Partagas Charlottes vs. SDC #3 ??

[cigarnv]

I continue to hear a lot of positive comments regarding the Partagas SDC #3 but have yet to try on. I how however have enjoyed the Partagas Charlottes for many years. The Charlottes have to me always been a classic Partagas of the old school, a cigar that ages very well and gracefully. A big, rich and spicey cigar with a rustic edge.

For those of you who have enjoyed both of these cigars how do they compare? Are they actually the same cigar other than name and packaging?

TIA

[Fatshotbud]

» I continue to hear a lot of positive comments regarding the Partagas SDC #3

» but have yet to try on. I how however have enjoyed the Partagas Charlottes

» for many years. The Charlottes have to me always been a classic Partagas

» of the old school, a cigar that ages very well and gracefully. A big, rich

» and spicey cigar with a rustic edge.

»

» For those of you who have enjoyed both of these cigars how do they

» compare? Are they actually the same cigar other than name and packaging?

» TIA

Charlottes I really enjoy and will continue to add inventory of them - sorry have no qualifications for the comparison:-( HMMMmmm........ might be a good time for a mooch attempt ;-)

[Tampa1257]

To me, the flavors of the Serie du Connaisseur No. 3 are much richer and deeper flavored than the Charlotte. I agree that both have what many consider "Old School" Partagás flavor, but the peppery spiciness, earthiness as well as the nuttiness in the du Conn No. 3 are more vibrant much more complex and fuller bodied than the Charlotte. Both are very enjoyable, but if I had the choice, I would pick up the Conn No.3 9 out of 10 times personally.

[SuperT]

If the SDC#3 lives up to expectations, I am in for one BIG treat! I'm a lover of the Charlotte and will likley pick up another box or two before they are all gone. Never had a SDC#3, but just got two in the mail from Raney (thanks man!).

When I start smoking again, it is going to be one of the first I light up.

Better than the Charlotte? Only time will tell. . .

[Wiley]

Just ordered a box of the Serie du Connoisseur #3 this past weekend, and I'm pretty anxious to take one for a spin.

[El Presidente]

The Partagas Serie De Connoisseur No 3 is a personal favourite. It has a much greater depth of flavour than the Charlottes.

Be warned. This is one cigar which evolves from good to GREAT between the 36 and 60 month mark. If at first you do not get the deep rick dank dark flavours...put them aside and try again every 3 months.

....when it happens...you will know what I mean. ;-)

[raney]

I have had and enjoyed both, but my experience with the Charlottes is somewhat variable. At their best, the charlottes (these were from 98 boxes) were very similar to the SdC #3, but many from other years were much more muted and not nearly as good.

I have only had SdC from three different boxes (ABR and SEP 03 and JUN? 02) but all were stunningly good and so consistent they could have been from the same box. If it were me, I would always go with the SdC given the choice.

[Van55]

I secured a box of Charlottes some years ago on the strength of a vendor's claim that they are among the "strongest" Cuban cigars. They had some age on them when I bought them. I was not thrilled by them, and didn't consider them nearly as "strong" as the vendor had touted them as being.

I am wondering as I type this whether I still have a couple of these buried in my humidor to give another try.

Tampa gave me my first SdC #3 in Vegas last summer. I was blown away and had to get my own supply.

I have to agree with fearless leader that these are deeper and richer than the Charlottes. They also have much more finesse and complexity, to my taste.

If I had to buy one or the other it would be SdC every time.

[Van55]

Great! I found that I had two Charlottes left in my humidor. I am going to try one again this evening and maybe compare it back to back with an SdeC #3.

[cigarnv]

» Great! I found that I had two Charlottes left in my humidor. I am going

» to try one again this evening and maybe compare it back to back with an

» SdeC #3.

Van, I will be very interested in your take after the back to back..... I am afraid the outcome may prove to be expensive......

[Van55]

» » Great! I found that I had two Charlottes left in my humidor. I am

» going

» » to try one again this evening and maybe compare it back to back with an

» » SdeC #3.

»

» Van, I will be very interested in your take after the back to back..... I

» am afraid the outcome may prove to be expensive......

As I type this I am within minutes of going to try these cigars. My inclination is to light up the SdC first and follow it with the "stronger" Charlotte.... I'll report back in due time.

[Van55]

My back-to-back or side-by-side tasting last evening confirms what I had recalled.

The SdeC is a deep, rich, full tasting cigar with plenty of complexity (seemingly changes with each puff). Predominantly somber tobacco tasts with some underlying peppers and herbs.

The Charlotte tasted considerably sweeter and brighter on the palate. Very little pepper, but with a distinctive woodiness that I have a hard time characterizing. The taste varied little from foot to nub, but the taste was quite good. Better than I had remembered, actually.

Neither cigar presented much strength through the nose. Enjoyment of the SdC was tainted by a slightly too-firm draw.

Either/or? Get the Serie du Connoisseur. If you can, get both and give them plenty of age. My SduC was CCUA. I can't recall the box date of the Charlotte, but I think it was 01.

[CigarZen]

Cigarnv ... I will have to see about hand delivering one to you, and you can make the comparison yourself. ;-)

[cigarnv]

Van, nice comparison! It appears that the SDC#3 and the Charlotte are not the same cigar as many folks suggest. I am working through 91/92 Charlottes that are just great.... looks like it is time to try the SDC#3.

Zen, I look forward to sharing the SDC with you!!!

[Van55]

They are definitely NOT the same cigar by any stretch.

» Van, nice comparison! It appears that the SDC#3 and the Charlotte are not

» the same cigar as many folks suggest. I am working through 91/92

» Charlottes that are just great.... looks like it is time to try the

» SDC#3.

»

» Zen, I look forward to sharing the SDC with you!!!