Many of you may well remember that some time ago (but not all that many posts ago) my good friend, Dan Ward, wrote a guest piece for the Cigar Monologues.  I am delighted to publish a second guest review from this fine BOTL, and what a cigar he chose to review.  A Partagas Lusitanias aged for 14 years by the very good people at Hunters & Frankau.  Thank you to Dan for his contribution – and I’m always keen for guest entries on the blog, so if you fancy writing one, don’t hesitate to get in touch (via comments, Twitter or Facebook). 

Enjoy…

Partagas Lusitanias (1999)

(Size: 7 5/8″ x 49)

The Partagas Lusitanias is an old friend, as indeed is the entire Partagas lineup.  Over the years I have smoked many Lusitanias and have come to regard them as my all time favourite Cigar (with the Serie P No.2 a very close second).  Up until now I had not smoked a Lusi with more than five years of age on it, so this one with 14 years on should be quite something.

To start with, the construction was absolutely brilliant.  Firm along the length of the cigar, with an exceptionally well executed cap and a foot that was something to behold!  There was a beautiful oily sheen along the length of the wrapper.  In my excitement, I neglected to get more pictures of this cigar, although I daresay that my iPhone’s camera would not have done it justice.  When cutting a cigar I prefer to take as little off as possible, such that only a small piece of wrapper is removed and the filler tobacco is left intact.  Pre-light draw was exactly what one would expect from a cigar of this size: firm enough to let you know that you have a sizeable cigar, but loose enough that you don’t have to work at it.

Pre-light flavours were very creamy, with hints of cocoa abound.

Upon lighting the predominant flavour was that of fairly mild Espresso.  Throughout this cigar espresso underpins everything, but seeing as I rather like espresso (I often drink 7 or 8 in a day) I found this very satisfying.  As the cigar progressed towards the end of the first third the mild espresso built into a strong espresso, perhaps even ristretto flavour, with a very pleasant creaminess underlying everything – maybe comparable to a latte made with 4 shots of espresso.

Into the second third the strong espresso flavours remained intact, transporting me away from the chilly Cigar Bothy at Edinburgh’s Hotel Du Vin to a warm summer’s evening overlooking Lake Como.  (I would recommend the Cigar Bothy as well worth a visit if you fancy a cigar in Edinburgh).  At this point it is worth noting that the burn of this cigar was exemplary, not needing a single touch up along its entire length.

Which brings me on to the last last third and more espresso!  Slowing subduing back to a milder espresso with a hint of sweetness to finish.  At no point was there any harshness or bitterness to be found anywhere.  Throughout a firm light grey ash was to be found.

Overall, this was a truly brilliant cigar. Highly enjoyable from start to finish and everything that you could ask for from a prominente vitola.  It’s certainly not cheap, at £28.99, but considering that this is a few pounds less than a Cohiba Siglo VI, and a more enjoyable smoke, it offers a lot of value for money.

Using my rating system 9.5/10 which translates into 95/100 using Simons usual rating system.  It really is that good.  (Not sure it’s quite a straight conversion, but get the point. – Ed.)

—  DW  —

Thank you again Dan.  If anyone would like to follow Dan on Twitter then check out @gtrcar5.  (Don’t forget you can follow @cigarmonologues too!)