Partagas Lusitania (Box Date 2001?)

I am not sure about the box date on this one, but the belief is that it comes from a 2001 box. The cigar is breathtaking to behold. Big, firm and leathery this cigar has not a single visual flaw anywhere on the wrapper. The wrapper is oily, the construction is tight and the only problem is that the foot has frayed a bit. The pre light aroma is of spice and cedar. The pre light draw is of clove and raisin.

The cigar begins with a subtle, yet complex profile, of clove, spice and raisin. At the back of the palate there is a fine dusting of leathery flavor that adds to the experience. The draw is a bit tight, but I expect that of Habanos. The burn is sharp and there is an approximately one eighth inch shoulder between the wrapper and ash. I settle in for a long smoke.

The first quarter of the cigar burns well, but continues to draw a bit tight. The profile has settled into a nice mix of leather, spice and clove. There are very satisfying notes of toasted wood and a cedary sweetness through the nose and at the back of the palate. The ash is a dirty gray, but is very firm, holding to nearly two inches.

At the halfway point the profile develops even further. There are core notes of leather, spice and cedar, but there are some vanilla notes as well that have added to the complexity of the smoke. Through the nose I am still experiencing some beautiful notes of toasted wood. The burn is still excellent and the ash is firm and strong.

The third quarter of the cigar maintains a core of leather and spice, but the vanilla flavors have become more prominent. The cedar notes and toasted wood continue to show through as well and this cigar is showing a lot of cat and mouse subtlety for such a large vitola. Most people typically expect a big cigar to be in your face. The come hither disposition of this cigar is a surprise, and a pleasant one. The draw is still a touch tight and it causing some heat in the smoke.

The final quarter of the cigar really hits home. The profile becomes a final rush of powerful leathery and cedar notes. There is still some sweetness at the back of the palate, but the core leathery flavor dominates.

The finish is long and smooth. It holds a profile of leather and cedar for many minutes. I smoked this over a two and three quarter hour period and I can say I would have gladly spent double that time smoking a cigar of this quality.

Appearance- 97 one of the finest looking cigars I have seen
Taste- 96 an excellent profile that was very complex, some of the flavors could have used some more depth
Construction- 88 the tight draw and the resulting heat cause a reduction here
Strength- 92 a medium/full offering that compliments the profile well, but could have shown more power
Overall- 93.25 a fabulous smoke of very high quality, without the draw issues it would have been classic