Partagas 898 Varnished GSO FEB06

[shrink]

Every now and then, I find myself smoking a cigar, and I think, "This is a great cigar". And as it progresses, the thought comes to mind, "This is one of the best cigars I've ever smoked." I have learned to be cautious when this happens, and wait until after I have finished the cigar, and given it some thought. But yes, I concluded, this is one of the finest cigar experiences I have had in a long while.

Well, this was my experience tonight with a 2006 898V. A few months ago, I appended my review (originally posted on another board) to a review of the same vitola posted by El Prez. At the time, my only reservations about the cigar were based on its youth... a little bitterness, a lack of balance, not enough sweetness, and somewhat too much citrus on the finish. But a great cigar in the making...

Surprisingly, just a few months in hibernation have largely resolved these reservations. The example I smoked tonight was a revelation.

Even before lighting, I was absorbed by the incredible aroma of my 898V. In addition to the rich spice and fertile barnyard, there was the striking and strong scent of bittersweet chocolate. The pre-light draw was perfect; just the right amount of resistance, with a tingling touch of pepper on the tongue. I 'dry-smoked' it for a few minutes, just to prepare myself for the smoking pleasure to come.

It lit and drew beautifully, and the first draws were dense with flavors of sweet spice and peppers. The finish was pure, bittersweet dark chocolate, quite unlike any Partagas I have ever had. At a mere year and a half old, this cigar was already right up there with some of my all-time favorites: '98 Partagas lonsdales, '02 PSD4's, '01 Party Coronas... the comparisons go on and on.

The middle phase of the cigar was incredibly rich and thick, like some kind of dessert. All the classic Partagas flavors were there; sweet wood, tanned leather, toasted cinnamon, a medly of peppers, and that pure bittersweet dark chocolate.

The cigar finished with the same perfect balance with which it had begun. And left me feeling like I had just finished a chocolate mousse, straight from a four-star kitchen. Simply incredible. If you haven't had the opportunity to try one of these, from an early 2006 box which has settled in the humidor for a few months, don't deny yourself the experience. If you are a Partagas fancier, as I am, you will be blown away.

For those who didn't see my earlier review, here it is:

The 8-9-9V is Partagas’ interpretation of the classic dalia. This vitola is not only pleasing aesthetically, but ergonomically as well. And lying within its’ traditional 8-9-8 varnished cedar hinged-top box, it simply couldn’t be any more impressive. A truly elegant presentation.

I unsnapped the small brass clasp, lifted the lid, and inhaled deeply. The pre-light scents were pure Partagas: fertile barnyard, sweet wood and spice, infused with warm, aromatic cedar. The cigar I selected was perfectly crafted, and consistently firm to the touch. As I passed it closely under my nose, there was the strong and distinct scent of dry cocoa powder. The smell was intoxicating, and the medium brown wrapper was smooth and finely veined.

My dalia yielded readily to the flame, and greeted me with mouthfuls of dense, spicy and moderately peppered smoke. I wish that every cigar burned and drew this well. The cigar soon settled into the characteristic 898V flavor profile. The dominant taste is one of tanned leather and sweet decaying wood, with notes of cedar, cinnamon and other baking spices. As the cigar progressed, it revealed layer upon layer of paprika-like, peppery spice. Rich Partagas spice that coated my mouth and tantalized my senses.

The smoke was thick and creamy, with a mouthfeel that reminded me of a chocolate mousse, in texture if not in its cocoa-dusted flavor. It almost seemed to melt with each slow, deliberate exhalation. As I expelled it through the nose, a mist of white pepper created a tingling effervescence, which was progressively overshadowed by a contrasting crushed black pepper essence that left my tongue and lips burning deliciously in anticipation of the next draw.

By the halfway point, I was captivated by the richness and complexity of this prodigy, which by then had completely encompassed my attention. It had become full-bodied, and the spice profile began to take on a meaty, charbroiled quality, similar to a pepper-encrusted filet still sizzling from the BBQ grill. The finish had a delightful citrus tang – lightly sweetened lemon chiffon that simply floated as it dissolved in my mouth. The cigar was providing its own dessert! The effect was mesmerizing, and utterly mouth-watering.

For a cigar with only about a year of box age, this was a stunningly mature, and almost perfectly balanced smoke. It incorporates the lushness of the Seleccion Privada with the strength and complexity of the Serie du Connaisseur. The only element that wasn’t fully developed was the tobacco sweetness, which hovered in the background and was more apparent in the finish than in the draw. However, experience with the marca tells me that this will develop within several years.

The finale was a spicy command performance, in which all the flavors competed for prominence, but ultimately yielded to the peppery elements. The underlying strength of this cigar wasn’t completely evident until after I had snubbed it out, and had taken a long drink to quench my tingling lips. I sat for several minutes, just savoring the aftertaste, and wondered how I was going to afford the boxes that I knew I was going to order.

Easily the most compelling and complex Partagas cigar I have smoked from the class of 2006. A masterpiece now, and a classic in the making.

[bassman]

Those 06s are very good indeed. Unfortunatelu, some 03s I recently "rediscovered" are almost devoid of flavor.:crying:

[hoyopr]

I have to be sparing with these as my box is a 3-4-3 from Dec 05, but of the two I've had, I'm a believer. A few nights ago tried a second of the Connie #1 from Sept 06 and I think I need to leave these alone for a good spell, although I think these may be another contender for possible favorite Partagas.

[Professor Twain]

I have some July 06 898s that are perfect. My November 05s are noticably less smooth and flavorful. And I have some 99s that are rough and even a bit harsh, a real disappointment.

Glad that I have two boxes of the 06s, everyone seems unanimous that they are a great cigar.

[shrink]

» I have some July 06 898s that are perfect. My November 05s are noticably

» less smooth and flavorful. And I have some 99s that are rough and even a

» bit harsh, a real disappointment.

»

» Glad that I have two boxes of the 06s, everyone seems unanimous that they

» are a great cigar.

Looking forward to enjoying one with you in San Francisco next month!

[Professor Twain]

yes, that will be grand indeed!

[PartagasIV]

Definitely have to add these to the list.

[shortsqueeze]

Cracked my cab last night ... A+

» Every now and then, I find myself smoking a cigar, and I think, "This is a

» great cigar". And as it progresses, the thought comes to mind, "This is

» one of the best cigars I've ever smoked." I have learned to be cautious

» when this happens, and wait until after I have finished the cigar, and

» given it some thought. But yes, I concluded, this is one of the finest

» cigar experiences I have had in a long while.

»

» Well, this was my experience tonight with a 2006 898V. A few months ago, I

» appended my review (originally posted on another board) to a review of the

» same vitola posted by El Prez. At the time, my only reservations about the

» cigar were based on its youth... a little bitterness, a lack of balance,

» not enough sweetness, and somewhat too much citrus on the finish. But a

» great cigar in the making...

»

» Surprisingly, just a few months in hibernation have largely resolved these

» reservations. The example I smoked tonight was a revelation.

»

» Even before lighting, I was absorbed by the incredible aroma of my 898V.

» In addition to the rich spice and fertile barnyard, there was the striking

» and strong scent of bittersweet chocolate. The pre-light draw was perfect;

» just the right amount of resistance, with a tingling touch of pepper on

» the tongue. I 'dry-smoked' it for a few minutes, just to prepare myself

» for the smoking pleasure to come.

»

» It lit and drew beautifully, and the first draws were dense with flavors

» of sweet spice and peppers. The finish was pure, bittersweet dark

» chocolate, quite unlike any Partagas I have ever had. At a mere year and a

» half old, this cigar was already right up there with some of my all-time

» favorites: '98 Partagas lonsdales, '02 PSD4's, '01 Party Coronas... the

» comparisons go on and on.

»

» The middle phase of the cigar was incredibly rich and thick, like some

» kind of dessert. All the classic Partagas flavors were there; sweet wood,

» tanned leather, toasted cinnamon, a medly of peppers, and that pure

» bittersweet dark chocolate.

»

» The cigar finished with the same perfect balance with which it had begun.

» And left me feeling like I had just finished a chocolate mousse, straight

» from a four-star kitchen. Simply incredible. If you haven't had the

» opportunity to try one of these, from an early 2006 box which has settled

» in the humidor for a few months, don't deny yourself the experience. If

» you are a Partagas fancier, as I am, you will be blown away.

»

» For those who didn't see my earlier review, here it is:

»

» The 8-9-9V is Partagas’ interpretation of the classic dalia. This vitola

» is not only pleasing aesthetically, but ergonomically as well. And lying

» within its’ traditional 8-9-8 varnished cedar hinged-top box, it simply

» couldn’t be any more impressive. A truly elegant presentation.

»

» I unsnapped the small brass clasp, lifted the lid, and inhaled deeply. The

» pre-light scents were pure Partagas: fertile barnyard, sweet wood and

» spice, infused with warm, aromatic cedar. The cigar I selected was

» perfectly crafted, and consistently firm to the touch. As I passed it

» closely under my nose, there was the strong and distinct scent of dry

» cocoa powder. The smell was intoxicating, and the medium brown wrapper was

» smooth and finely veined.

»

» My dalia yielded readily to the flame, and greeted me with mouthfuls of

» dense, spicy and moderately peppered smoke. I wish that every cigar burned

» and drew this well. The cigar soon settled into the characteristic 898V

» flavor profile. The dominant taste is one of tanned leather and sweet

» decaying wood, with notes of cedar, cinnamon and other baking spices. As

» the cigar progressed, it revealed layer upon layer of paprika-like,

» peppery spice. Rich Partagas spice that coated my mouth and tantalized my

» senses.

»

» The smoke was thick and creamy, with a mouthfeel that reminded me of a

» chocolate mousse, in texture if not in its cocoa-dusted flavor. It almost

» seemed to melt with each slow, deliberate exhalation. As I expelled it

» through the nose, a mist of white pepper created a tingling effervescence,

» which was progressively overshadowed by a contrasting crushed black pepper

» essence that left my tongue and lips burning deliciously in anticipation

» of the next draw.

»

» By the halfway point, I was captivated by the richness and complexity of

» this prodigy, which by then had completely encompassed my attention. It

» had become full-bodied, and the spice profile began to take on a meaty,

» charbroiled quality, similar to a pepper-encrusted filet still sizzling

» from the BBQ grill. The finish had a delightful citrus tang – lightly

» sweetened lemon chiffon that simply floated as it dissolved in my mouth.

» The cigar was providing its own dessert! The effect was mesmerizing, and

» utterly mouth-watering.

»

» For a cigar with only about a year of box age, this was a stunningly

» mature, and almost perfectly balanced smoke. It incorporates the lushness

» of the Seleccion Privada with the strength and complexity of the Serie du

» Connaisseur. The only element that wasn’t fully developed was the tobacco

» sweetness, which hovered in the background and was more apparent in the

» finish than in the draw. However, experience with the marca tells me that

» this will develop within several years.

»

» The finale was a spicy command performance, in which all the flavors

» competed for prominence, but ultimately yielded to the peppery elements.

» The underlying strength of this cigar wasn’t completely evident until

» after I had snubbed it out, and had taken a long drink to quench my

» tingling lips. I sat for several minutes, just savoring the aftertaste,

» and wondered how I was going to afford the boxes that I knew I was going

» to order.

»

» Easily the most compelling and complex Partagas cigar I have smoked from

» the class of 2006. A masterpiece now, and a classic in the making.

[shortsqueeze]

Cracked my box of GSO FEB 06 last night ... A+

[smk819]

Just got a box of Sept06, they are a beautiful looking cigar. I can't wait until the travel rest period is over. I may shorten it to 2 weeks for a first try.

[Mel]

» I have to be sparing with these as my box is a 3-4-3 from Dec 05, but of

» the two I've had, I'm a believer. A few nights ago tried a second of the

» Connie #1 from Sept 06 and I think I need to leave these alone for a good

» spell, although I think these may be another contender for possible

» favorite Partagas.

Loved that box of 3-4-3. LMAO. I have not smoked one of my 06 in a few months because I thopught they were flat. I will try another soon.