I had one of those chitty days yesterday and decided to treat myself. I had to coose between a Monte#2 a Partagas 8-9-8 Varnished. I picked the 8-9-8V and was that a great decision. I was knocked back by the flavor and consistancy medium to full bodied, nice ash and never harsh. This was a true lip burner that I could not put down. I gotta check stock for more of these puppies..