My 2009 Habanos Cigar of the Year Award

[Guest rob]

My 2009 Habanos Cigar of the Year Award has to be the Partagas 898 v.

With my limited available time this New Years Day morning, and Pres' invitation for "general ramblings" being acceptable - I will justify my choice.

Basically, this cigar ALWAYS delivers and shows impeccable consistency. This past year I have bought 6 (or so) boxes of these, and all of them were stellar. Even the ugly ducklings that looked like they should have been rejected were stellar.

* Clever blending that creates a beautiful complexity. Quality materials are being used here.

* Packaged in a vitola that satisfies for a perfect amount of time and gives a pleasant feel in the hand and in the mouth.

* A price point, that while definitely not cheap, is not exorbitant. If the Upmann Sir Winston was $10 cheaper I would have had a tougher choice.

For those of you who have resisted the urge to try these - dont worry about buying a few singles to sample - do yourself a favour and buy a box now.

[shrink]

Hard pressed to disagree with anything you wrote. These are great cigars.