Partag?s S?rie D No. 4

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Cigar Stats[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
[i:60de10a7b7]Brand Owner:[/i:60de10a7b7] [url=http://www.habanos.com/habanos.asp?i=ing][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Habanos SA[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]
[i:60de10a7b7]Factory:[/i:60de10a7b7] Real F?brica de Tabacos de Partag?s (Partag?s Royal Cigar Factory), Havana, Cuba
[i:60de10a7b7]Model/Vitola:[/i:60de10a7b7] Partag?s S?rie D No. 4 / Robusto
[i:60de10a7b7]Size:[/i:60de10a7b7] 4.875" x 50 RG
[i:60de10a7b7]Wrapper:[/i:60de10a7b7] Cuba
[i:60de10a7b7]Binder:[/i:60de10a7b7] Cuba
[i:60de10a7b7]Filler:[/i:60de10a7b7] Cuba

[img:60de10a7b7]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1355/553469164_24425cb7e9_o.gif[/img:60de10a7b7]

[img:60de10a7b7]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/552943192_ceca934752_o.gif[/img:60de10a7b7]

[img:60de10a7b7]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/614116280_87c97c0d11_o.gif[/img:60de10a7b7] Don Jaime Partag?s began manufacturing cigars in 1827 and put his own name on his line of cigars in 1845. That same year, Jaime opened his famous factory named Real F?brica de Tabacos de Partag?s (Partag?s Royal Cigar Factory) at 520 Industria Street, Havana, Cuba. The Habanos SA Partag?s line of cigars is still produced in that factory today. Mysteriously, Don Jaime was found dead on one of his plantations in Vuelta Abajo. It is rumored the cause was related to love affairs, jealousy and revenge. After his death, the brand passed to Ramon Cifuentes in 1889 and was owned by Cifuentes y Cia prior to nationalization, earning a mention by name in English novelist Evelyn Waugh's 1945 work, Brideshead Revisited. The business grew significantly under Ramon's stewardship.

[img:60de10a7b7]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/549318774_a7c39d264f_o.jpg[/img:60de10a7b7]
Real F?brica de Tabacos de Partag?s

[url=http://www.danheller.com/cuba-cigars.html][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Dan Heller's photos of the Partagas Cigar Factory[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

I am fairly new to cigar smoking (less than a year) and consequently have not had time to try as many brands as some of you out there. I continually browse the hype and reviews online and there seems to be quite a following for the Partag?s S?rie D No. 4 (PSD4) although most folks who write about it are outside the USA (wonder why?). I just had to give this famous blockbuster a try and I was not disappointed. Rolls right up there to number one on my hit parade.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Bottom line up front ...[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
Ever notice how the really good smokes touted as powerhouses come off a little less "strong" than expected but full of complex flavor and nuances. Has been my experience anyway. For full-bodied, full flavored cigar lovers, whatever you do, if you have the chance don't miss trying this cigar. Although it isn't cheap, the smoking experience is beyond words.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Prelight[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
Upon first inspection the construction looks a little rough, with a very slight tooth to the reddish brown colored wrap. Stick is firm to the touch and fairly light in the hand. Pre-light aroma is very subtle. Foot has an earthy kind of scent. The head is triple capped beautifully and clipped clean. I was gifted five of these "right out of the box" (box code PGT JUL06) by a good friend and smoked two for this review.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Burn[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
The foot toasted and lit easily. It burned straight but the burn line was slightly tilted until the last third when everything got back to perfect. No torch corrections required. The ash was light gray and solid as a rock. I only ashed this cigar twice. Once at about 2 and a half inches (half the cigar) and then with about an inch to go. The ash wouldn't fall with a tap. I had to bump the side of the ashtray to make it fall. Should have just let the thing go till the end but fear of lap ash got to me.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Flavor[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
Starts pretty smooth for a "powerhouse." A deep, woody and dark toast core is complemented by hints of white pepper and nuts. Finish is smooth and lingering. The nose is very creamy with hints of leather and pepper (a light twang). First third is almost buttery with strength in the medium category. Second third picks up a little intensity with flavors building. The last third is just fantastic with a crescendo Andrew Lloyd Weber would be proud of. The flavors are intense. Some coffee and a slight caramel edge creeps in to top everything off. I think when they call this a powerhouse they must be referring to the flavor. Just incredible. Get out your roach-clip cause your gonna want to get every last bit-o-smoke this stick has to offer.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Strength[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
Deceiving. It starts like a kitten and ends like a lion. The nicotine didn't even kick me that bad. Got to say though, the flavors at nub time are strong.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Price[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
Can't get these in my local B&M (duh) but online prices have them running anywhere between $11 and $27 per stick if you buy singles and between $7 and $9.50 if you purchase a box of 25. Worth the price IMO.

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]My take ...[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]
A connoisseurs cigar! Sure wish they were readily available to me. I will always be on the lookout for this one. This cigar will definitely be on my special occasion cigar list.

[color=red:60de10a7b7][b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Like it ... [/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]Absolutely Yes[/color:60de10a7b7]

[color=red:60de10a7b7][b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Buy it again ... [/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]I will have to defer to my attorney on that[/color:60de10a7b7]

[color=red:60de10a7b7][b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Recommend it ... [/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]To those who can get these, Yes, Yes, Yes[/color:60de10a7b7]

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]What others are saying ...[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]

[url=http://colbypantssmokinglounge.blogspot.com/search?q=serie+d][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]15 June 2007 - The Smoking Lounge[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://www.cigars-review.org/Flor-de-Tabacos-de-Partagas-Serie-D-No-4.htm][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]9 Oct 2003 thru 6 Jun 2007 - Cigars Review (165 reviews as of 6 June 2007)[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://www.humiblog.com/cigar-reviews/partagas-serie-d-no4-cuba/][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]19 Apr 2006 - E.Z. of HumiBlog.com[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://havanajournal.com/culture/entry/partagas_introduces_serie_p_no_2_and_robusto_serie_d_no_4_reserva/][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]11 Apr 2005 - James Suckling (CA) for Havana Journal on the PSD No. 4 Reserva[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://www.cigarnexus.com/sss/sss11.html][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Date Unk - Steve Saka of Cigar Nexus[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[b:60de10a7b7][i:60de10a7b7]Publications and related material ...[/i:60de10a7b7][/b:60de10a7b7]

[url=http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Counterfeits/Genuine_Page/0,3392,19,00.html][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Beware of Counterfeits[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partagas_%28cigar_brand%29][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Wikipedia on the Partag?s cigar brand[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://www.cigarcyclopedia.com/uploads/havana/profile/M/index.html][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Cigar Cyclopedia's Profiles of Havana Cigar Brands Currently in Production - Partagas[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://www.cubancigarshistory.com/cuban_cigar_brands/partagas_cigars/partagas_cigars.html][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]Cuban Cigars History - Partag?s Cigars[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

[url=http://www.cigar-cult.at/englisch/bc203.htm][color=darkred:60de10a7b7]The Partag?s Cigar Factory in Havana: Cuba's Tobacco Jewel[/color:60de10a7b7][/url]

Rocky Patel American Market Selection

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Nicaraguan & Honduran
Medium Bodied

I had one of these in the morning with coffee. The wrapper was smooth and only slightly veiny. Looked much like a Davidoff. It started very creamy and mild but flavorful. Burn was even, draw was great and the gray/white ash was firm. I was surprised at how much flavor I was getting from this mild stogie but the flavor never built. It remained pretty much the same throughout the cigar. As I was smoking it and after every puff it reminded me of another cigar I'd had in the past. I looked up my cigar log and found it. The Tinderbox La Reserva is what it reminded me of.
Only difference is the La Reserva started mild but built as I smoked it and also got more and more complex. I love Rocky Patel cigars but with the La Reserva costing half what the Rocky Patel American Market Selection costs, I'd pick the La Reserva.

601 Connecticut "Black" by EO Brands

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Cigar Stats[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
[i:4bd196cd6e]Brand Owner:[/i:4bd196cd6e] [url=http://www.unitedtobaccoinc.com/][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]EO Brands/United Tobacco[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url]
[i:4bd196cd6e]Tabacalera:[/i:4bd196cd6e] TACUBA
[i:4bd196cd6e]Model/Vitola:[/i:4bd196cd6e] EO 601 Serie Connecticut "Black" Robusto
[i:4bd196cd6e]Size:[/i:4bd196cd6e] 5.0 x 50
[i:4bd196cd6e]Wrapper:[/i:4bd196cd6e] Ecuadoran-grown Connecticut Shade
[i:4bd196cd6e]Binder:[/i:4bd196cd6e] Nicaragua
[i:4bd196cd6e]Filler:[/i:4bd196cd6e] Nicaragua

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EO_Premium_601_Serie][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]WikiPedia has all the EO 601 Serie stick stats well laid out.[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url]

[img:4bd196cd6e]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/513875097_52290d37cb_o.jpg[/img:4bd196cd6e]
[i:4bd196cd6e]EO Premium 601 Serie Connecticut "Black" (photo by Rufus Shaw)[/i:4bd196cd6e]

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Bottom line up front ...[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
Another winner from [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepin_Garcia#Tabacalera_Cubana][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]Jos? "Don Pepin" Garcia (JDPG).[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url] It amazes me how many delicious vitolas JDPG has on the market. For those who enjoy medium to full-bodied smokes, the EO 601 Connecticut is a very pleasant cigar. A little effort to work the burn issues but long in flavor and overall smoking experience. Great for the seasoned cigar smoker who enjoys a potent cigar.

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Pre-light[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
A few small veins on this light to medium brown colored wrap and a beautiful Cuban triple-cap common to JDPG stogies. A very small tooth is evident over the entire wrap (you may need a magnifier to detect it). Construction is good although the cigar is a little lumpy. Balanced well in the hand and the pre-light draw slightly firm, just the way I like 'em. A distinct aroma of sweet tobacco from the wrap and a bit of strong iced tea from the foot as this cigar is held under the nose. The band is nicely done and is removed very easily without effect on the cigar. I tried both punch and cutter and would suggest the punch on this stogie. I aged my robustos about 4 months before smoking them for this review.

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Burn[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
The foot toasted and lit easily. Draw was very good through to the nub. I had a little bit of a burn challenge as the cigar burned straight but the burn line was tilted, if you know what I mean. Each time I ashed, one side was persistently flame retardant, and had a peak of unburned wrap that wouldn't start like the rest. I had to get the torch after it a couple of times. The ash was light gray and held on well to about an inch and a half each time. This cigar puts out allot of smoke. It does tend to burn a little hot toward the nub. I had to consciously slow down to maintain the nice flavors.

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Flavor[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
This is where the money is on this cigar. Starts with the typical JDPG bang for about three quarters of an inch then softens to a smooth complex combination of wood, pepper, coffee, toasted nuts and spice with a few hints of dark chocolate towards the end. After the first inch the nose is very creamy with a slightly sweet caramel edge to it. During the last inch and a quarter I experienced an unpleasant aftertaste creeping in. By then I had my money's worth.

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Strength[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
Definitely medium to full-bodied but smokes very gracefully. Once your an inch in you may not really realize the potency. Probably not the cigar for morning coffee and should follow something to eat. Great with a glass of port (but I say that about any cigar).

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Price[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
MSRP comes in at $6.50 per stick. I bought mine for $7.00 a stick at my local B&M. Online these can be had for $4.70 per stick if you buy a box (20) and $5.27 if you get a 5ver. I'm sure you can do better than that on a auction site. Not a bad price point for a JDPG blended cigar. Especially one as tasty as this.

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]My take ....[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
I am definitely looking to score some more of these. I think I am going to try the Esplendido (Churchill). In my experience with JDPG renditions, his rollers seem to do very well with the larger size. Far less burn issues. This cigar is definitely going to make my rotation. Not reviewed here, the "Red" (Habano) and "Blue" (Maduro) are also very good smokes.

[img:4bd196cd6e]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/219/513875099_1f8a092a9c_o.jpg[/img:4bd196cd6e]
[i:4bd196cd6e]EO Premium 601 Serie Habano (photo by Rufus Shaw)[/i:4bd196cd6e]

[img:4bd196cd6e]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/513875103_d6a8e535c9_o.jpg[/img:4bd196cd6e]
[i:4bd196cd6e]EO Premium 601 Box-pressed Maduro[/i:4bd196cd6e]

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]What others are saying about the EO 601 Habano "Red"[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]

[url=http://www.stogieguys.com/2007/01/011007-stogie-reviews-601-serie-red-robusto.html][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]10 Jan 2007 - The Stogie Guys - George E
EO 601 Serie ?Red? Robusto[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url]

[url=http://cigarsbymatt.wordpress.com/2007/03/14/serie-601-habano-robusto/][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]14 Mar 2007 - Matt's Cigar Journal
Serie 601 Habano Robusto[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url]

[url=http://cigarfan.wordpress.com/2007/04/17/eo-601-habano-robusto/][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]17 Apr 2007
Keepers of the Flame
EO 601 Habano Robusto[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url]

[url=http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33891][color=darkred:4bd196cd6e]16 May 2007 - Cigar Pass - MiamiCubano
EO 601 Habano La Punta[/color:4bd196cd6e][/url]

[b:4bd196cd6e][i:4bd196cd6e]Publications[/i:4bd196cd6e][/b:4bd196cd6e]
Brand News, SmokeShop Magazine, August, 2006.
Cigar Aficionado, February, 2007, p. 179.
Cigar Insider, vol. 12, no. 7, 10 April 2007, p. 8

TRINIDAD Y CIA

Handmade NIC
Wrapper: ECSU Binder: HON Filler: MIXED FILLER
Medium Bodied

Constructed with table cuttings remaining from the making of long-filler premium cigars these have a sun-grown Ecuador Sumatran wrapper.
Burn and draw has been good so far on all but one I've smoked.

Although these are claimed to be medium bodied I'd call them more mild-med growing towards medium near the end. A good morning smoke but kinda bland to me really. I prefer something with a little more omph even in the mornings.

These can be had at Mike's for $12.95 a bundle of 20 which gets an A+ from the tacTickle standpoint.

These get a 7 on the tac-o-meter but remember, I don't like mild smokes, they really are the best tasting economy cigar I've had as of yet.

Personal Freedom - Opinion

I was recently reading an article posted by BayouBiscuit regarding Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger's purchase and consumption of a Cuban Cigar while in Canada. That in itself didn't bother me in the least. What does bother me is a government that thinks they can legislate my personal behavior and choices. In the current political climate politicians find it acceptable, in their minds, to tell Americans what they can purchase and not purchase, consume and not consume while at home or abroad. If we don't comply then we can face heavy fines, jail or both. Is this the Land of the Free? It sounds more like the land of Control. Politicians are going to protect us from ourselves while they vote themselves raises, write personal checks on the Senate bank that is paid directly from the U.S. treasury(our tax dollars) and generally do what they please while telling us what's good for us. Tobacco enthusiasts have seen first hand how our rights and personal freedoms are being assailed by every politician who needs a whipping post. It's politically correct to attack tobacco, guns and now cooking oil of all things(transfats ban in NY). The men who risked everything to found this country are spinning in their graves.

Arnie made pit stop for Cuban stogie....

Katie Daubs, The Ottawa Citizen

Published: Friday, June 01, 2007

A funny thing happened on the way to the airport.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on his way out of town, after a quick trip to Ottawa to meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper, when he decided to stop his five-car motorcade for a moment.
He got out and walked into the Westin Hotel to get a cigar. It was a Cuban, the kind that can't be found on the shelves of American cigar stores because of a long-standing embargo -- and the kind that Americans aren't legally allowed to smoke, even while away from home.
At around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Rahmat Assad's shift at International News Plus changed dramatically when he was told by a police officer that a special guest would be arriving.
Mr. Assad was stunned to see Mr. Schwarzenegger walk in, accompanied by ten police officers and security guards.
"I was very surprised. I couldn't believe my eyes. I've seen his movies," he said.
He said the governor, dressed in a pale blue shirt, was in and out very quickly. An aide who was with him bought him the Cuban cigar -- a Partagas -- for $15.99.
"They paid for it, he put it in his mouth, and he left," Mr. Assad said, adding that he did get to talk cigars with Mr. Schwarzenegger before he left the store. He said he was so excited at the time, though, that he can't remember what Mr. Schwarzenegger said.
Mr. Assad said, though, the governor was very genial.
After leaving the tiny shop inside of Ottawa's Westin Hotel, the motorcade left for the airport -- where the governor had to catch a flight to Vancouver. Mr. Schwarzenegger did not stay overnight in Ottawa.
The U.S. embargo got more strict in 2004, when it also became illegal for American citizens to purchase or smoke the cigars abroad.
There's a movement to change the policy within the United States. This week, five U.S. congress members in favour of easing the embargo and its related travel restrictions are in Cuba to discuss agricultural trade and U.S.-Cuban relations.
Aaron McLear, a spokesman for the governor, said the brief stop was unusual, but not unheard of. Mr. Schwarzenegger has made no secret of his passion for cigars.
Mr. McLear would not comment on Mr. Schwarzenegger's attitude toward the U.S. embargo of Cuban goods.
"He stopped by, smoked it, nothing else. I don't know what kind of cigar it was and it's gone now," Mr. McLear said.
It's not the first time a famous American politician has stopped by to sample the cigars at this little shop. Just last year, former president Bill Clinton bought a few, said employee Tina Nguyen.
Ms. Nguyen said many of the hotel's American clients will stop in to partake of the forbidden goods. The shop is unaffiliated with the Westin Hotel where it is located.

? The Ottawa Citizen 2007

CIENFUEGOS - AGED PYRAMID

Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 6.7 x 64
Wrapper: Ecuador - Habana 2000
filler: Dominican Rep./Honduras
binder: Dominican
full bodied/full flavor

I bought a 5 pack of these at auction to give them a try. The flavor is spicy, complex and full. This cigar throws a ton of smoke. The draw was easy and the burn was uneven but didnt need correction. The cigar felt soft with some dents and lopsided tops. These cigars look handmade. I have noticed many cigars made by the big guys that are almost identical. Although they say "hecho y mano" they look machine made. (which I am sure they aren't) There is no doubt about this smoke. The cigar was a bit loose and during the last 1/3 felt mushy and the head began to unravel. This happened with 3 of the 5 pack. Although the construction was mediocre the tobaccos used were excellent. The flavor alone makes this smoke worth trying but I personally think they are overpriced and underfilled.