Partagas Serie P No. 2 (FIM FEB05)

[shrink]

I have been reading some mixed reviews on the P2, so about a month or two ago I moved some from long-term storage at 68% RH to my smoking humidor at 63%. This is from an early box that I ordered from Rob before they were even in stock. I can recall how eagerly I awaited these!

IMO, few cigars are more attractive than a well-crafted torpedo. And this example was a real beauty. The cigar I selected was perfectly formed, and consistently firm to the touch, with a substantial weight in the hand. The wrapper was smooth, with moderate veining. It glowed in the afternoon sunlight, revealing the oils that are slowly migrating to the surface. The pre-light scents were pure Partagas: all barnyard, sweet wood and spice, infused with warm, aromatic cedar.

The P2 ignited easily, and immediately produced mouthfuls of rich, spicy and peppery sweet smoke. It was neither harsh nor bitter, but remarkably smooth for a cigar that was only two years old. The draw was somewhat firmer than I prefer, but within acceptable limits. Following its initial peppery bursts, the cigar settled into a characteristic Partagas profile. The P2, although quintessentially Partagas, has its own unique personality. It is not as strong and peppery as a young PSD4, but has a spice that to me is reminiscent of an aged lonsdale. The dominant taste is one of sweet decaying wood, with notes of cedar, cinnamon and other spices. The tart, citric quality that was evident a year or so ago had almost completely disappeared. As the cigar entered its middle phase, the dominant flavors were sweet, decaying wood and that inimitable Partagas spice. I would describe the cigar as medium-bodied, but full-flavored.

The cigar burned perfectly through its middle section, and the initially firm draw opened up nicely. The last third of this cigar was a revelation. The sweet wood, spice and flavors gathered in intensity, but remained distinct, revealing themselves in successive layers. The finish was a delicious, sweet wood with a subtle cocoa note. It brought to mind the Fudgesicle bars of childhood, and how the wooden stick tasted as I chewed it, after the creamy chocolate was all gone. This one was smooth and sweet all the way to the nub.

I don’t know what boxcodes others have been smoking, but the earliest issues of the Partagas P2 Piramide are simply great now. And I really like the direction that they are heading. This is one of the most satisfying cigars I have smoked in a while. I expect it will be fabulous in two or three more years. A solid 92, without even breaking a sweat.

[Ken Gargett]

shrink, hope you are right. i started as a big fan but lately, just a bit unsure. think they have the potential and hope they live up to it. i'm wondering if they are, for me, simply going to take a lot longer than expected.

[shrink]

shrink, hope you are right.

Well, Ken, I am right about this one. We're talking about the 'first charge' here. I've smoked some early '06s that have potential, but I wouldn't rate over 87 or 88.

[strayvector]

I just had one of these a few days ago from a May 05 batch. Flavor was incredible, but the burn was horrible. I had to fight the the uneven burn past the halfway point. Once the burn finally corrected, the cigar was fantastic. Very full flavored with a sweet spicyness throughout the smoke. Good nicotine kick with a wonderfully long finish.

[El Presidente]

Loved the review:ok:

Earlier release of the P2 have indeed become stellar cigars. They were always good but the flavour development has been remarkable.

[greenpimp]

I've been trying to hold onto my February 05 boxes; they really are wonderful cigars with quite a bit of flavor.

I've been frankly a bit disappointed with the two ENE06 I've smoked, as well, but will leave them for some time.

[grateful1]

» I've been trying to hold onto my February 05 boxes; they really are

» wonderful cigars with quite a bit of flavor.

»

» I've been frankly a bit disappointed with the two ENE06 I've smoked, as

» well, but will leave them for some time.

The 05's were one of best initial smokes I've every had to date.

The 06's leave something behind, that I can only call 'depth'....hmmmm. I'll have to try another!

Great review!

[motownflip]

Just had one from June 05, and it was unimpressive. tight draw throughout, muted flavors, bad burn. I'm going to try another one tonight before drawing any solid conclusions. Thanks for your review, maybe there is still hope for this box.

[stever]

Excellent review.

BTW, I have found both FIM and SVF from DEC05 to be very good now, but with even better potential. They seem to be developing nicely.

[Jimmy2]

DEC05 have been excellant and the best i have tasted since they 1st came out.

I did not like the first release of these they were very bland but as i have read others say differant.

[CoryOllis]

» DEC05 have been excellent and the best i have tasted since they 1st came

» out.

»

» I did not like the first release of these they were very bland but as i

» have read others say different.

Mine was DIC 05, too, and superb! I can't wait to try one after another year.:-D

[Loki]

I had a stick out of my box of OWH MAR 05 last month and they are smoking very well.