This is the third D3 I have had since getting the box back in August. I must say, this cigar is getting better and better each time I try one. The first one I had was very strong and full of spice. In fact, it was almost too peppery to be really enjoyable. It was also too wet and the draw terrible. I also have a new camera so the pics are a little better 
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The cigar is very dark and oily and has a consistent shape throughout, no hard or soft spots. Beautiful triple cap present and a wonderful texture to it as well. It is a corona gorda and measures 5 5/8 x 46.
I clipped the cap to find a beautiful small divet present. I take a dry puff and notice it is a firm draw. Great nose on this thing, can't wait to reduce it to ashes.
The initial flavors that hit me upon lighting it are sweet spice and some woody notes. A good amount of smoke comes with each puff and the draw is just firm enough to challenge me. I can tell it will be a good cigar. The ash is fairly firm with little flaking. The ash is also lighter in color than most other cubans I have smoked. The flavor profile opens up a little bit and I get some creamy vanilla flavors along with the signature Partagas spice which I have come to love :love: . Very smooth so far and lacking that strong spiciness that made the first one a disappointment.
At the halfway point, still a very good burn even with the ash becoming a little crooked. Just a touch-up or two has been needed so far. Still a firm draw, but its starting to loosen up a little bit and I'm getting more smoke out of it. The vanilla notes are still present along with some milder spice, but a more earthy flavor profile is becoming pronounced.
As I enter the last third of the cigar, the initial spice has come back and is now mixing with the earthy core that I can only describe as a sweet tease on the pallet. I know there is more hiding in the cigar. Still a good burn, but needs several more touch-ups to keep it going. The aroma on this thing is also very good, something non-smokers would probably like. The final inch becomes a little harsh and I put it down to die in peace.
Overall, 92-93 imo. I really feel more comfortable about the box after having this one. I know these will only improve with age and I imagine those underlying flavors will come out with three or four years on it. I hope I can just keep my hands off them until then ??? .
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The cigar is very dark and oily and has a consistent shape throughout, no hard or soft spots. Beautiful triple cap present and a wonderful texture to it as well. It is a corona gorda and measures 5 5/8 x 46.
I clipped the cap to find a beautiful small divet present. I take a dry puff and notice it is a firm draw. Great nose on this thing, can't wait to reduce it to ashes.
The initial flavors that hit me upon lighting it are sweet spice and some woody notes. A good amount of smoke comes with each puff and the draw is just firm enough to challenge me. I can tell it will be a good cigar. The ash is fairly firm with little flaking. The ash is also lighter in color than most other cubans I have smoked. The flavor profile opens up a little bit and I get some creamy vanilla flavors along with the signature Partagas spice which I have come to love :love: . Very smooth so far and lacking that strong spiciness that made the first one a disappointment.
At the halfway point, still a very good burn even with the ash becoming a little crooked. Just a touch-up or two has been needed so far. Still a firm draw, but its starting to loosen up a little bit and I'm getting more smoke out of it. The vanilla notes are still present along with some milder spice, but a more earthy flavor profile is becoming pronounced.
As I enter the last third of the cigar, the initial spice has come back and is now mixing with the earthy core that I can only describe as a sweet tease on the pallet. I know there is more hiding in the cigar. Still a good burn, but needs several more touch-ups to keep it going. The aroma on this thing is also very good, something non-smokers would probably like. The final inch becomes a little harsh and I put it down to die in peace.
Overall, 92-93 imo. I really feel more comfortable about the box after having this one. I know these will only improve with age and I imagine those underlying flavors will come out with three or four years on it. I hope I can just keep my hands off them until then ??? .
August was definitely too soon to get a good gauge. Good to hear that the flavors are coming around. Probably, in 3yrs you will have a hell of a smoke IF you slow down. Remember the EL's only come around once.
