Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Claro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 5.75 x 48 Corona Gorda
Strength: Medium
Price: $17.60
I reviewed these cigars February 2024. The limited release of only 1,000 boxes of 10 for each of the three sizes hit shelves in September 2023.
This is an excellent cigar brought to you by real professionals, not wannabes trying to break into the burgeoning small batch market.
The blender is Rafael Cifuentes III. This was his bold effort to remind us of the famed Partagas Serie D No, 4 blend and the “old Partagás taste.” The Cifuentes family was the last to own the Cuban Partagas brand.
And the cigars were produced at the famed El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami.
I rated these cigars, in the corona gorda size, 96. Look what I do for you…now you don’t have to read the balderdash from either Statler or Waldorf.
My review sticks received 3 months of naked humidor time.
THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
The analogy made by Cifuentes to a cigar blend with high regard is a ballsy move. Is the bar set too high? Definitely.
My PerfecDraw lay quietly. A gentle snoring reminds me of my second wife, Flora Smith-Lipschitz. A burly woman who liked her heels soothed with insults and goat oil. She now works for the government as a poll taker in Leningrad.
The Cuban Partagas Serie D No. 4, according to reviews, has specific flavors of leather, minerals, wood, sweet orange, vanilla, floral notes, creaminess, light coffee, milk chocolate, and hazelnut. Sounds similar to a well-crafted Dominican. The names Kelner and Casdagli come to mind.
A smack in the puss. Milk chocolate, caramel, creaminess, black pepper, and malt. Boosted by rhetoric and expectations.
Everything one hopes at the beginning of any cigar.
I smoked two sticks along the way to this review. I was on the thin wire of being impressed or simply wondering what the fuss was about. 3 months and color me captivated.
What makes a cigar smoker nuts? Humidification. Yeah, I know there are guys who have it down cold. I’m not one of them. I fear and loathe. I fret and wish I was Taylor’s boyfriend. Why wouldn’t I want to mow down Andy if he stood in the way of true love. But seriously ladies and germs…my range of cigars in captivity are anywhere from $10-$∞.
Cigar manufacturers have made their move. Cigars are too precious to waste. Blowing out a $17 stick because it ain’t humidified correctly causes nightmares.
Strength starts at a light medium, but medium, nonetheless.
The blend tells me that with extended aging, it just might articulate the hypothesis of being a Partagas Serie D No. 4 doppelganger. And for a lot less dough.
Citrus forms notations in a balance of lemon and orange. With a slight tartness reminiscent of scratchy rind. Just a scoche of café au lait on the set in the wings. An absolute perfect amount of black pepper spiciness. Just perfect. By George, Rafael done dood it. Clearly, a serious man.
Hazelnut is nailed. Sure, writing the word before I tasted it has an influence. Smokers’ brains are totally subject to influence. It helps us learn. And isn’t that why we are here…to learn? That and to feel superior to yours truly?
A delightful richness. Lithe complexity that doesn’t bully. I love that it has its own identity. Off the top of my head, I can’t compare it to anything. Now that’s blending.
I hate this. I review a cigar that makes me fall in love and I want more in the midst of penning a tribute. What do I do. I fucking buy more before I hit the publish button. Hey…all reviewers do this. I just say it out loud. It is impossible not to stare in the face with excellence and not crave a supplemental amount to existing stores.
Medium strength. 1-1/2” burned. 30 minutes. That’s what I’m talking about. Slap that $17 cigar in the ass. Stretch it out. Elongate the impossible burning bush.
3 months of naked humidor time is a drop off point. The perfect plotz point in time to smoke your first. First instinct is to buy more. I’m slobbering.
Vanilla creaminess, caramel, hazelnut, candied citrus, beautiful floral notes, and the lightest touch of milk chocolate. An easy touch of white pepper ties the bow.
The blend stays on point with a medium strength experience. How sweet it is to be loved by you. I need the shelter of someone’s arms.
Excellent construction. A blithe spirit of incremental burn.
The halfway point comes and goes with a plomb. No stone fruit flavor whatsoever.
The second half is a wondrous affair. The limber complexity makes its move. Its shyness is dashed to the rocks as it screams like a queen on opening night. Damn that Rafael if he didn’t come through with flying colors. No remembrance if this tastes like the Serie D No. 4. Doesn’t matter. The cheese stands alone.
This is an outstanding cigar. In the wings for a rating of 89 from everyone else. Maybe a 90. Not me, my blushing bastardos.
Only 1,000 boxes of 10. A fiver at least. Regrets, I’ve had a few.
Flavors don’t expand. They increase the peace. They intensify and compound like the elements.
If you want something approximating the iconic Serie D No. 4, it means you appreciate the pretty things in life. The Altezas Reales 1871 is a good choice for trekking down that road. But don’t compare it, enjoy it.
Here’s the deal, listen up…only 1,000 boxes for each size. Released in September 2023, so who’s the beneficiary for getting that extra 18 months of box aging? You do. You’re off to the races.
You can purchase this blend from sponsor Small Batch Cigar. Take 10% off with promo code KATMAN.
RATING: 96
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Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS
Robustos are $90 for a box of 10 at CigarPage
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This has been a go to for me lately, absolutely wonderful cigar that can be had for a significant discount. Talking sub $8 if you’re patient enough, it cannot be even for that price. Thanks for putting it on my radar with that original review.
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