the others, two were outstanding. So I’m using those as somewhat of a barometer to rate this ’18 one.

 

Review:

 

Beverage pairing is Mexican Coca-Cola with a splash of Fernet Branca.

All cigars in this box have a slight box press due to age.

 

 

The cold draw has a mild toasted flavor. Less pungent than the other ones I’ve had.

 

1st third: Out of the gate, I’ll contribute to its age, is surprisingly smooth. No harsh burned flavor or smell on the first few puffs.  It’s smoother in every way and richer. I’m tasting bread, more toast, and pleasant tobacco. Hints of the signature pepper are starting to engage.

 

 

 

2nd third: Now the pepper is picking up. I’m hoping to taste strong white pepper which was very pronounced on another one I liked. This one indeed has some white pepper, but it’s balanced by black pepper as well as something spicier.  A little cedar or wood on the retrohale. Also a little salt has popped up on my tongue from the wrapper.

 

Final third: Leather has entered the picture as well as something nutty and/or malty. The pepper persists but it’s not by any means getting stronger. It’s consistent with how it was earlier. Everything previously tasted is present and layering here.

 

Now for the unfortunate finish. Last couple puffs of the nub are not pleasant and a faint manure taste has taken over.

 

 

So the good and the bad: Much more balance than the best of the last bunch.  Less powerful overall in a good way while still being satisfying. No ammonia taste which I’ve experienced in other ones. Construction and burn was great (no touchups, no relights, pretty even burn).

The bad: the ending was manure 💩 

Total smoke time about 40 min. 

Overall 90. Would have been a 94 had I stopped two puffs sooner!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dobbs]

these are great, i've had two boxes of rag dic 18, and when they're on, they're very good. i can tell which ones will smoke well by rolling between the fingers, the super-firm ones were tight and smoked like crap. also, looks didn't seem to matter.

thanks for the review.

-dobbs

[williamthewolf]

5 minutes ago, dobbs said:

these are great, i've had two boxes of rag dic 18, and when they're on, they're very good. i can tell which ones will smoke well by rolling between the fingers, the super-firm ones were tight and smoked like crap. also, looks didn't seem to matter.

thanks for the review.

-dobbs

Thanks for reading! I haven't inspected each stick of this box but on past ones I've smoked, there were a few that were super firm and weren't as good. Nice to know there's an actual correlation now.