From the Law Dog Lounge: Angry Bill reviews the Partagas Series D Especial - 2010 Edicion Limitada

Summer is quickly approaching and the weather is truly a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, especially at night.  Routinely, I sit out back; enjoy a cigar and a libation, as well as playing tug-o-war with Shelby, my Aussie Shepherd.  To me, life is about enjoying time; creating memories with family and friends and increasing my knowledge about this passion we call cigars. I am very fortunate to smoke various cigars from many nations.

As I sit on the back porch, enjoying this summer evening weather sipping on some homemade sangria, I thought it might be a good night to try the limited edition release from Partagas.  That’s right, Habanos SA released another Edicion Limitada, The Partagas Series D Especial.  This cigar is a “Gorditos” vitolla, or better known in the US as Robusto Extra  50 x 141 (5.6 inches) and bears the gold and black double band of the Edicion Limitada and Partagas red and gold upper band.   Made in the famed Vuelta Abajo region, this cigar is made from two year aged tobacco and is truly a well made cigar. There is a lot  of oil on the wrapper with minor veins.  This has a slightly darker wrapper than the typical Series D. The cap was well applied and this cigar is definitely worthy of the limited edition status Habanos S.A. placed on it.

Pre-light hints of spice, a floral note (lavender/lilac), hay and roasted coffee were present.  My first impression from the pre-light taste was this was not a medium bodied cigar, but more fuller in flavor.  After cutting the cap with my Palio, tastes of white pepper, lavender, hay, leather, cedar and dark roasted coffee came forth.  So far so good. I like the flavor, but will this cigar, although a new release, live up to the typical Partagas Series D profile?  For those that don’t know, I enjoy this line. This cigar had a nice slightly restricted cigar, which seemed perfect for me.

After toasting this cigar with my Dupont Xtend lighter, this cigar was a little slow in taking off, but ended up producing  some great smoke. Lots of light grey smoke plumed from this cigar (Yes, I blew lots of smoke rings.)  I noted no draw issues and the flavor was very pleasing.  Definitely  some spice, some floral and wood notes and a slight hint of sweetness developed. This sweetness was a cross between the spiciness of licorice and a hint of hazelnut.  A slight burn issue developed within the first ½ inch, but it was easily corrected.  A nice tight light and medium grey ash remained on the cigar during the first third.

As soon as I put the cigar on the ashtray to write about the second third, the ash fell.  Not bad, two inches of tight ash stayed on this cigar.  No hints of ammonia, go figure with the two years of age on all of the tobacco, the spice, sweetness, wood, floral and coffee flavors remained well into this third.  No draw or burn issues developed, which allowed for the pure enjoyment of this cigar.  The cigar had a slight self burning quality, making this one of the easiest cigars I have smoked in a while.  What I mean by this is I can place the cigar down and a few minutes later come right back and enjoy this one without having to relight.  This is important when you have a 19 month old, high energy dog that loves playing.

Did I mention how great this sangria is?  It is a perfect pairing with this cigar, allowing a refreshing taste while enjoying this cigar.  Amazing how a little brandy, some fruit, some soda water and a nice Rioja wine can taste poured over ice.

The final third kept up with the flavors.  The spice and the slight sweetness were not over powering and allowed for the complex flavors to come through.  I did have to touch up the burn a bit, and the draw was perfect.  I believe that about sixty percent of the time, burn issues are caused by the smoker.  My hat is off for the roller, whoever he or she may be.  Well done.  The floral, woodiness and hay started to shine more in this third, creating a wonderful taste.  The ash remained tight and with care would have stayed on the cigar longer than I allowed it.  Might be a great cigar for a longest ash contest. 

Overall, this is another good cigar to enjoy and relax to.  The flavors were definitely more on the full side, but not too strong. The balance between all the flavors, keeping the spice the entire time was perfect.  The finish was wonderful with no bitterness until I hit the last inch.  Only a few times did I catch even a hint of nicotine.  On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this one solidly as a 9.5.  This was not the best cigar I have ever smoked, but it was really good.  I definitely will smoke more of these, even though they are not a value rated cigar. At a price of $20 to $25 per cigar, this cigar could easily become a special occasion or a treat for oneself.  I know this cigar will become even better with three to five years of age, but it is smoking great now too. 

Well, I hope you enjoy the review and it helps you step out of your own comfort zone and try something new.  As always be safe, watch your six, smoke something great and create a memory over a great cigar.

Angry Bill