Partagas Salamones LRE DIC 09 (FEBW1)

[Tunkat92]

I finally found some time to make it to the local cigar lounge and actually enjoy a large smoke. The weather has been decent recently, but certainly not warm enough to enjoy a 2-3hr cigar.

The cold draw had a nice barnyard note to it and the draw was perfect with a v-cut. The initial puffs were a little tight after carefully lighting the rather small end, but it opened up nicely once it got past the tit. 
I got a nice chocolate malt note right off the bat the had a nice long finish. The smoke output was great and had a thick mouthfeel. Very little Partagas dna is these, chocolate malt up front and a nice mildly earthy finish. The retro had a nice creaminess with the occasional touch of pepper. Medium body/ medium strength. There was not really any notable differences until the final 3rd.

The final 3rd, had a nice transition to some darker notes. The earthy finish was definitely up front and strength increased a touch, but I would still call it medium. The chocolate notes were still present but took a back note. All in all this cigar got smoked too the finger burning nub and I felt satisfied. 92/100, great cigar and very enjoyable. The lack of complexity was really the only thing that held it back from getting a higher score in my mind. 

[cigaraholic]

I remember thanking Rob for pissing on the 09 release of these cigars because the grey market price of these went from $200 to $120 a box. He disavowed any consequence of his opinion lowering the price. They were definitely pussy Partagas!  Mercifully since then they put some balls in this cigar and made some gorgeous cigars.

[Tunkat92]

8 hours ago, cigaraholic said:

went from $200 to $120 a box. He disavowed any consequence of his opinion lowering the price.

I wish these could could be found for 120 a box! Fortunately I got luck and score a ‘23 box for retail 280. I only 2 ‘09’s left and they have really come around. Great cigar, just don’t expect a Partagas and you won’t be disappointed. 

[Capn_Jackson]

Sounds interesting, good review!