RASCC \'98/Partagas SDC#3 \'95 MAM NNSU/FPG OESL

[Mike33]

Ramon Allones Small Club Corona

This is the third cigar I have sampled from this box I received around a month ago. This particular specimen has a nice, light tan wrapper. Smooth and with no real imperfections. The smell at cold is slightly musty with some notes of coffee. I clip the cap off and take some dry puffs that reveal an easy draw. I toast the foot with my X-tend and puff several times to get the cigar going. Very easy draw, but not too loose. Very thick smoke that is bluish in appearance. Initial flavors in the first inch are rich, dried fruit and dark cocoa bean. Very RA at this point. Good, even burn throughout the cigar as well as a very firm ash.

The SCC has a fairly long finish to it and is medium-full bodied throughout. Incredibly deep, rich flavors are coming out of the cigar. Milk chocolate and dark coffee notes now are present and for a short time overwhelm the dried fruit undercurrent to this smoke. Another noticeable nuance is the sweetness that comes between the middle and end of the cigar. Very unlike any young RASCC. There is also not any pepper or spice to this cigar that I have noticed with younger vintages. As I enter the last inch and a half, the burn and draw are still great. Perfect harmony of flavors which now include honey, dried fruit, and dark coffee. An intoxicating sweetness finishes this cigar and I put it down with a half inch left.

Overall: A most enjoyable minuto! Easily a 93. I have had a fair share of RA, but none with this much age. I would love to be able to afford to buy a dozen young boxes and put them down for a decade. I imagine these '98s will continue to get better for the next decade as well. A thoroughly rich and intoxicating cigar!

Partagas Serie de Connaisseur No.3

What an ugly cigar! Rough wrapper, large veins throughout. It looks like something a street vendor would roll for you in 30 sec. But this cigar is a wonderful smoke regardless of it's appearance. No real detectable aroma at cold....but the dry puff reveals a good draw and light pepper and cedar. It lights very easy and gives off volumes of whispy, yet chewy smoke. Initially I am hit with light black pepper and rich, earthy notes. Very partagas at this point. The cigar stays cool throughout the hour-long smoke even with me taking two puffs at a time.

Going into the middle part of the cigar, it takes a profound profile change. It is now laced with rich coffee and a certain nuttiness that I cannot describe. Just like the RASCC, this cigar is VERY rich in flavors. It is also full-bodied throughout, but never over-powering. It has a slight sweetness to it...not as pronounced as the RASCC, but there nonetheless. As the last several inches of the cigar burns down, there is another drastic flavor shift. No longer any sweetness or earthiness. Now, just strong leather and cedar. Pure, in-your-face tobacco at it's finest! Smoke it down to the nub until it burns my fingers.

Overall: A truly great cigar and I would rate it a 95. It is a fantastic smoke in all aspects and one that I could smoke any hour of the day. Dramatic changes in flavor, yet never relinquishing any of therichness or balance to it. Liek the RASCC, this cigar will continue to get better for many years ahead, imho. Just a great smoking experience :-)

[El Presidente]

Nice work Mike on two of the best cigars pound for pound in the world

Your flavour descriptions are spot on for me.

[shrink]

Excellent reviews! These are marvelous smokes, made even better by age. I am surprised that you were able to source a '98 box of RASCC! There's nothing quite like the Party SdC #3 is there?

[marco polo]

Thanks for the reviews/pics :-)

[hoyopr]

Thanks for the review Mike, I've not tried either yet, although I have some SDC#3 samples on the way that I'll probably try in a few months. Up North we don't want to be out on the patio for a long time in the winter months, so am sampling various smaller sized cigars. After reading your review I'll have to add the RASCC to the next order I place with Lisa.

[Mel]

Damn right about about some of those SdC#3 being ugly but they sure fire up pretty. I can not beleive that as many Cuban cigars I have bought I have not tried the RASCC and the RA line is a favorite.

[Mr.T]

Great review and pics. I love the Partagas SDC #1. I have not had a #3 before, but I think it is time to change that.

[Colt45]

Thanks for the reviews!

[jwm8592]

Nice reviews, thanks for the info. I actually have both of those cigars sitting quieting in the humi, albeit not as old as yours. Can't wait to get some age on them.