Partagas Serie D No. 4 (EAR SEP02)

[shrink]

ROOT BEER? Yeah, that was my reaction to the first few draws of this fine, aged cigar. But that’s one of the things that make cigar smoking so unpredictable, and occasionally entertaining. You never know what you’re gonna get.

The example I selected looked just like a PSD4 is supposed to look. A nice, dark wrapper, glowing with oils. Scents of barnyard and cocoa. Firm between the fingers, and a bit light in the hand, which led me to wonder if the draw might be a bit loose. But fortunately, when lit, it had just the right amount of resistance, and a good burn.

This was obviously a strong cigar when young. And I love what the years do to a strong cigar. They gently smooth and burnish the rough edges, transforming the peppery and tannic elements into a smoke of greater body and depth of flavor. And, if conditions are right, integrating and harmonizing the elements which tend to stand apart from one another when the cigar is young. In the case of a youthful PSD4, we’re talking about black pepper, decomposing wood, tannic leather, and a signature flavor profile that smacks of cinnamon and spices.

So, what do we have after a few years of aging under ideal conditions? The first few draws of my D4 were impressively rich, and surprisingly sweet, with a flavor profile that immediately reminded me of a great Root Beer, especially in the tangy, lingering finish. A spicy Root Beer, made from sassafras, ginger and licorice roots that have been aged in oak barrels, and slowly sweetened by natural fermentation. The peppery elements, so sharp in a young D4, were mellowed and blended perfectly into the overall profile, and were more apparent in the finish than on the draw. They added depth and duration to the spicy, woody flavor that persisted long after each exhalation.

And no, I didn’t pair this cigar with a mug of Root Beer! A full-bodied 93.

[SmokinLightning]

Nice review, sounds fantastic!

Makes me want a root beer float!

:-D

[El Presidente]

» The first few draws of my D4 were impressively rich, and surprisingly

» sweet, with a flavor profile that immediately reminded me of a great Root

» Beer, especially in the tangy, lingering finish. A spicy Root Beer, made

» from sassafras, ginger and licorice roots that have been aged in oak

» barrels, and slowly sweetened by natural fermentation. The peppery

» elements, so sharp in a young D4, were mellowed and blended perfectly

» into the overall profile, and were more apparent in the finish than on the

» draw. They added depth and duration to the spicy, woody flavor that

» persisted long after each exhalation.

»

» And no, I didn’t pair this cigar with a mug of Root Beer! A full-bodied

» 93.

That really wants me to fire up a D4 :-P Great review mate

[greenpimp]

Very nice review there, Shrink. The few PSD4s I've allowed to age have been wonderful. The profile really seems to shine with age. Got two left staring at me from 2002 in the singles drawer. I'll be sure to smoke mine with root beer.:-P

[Jimmy2]

Root Beer you candy ASS as we say in NY.:-D

Nice review wish i had one to smoke now.

[shrink]

Root Beer you candy ASS as we say in NY.:-D

Say it LOUD; Say it PROUD! Candy Ass! Candy Ass! Hoo-ah!!

[Jimmy2]

Shrink i Love that where the hell do you find my saying like that.We have to meet one day.

[shrink]

Shrink i Love that where the hell do you find my saying like that.We have to meet one day.

How about the Minneapolis Airport Men's Room, Jimmy? You can't miss me, I'll be tapping out the rhythm to 'The Star Spangled Banner' with my right foot...

[Jimmy2]

You cock gobbler won't be meeting you there anytime soon.:-D

[shrink]

» You cock gobbler won't be meeting you there anytime soon.:-D

Here, here, Jimmy. I'm a patriot. And a married man with children. And I'm not ***. And I've never been ***. And I won't become ***, either. Oh well, I have no control over what others may think of me.

BTW, we don't have to meet anytime soon, Jimmy. Later will be good enough for me. How about midnight? Bring a couple good smokes.

[Jimmy2]

Your a sick man LOL.I dont know if i want to meet you now LOL.