Partagás 8-9-8 (2020) review

[Glass Half Full]

This was from a set of singles made available some time back by our hosts.  Thank you!

I’m lighting this to enable a comparison to an upcoming enjoyment of a considerably older P 898V to be had with @yadegari6 and @islandboy a bit later this evening, from Ross’ Collection.

In preparation, I looked up what @Colt45 had to say about this cigar, and it turns out he was a fan.  It was a favorite size of his — a Dalias (a favorite size of mine as well).

 

This 2020 was my first ever Partagás 898.

1st/3rd — Soft cold draw, remarkably light opening smoke.  Intensity picks up after the first half inch, though retros remain soft.  Light bread notes move to slight sweetness, kind of graham cracker, and retros pick up bits of white pepper transitioning to red peppercorns (which I find have a sweetness of their own).  As the first third ends, there’s much less sweetness and much more straight cinnamon, with a bit of nutmeg, both an enjoyable bitterness to me.  ...Construction and draw are darn near perfect.  Also, pairing with a coffee (despite it being early evening) as there’s that second cigar still to come, and I want to stay sharp for it.

2nd/3rd — The transition is very subtle but the “roundness” builds.   I don’t know how else to describe that sense when the smoking and retros become almost flit between the same flavors, which to me adds a sense of richness overall.  ...A bit of must joins the flavors at halfway, then an ever so slightly sweet touch of leather, then becoming a bit of bitter mocha.

3rd/3rd —  Intensity picks up and draw tightens ever so slightly.  …But for this last bit, this has been a surprisingly subtle cigar, though “roundness” picks up substantially now.  ...Cinnamon comes back in full, and leather notes are more pronounced though in a good way.  …This is calling for a sip of good rum at this point.  (But I'll wait for the next one 

Very nice cigar, especially for so young.  Excited to learn what aging will bring.  

All the best, 

Glass Half Full

[99call]

A very accurate and good depiction of how good mannered and mid bodied both the 898 and President's have become. They area still both excellent cigars in their own right, but really sad to see their once intensely savoury and strong blend becoming a thing of the past.