898V

[mbrody]

The other week I smoked my second 898V. As a noob, I find I need to smoke at least 2 sticks to better come to terms with the smoke, as my palate develops. Well this smoke was delectable. I was litterally having a meal in a cigar. The middle flavor was so clear, powerfully developed, focused, that I can still close my eyes and taste the event. Chocolate, Coffee Beans, Toasted Tobacco as others have noted, but the sheer combination mingling together was heaven. Now, I know I am a rookie, so please forgive my excitement...

These two sticks were part of a Smorgasbord of a sampler called in to Lisa. I have no idea if they were fresh, or had some age on them. Two questions come to mind:

Are 898V's typically this good from a fesh box, or do they need age to achieve this?

Are there other Partagas that resemble this flavor in a shorter smoke?

Prez reco'd Connie #3, and I'm tempted to go ahead with those just on his reco.

I've also tried the PSD4 and P2. Both were enjoyable, but the 898V was more memorable (to me anyway).

Your thoughts?

[Colt45]

I've also tried the PSD4 and P2. Both were enjoyable, but the 898V was more memorable (to me anyway).

Your thoughts?

In my opinion, the SP2 and SD4 don't hold a candle to the 898V. I'd agree with the Connaisseur No.3 (and the No.2 & No.1 as well).

They may not taste exactly like the 898, but in my opinion, they are similar in profile, and more importantly, offer the same

type of concentrated flavor delivery. Once again, just my personal opinion.

[shrink]

In my opinion, the SP2 and SD4 don't hold a candle to the 898V. I'd agree with the Connaisseur No.3 (and the No.2 & No.1 as well).

They may not taste exactly like the 898, but in my opinion, they are similar in profile, and more importantly, offer the same

type of concentrated flavor delivery. Once again, just my personal opinion.

The Series P (Piramide) and PSD4 (Robusto) are entirely different cigars than the 898V. At their best, these can be stellar. But quite distinct in profile from the 898 Barnizado. BTW, the 2006 898V's are the best ever rolled, and the best regular production cigar in 2006, IMO. (El Prez says that the '08s are good, too.)

Now, for the Series du Connaisseur: These are the most complex of all Partagas vitolas, blended to the classic Party flavor profile. I've found the 2006 -2007's to have excellent aging potential, and they aren't bad for smoking young if you don't mind some roughness, raw pepper and sour citrus. Although people differentiate between the #1, 2, and 3 profiles, I think that they're rolled from the same fillers; but their different lengths allow the longer ones to develop more complexity, with a somewhat smoother opening. Perhaps more than any other Habano, an aged Connie #1 is a journey! One of the great Habanos; we're extremely fortunate that they haven't been cut.

[mbrody]

Colt and Shrink,

Thank you, that is just the type of info that I was looking for. I thought I was a little crazy having mixed feelings on the PS2 and PSD4 in comparison to the 898V. I'll definately give the Connies a whirl on El Prez and your recos.

[soltino]

I've not tried the 898... ... looks like its time to rectify that! Thanks for the heads up guys

[El Presidente]

These 898V would have been late 07/early 08. You described them well as "Meal in a cigar".

Yes they are normally that good Fresh. It is the reason they are in my top 3 personal cigars. I would choose a good looking, mongrel smelling 08 898V over a 1998 almost anything.....every day of the week.

[mbrody]

Thanks Prez, that's good to know how that a fresh box will have that similiar profile...they tasted too damn good!

[bassman]

Thanks Prez, that's good to know how that a fresh box will have that similiar profile...they tasted too damn good!

And though others may disagree, I'd avoid 898s from 99 through 05. Those seem to have a completely different- and much milder blend.