Partagas 8-9-8

Overall Score

1 review for Partagas 8-9-8

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    Cigar Inspector

    Partagas 8-9-8

    Origin : CubaPartagas
    Factory Name : Lonsdale
    Size : 170 x 17.07 mm
    Ring : 43
    Weight : 11.86 g
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$15 each

    Partagas 8-9-8 was one of my major discoveries in 2010; I found it so good that I even decided to integrate it into my best Cubans of the year list. After releasing the list I decided to take one every month from the 2008 box I had. I felt that it was the perfect cigar to relax and think about what would the next month bring. One year later, I almost finished the box and the Partagas 8-9-8 is again among the best smokes I had this year.

    Appearance : [rating:5/5]
    This cigar has a 5-star presentation, I have rarely seen such an oily wrapper covered by small quantities of plume. Not too hard to the touch and slightly bumpy, it exhales an irresistible sour (barnyard) smell.

    Partagas 8-9-8

    Construction : [rating:4.5/5]
    Although the pre-draw was usually tight, none of the cigars were plugged. On a couple of sticks from the box the draw was tighter than usual, but no big deal. On the other hand, last time that I talked to a seller in my B&M, he told me the construction can be hit or miss on these ones. A good idea may be to open the box before buying if you have a chance to do this.

    Partagas 8-9-8

    Flavor : [rating:4.5/5]
    The pre-draw is pleasant and announces some spice with butter notes. Time to light the cigar! It’s rather easy, thanks to a small ring gauge. First puffs are not that powerful, but the flavors soon become much more complex (lovely leather and spice notes). The intensity is growing as well, although retrohaling remains possible. The second third is very well balanced, with earthy flavors trying to dominate the bouquet and offering a very rich smoking experience. There is also some subtle sweetness in the second third, something close to cocoa and chocolate. The “sweet spot” is at the beginning of the last third, where the cigar is nothing short of full-bodied and the mix is very rich in terms of flavor. The finish continues to deliver, a dram of Scotch might be a good idea at this point.

    Value : [rating:4/5]
    Partagas 8-9-8 is not a cheap cigar by any means, but considering the format and the smoking time (around 1 hour 20 minutes in my case), this is not too expensive either. I’m currently hunting a pre-2007 box to see whether they can be any better than this.

    Overall Rating : [rating:4.5/5]
    This is an excellent cigars for these long evenings where you can find an hour and a half just for yourself. These occasions are very precious for me and I always want to have a reliable cigar to help me plan things for the month ahead.

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • yayawhoATyahoo

      shorty after 1st experience, I tried this one again yesternight during my beloved united win … & can only underline above written: excellent cigar & goes up to top 3 in my list, right behind Trini Vigía & on par with Boli RC. ENJOY, it took me some 1h 20/25 mins of lovely smoke

    • yayawhoATyahoo

      Had one of these last FRI … & was nearly left shocked HOW GOOD this one is. I have made a list of boxes for my friend to bring me straight from Cuba in approx 2 mths time & have immediately added this one on (among others, there are: Trini VIGIA, Boli RC, TRINI Reyes, HDMR Petit ROBU, Monte Esp. 2 & Monte 2 …). So good, rich, I would say a bit milder then P SD4 … which is ok for me. Nice cig

    • Holsted

      Great review, sound lika a great cigar. Was lucky to find a box from 1998 in my local cigar shop today. Looking forward to try them 🙂

    • Tee

      Thanks for the review. I must admit, I didn’t care for the 8-9-8 when I tried two a few years ago (raspy taste).. But your review makes want to try again. Thanks!

    • RyanR

      I agree 100% this is one of the best cigars I have had the pleasure of smoking. The review is spot on, if you like a good strong, flavorful cigar, give this baby a try, it will not disappoint!

    • Rey

      A classic Partagas for its flavour profile and character, but wrapped tight as a drumstick.

    • phathungarian

      I have been looking for these since my last response in February, so that’s 6 or 7 months, a hard cigar to find! Did get some in Vancouver BC and smoked one the other night. The review above is bang on as usual, a great stogie with lots of flavour and strong Cuban taste. Great draw and burn, never went out in the 2 hours it took me to finish it! Expensive and worth it. I would recommend it after a big steak or roast beef dinner with a nice bottle of red or a stiff bourbon, like Buffalo Trace. Definitely not for the beginner, but everyone else will appreciate this a great deal. I noticed this stogie ranks on or near the top on all the reviews. Thanks for yours!

    • hollywood beach

      I purchased a box in June ’06 and after aging two years tried one. I felt it was one of the best sticks I’ve ever smoked. Went out and bought another box just to put away and age. Flavor, feel and aroma were outstanding! Your review was very good and accurate. Thanks

    • phathungarian

      indeed, thanks for the review. I will be looking for these the next time I purchase. Looks like one worth trying regardless of cost.

    • k0mmissar

      if they could put this flavour into a larger ring gauge, it would be cuban heaven!

    • kevink868

      Damn, I haven’t had one of these in a looooong time. I’m due. Thanks for an excellent review, as always.

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Cigar Region Cuba
Filler Cuban
Wrapper Cuba
Binder Cuba
Length 6 3/4
Ring Gauge 43
Vitola Lonsdale
Construction Hand Made