Partagas Serie E #2 UBL ABR 22 (FRCJun24)

[Redgoldband]

The Partagas Serie E #2 is a cigar that I’ve looked forward to smoking for a few weeks, and one I highlighted in an earlier post where I anticipated enjoying it (and others) during the Father’s Day weekend. Yesterday I got the opportunity to do just that. This cigar is from a 3-pack of tubos, which I purchased in early May, and have been in the humidor since 5/9; the factory code info is provided in the post's header. 

Yesterday I had an afternoon call with my mentor, and decided that was the perfect time to light up. It was a sunny but windy 72 degrees in Los Angeles, so good cigar weather minus the wind gusts here and there. 

Cold draw

Since it was my first time smoking an E2, I didn’t know its flavor profile or what to expect. On the cold draw I thought “Hmm… this is nice and good, let’s see how this thing goes.” That is to say, I can’t remember anything distinct jumping out at me here. 

1/3

So far it’s smoking nice. But in line with the cold draw, I can’t detect any discernible flavors. At this point, I’m saying to myself “I like it, but it’s not knocking my socks off. I wonder what the hype is about.” 

2/3

Some sweetness starts to creep in. Mild nuanced flavors that I can’t identify begin floating around at this point. Whatever is happening here is definitely different from the 1/3, but not in an abrupt or blunt way. It’s kind of like steadily walking up a ramp/incline and then slowly realizing you’re a ways off the ground. As I continue to smoke through the 2/3, there’s an aromatic/floral/potpourri/parfume thing going on, which has as much to do with mouth feel as taste. This is not at all off-putting, but rather inviting. It’s as if someone intentionally put that note there to say “You didn’t see that coming, huh?! There’s more.” Now there’s a yummy aftertaste on my palette. Ok, at this point I see what people are talking about with the E2; I see why it’s a favorite for many. Whatever is happening at this point in the cigar is making me want to smoke it, and those like it, forever. 

3/3

Love the plush, velvety smoke happening here. The cigar is fully awakened at this point, shining in all its glory. Flavors and tastes are coming in left and right, and I care not to pin them down but to enjoy them as they arrive. I went for a walk during point but had to stop and smoke because it was so good. So, so good. This is why we CC! Now I’m nubbing it. Ah! A little burn on the finger due to misplaced nub grip, but that’s par for the course for something this good.

As you can see in the pics, the wrapper cracked and flaked a bit, but it wasn’t an issue at all. I’m just getting over a cold so that may have affected what tastes I could identify with the E2. As an E2 first-timer, this certainly won’t be my last time smoking this cigar. This cigar has it. I’d like to revisit it with no cold, no wind, and more age.