CRC: 2001 Partagas Churchill de Luxe LES MAY ‘01

[HDGSN]

2001 Partagas Churchill de Luxe LES MAY ‘01

Paired with: Bottle of 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal before light

Setting: Daufuskie Island afternoon beach walk, Christmas Eve

Foot: Appears heavily packed on one half. Smells distinctly Cuban. Barnyard. Leafy forest floor. Charcoal briquette.

Cold Draw: Great draw for this vintage. Slightly firm but shows promise. Not plugged but there’s a hard knot by the band. Lots of cedar like wood, pine needle, baking spice.

1st Third: Smoke volume is low. Uh oh. Likely due to the pack. Definitely plugged from the knot. Burn is not even due to the uneven pack. Requires touchups. Flavor is good. Baking spice and green bell pepper. Perfume nose. I think it tastes a little ashy from a loose pack by the foot causing it to burn hot when combined with the plug near the band.

2nd Third: nutmeg in spades. salted wood. Baking chocolate. Smoke volume still low. Burning cooler for now.

Final Third: sour and ashy. Have to burn it hot to keep it lit. 

Final Score: 80. Disappointing but not unexpected for this vintage.

Short and sweet: 100 point wine with an 80 point cigar

On deck tomorrow: 2012 Dom Perignon and TRU AGO 2018 Sir Winston.

[Bri Fi]

Sorry that it was a disappointment. When I saw the title I was excited for you. Looking at the picture of the bunching at the foot, whenever I see that, I know I’m in for disappointment. Usually tunneling. Sounds like yours may have been because of the knot. Did it get better after the knot? 

[HDGSN]

Unfortunately, it did not. It was down to the last inch at that point and too many sour notes had built up to that point. I knew this could be a 50/50 when I packed it. The last one I had was great. 92-94 point cigar. I have one left. Hope the best was saved for last!

[Sudzdaddy]

Sorry to hear, hope your last doesn’t disappoint.  🤞🏻