RealFreakinCigarReviews

Initial Thoughts

This sumbitch better be nothing short of an orgasmic experience.  Sniff test gives me slightly "tobacco" smell -- slightly earthy.  Construction is impeccable; slight imperfections on the wrapper.  No noticeable soft spots.  I'm having the last of my Macallan barely legal to complement this cigar.

The Smoke

Its almost sacrilegious  to smoke this thing.  Believe it or not, I'm breakin' out the cedar strip to light this guy.  I use a punch cutter, and pre-light draw is quite easy.  I use my torch to toast the foot, and then ignite the cedar to actually light the cigar.  The first couple of puffs give me notes of leather, along with a slightly sweet, earthy nuances.  I have to say, the scotch compliments this cigar quite nicely.  I have a friend who claims Oban 14 is just amazing... I've had it, and lemme just say.  The Macallan 18 year old is WAAAY better than the Oban 14.

So back to things that should be blatantly obvious.... If you should happen to be back east for a formal corporate awards ceremony, and ya happen to be stayin' at one of them thar high falutin places, do NOT be shocked if a stiff belt of good scotch sets ya back at least 20 bucks.  You're there for the experience.... enjoy it.  In the same spirit, remember that charging your room always results in a paper trail and ensuing conversation that can be summarized as "What in the fuck did you buy for $600.00?"  Answer: Scotch and cigars....its gotta sound better than a cheap hooker and an attempt to re-enact "Pretty Woman."

So, back to the cigar, scotch and Ole Blue Eyes... at the 1/3rd point, burn is perfect.  Flavor has intensified slightly, but is unchanged with regard to profile.  So far a very enjoyable experience, and it has taken me approximately 20 minutes to get to this point.

 At the 2/3rdspoint, the burn continues to be perfect.  Flavor continues to be relatively unchanged; I'm noticing some very slight peppery tastes, subtle but just enough to alter the flavor profile.  All in all, this is one damned fine cigar.

And I'm done.  The scotch is gone, the cigar is done and I'm ready to call it a night.  The overall cigar experience was quite enjoyable, and I spent a solid hour and a half doing so.  However,  I can't justify the $65.00 per stick price tag.  I compare the "whatcha get fo yo money" factor between this stick, and say a Gurkha 'Beauty,' and in my never to be humble opinion, the 'Beauty' wins hands down.  Not saying the Partagas was in any way a slouch of a cigar... I'm merely saying that its price tag is more than likely justified by the "rarity" of the cigar, and not necessarily anything else.

The Rating