I've been wanting to give one of these beautiful Piramides a try ever since getting the box several weeks ago. For the amount of money I paid for these, I was expecting a superstar cigar, and thats what I got :thumbs:.
I remember when asking about these a month or so ago what these were like, most said they were very earthy and very strong. I think Wilkey said they tasted like dirt (I think he meant that in a good way). They were dead-on in their analysis. The wrapper is lighter than most EL's but still a darker shade of colorado. The wrapper is somewhat rough, although there are few veins. Good solid bunch with a scent of pepper to the nose.
The cigar's burn starts off great and the draw is fantastic. Lots and lots of smoke throughout. Strong earthy notes are immediately present and so is a little spice. Very full-bodied and somewhat strong. The flavor profile reminds me of the '98 Partagas Lusis I have, only more powerful and spicier. There is absolutely nothing in common in terms of flavor with recent production Partagas.
Several inches in and there are notes of vanilla and a light overtone of sweetness. For several puffs there is a strong coffee taste but this is soon gone. This cigar is most certainly earthy and there is no point that it lets up. I really can't think of the a good adjective to describe the earthiness other that to say it is woody, but in a good way.
The burn is not quite as sharp as I would have expected. Never really got off on me, but did require several touch-ups. The ash is strong and is a darker gray shade. After the half-way point, the cigar's strength is not really noticeable, but it retains the full-bodied flavor and balance. Also, most of the spice I initially noticed seems to have disappeared. Now with the woody flavors, the cigar becomes very creamy.
As the cigar gets down to the last couple of inches, the earthiness is becoming fainter and strong coffee is coming back. This mixed with the creaminess of the cigar and the Newcastle ale, is a fantastic experience. I let the cigar go with half-an-inch left as it has become very hot.
Overall: Solid 93-94 in my highly subjective rating system. One complaint I have for the Partagas is the short finish. After each puff, the flavors left me after a short while. I also can't believe this cigar has hit its peak just yet. There seems to be a lot more that can come out of it. This cigar is most certainly not for everyone. Its profile takes some getting used to just like my '98 Lusis did. Another surprise I found was that it was not as strong as I was expecting. Now, I did have a little buzz afterwards. but the Cohiba Piramide EL was a little stronger imo. If I had to decide between the Partagas and Cohiba, given they cost me about the same per stick, I really don't know which one I would choose :blush:. They are completely different in everything but shape, and yet I love them both (after one cigar :laugh
equally. Go figure.
Finally, I took today and tomorrow off as vacation days and I can't think of a better way to spend them. Watching the tourney, smoking wonderful cigars, and drinking one of my favorite beers. Today, gentlemen, is why I love cigars!
I remember when asking about these a month or so ago what these were like, most said they were very earthy and very strong. I think Wilkey said they tasted like dirt (I think he meant that in a good way). They were dead-on in their analysis. The wrapper is lighter than most EL's but still a darker shade of colorado. The wrapper is somewhat rough, although there are few veins. Good solid bunch with a scent of pepper to the nose.
The cigar's burn starts off great and the draw is fantastic. Lots and lots of smoke throughout. Strong earthy notes are immediately present and so is a little spice. Very full-bodied and somewhat strong. The flavor profile reminds me of the '98 Partagas Lusis I have, only more powerful and spicier. There is absolutely nothing in common in terms of flavor with recent production Partagas.
Several inches in and there are notes of vanilla and a light overtone of sweetness. For several puffs there is a strong coffee taste but this is soon gone. This cigar is most certainly earthy and there is no point that it lets up. I really can't think of the a good adjective to describe the earthiness other that to say it is woody, but in a good way.
The burn is not quite as sharp as I would have expected. Never really got off on me, but did require several touch-ups. The ash is strong and is a darker gray shade. After the half-way point, the cigar's strength is not really noticeable, but it retains the full-bodied flavor and balance. Also, most of the spice I initially noticed seems to have disappeared. Now with the woody flavors, the cigar becomes very creamy.
As the cigar gets down to the last couple of inches, the earthiness is becoming fainter and strong coffee is coming back. This mixed with the creaminess of the cigar and the Newcastle ale, is a fantastic experience. I let the cigar go with half-an-inch left as it has become very hot.
Overall: Solid 93-94 in my highly subjective rating system. One complaint I have for the Partagas is the short finish. After each puff, the flavors left me after a short while. I also can't believe this cigar has hit its peak just yet. There seems to be a lot more that can come out of it. This cigar is most certainly not for everyone. Its profile takes some getting used to just like my '98 Lusis did. Another surprise I found was that it was not as strong as I was expecting. Now, I did have a little buzz afterwards. but the Cohiba Piramide EL was a little stronger imo. If I had to decide between the Partagas and Cohiba, given they cost me about the same per stick, I really don't know which one I would choose :blush:. They are completely different in everything but shape, and yet I love them both (after one cigar :laugh
equally. Go figure.Finally, I took today and tomorrow off as vacation days and I can't think of a better way to spend them. Watching the tourney, smoking wonderful cigars, and drinking one of my favorite beers. Today, gentlemen, is why I love cigars!
