Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
full-bodied
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The Partagas 8-9-8, an iconic Cuban cigar, presents itself with a dark chocolate-colored wrapper, featuring a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Its construction is impeccable, the cigar feels firm to the touch, a testament to meticulous rolling, while the pre-light aromas that escape promise complexity and richness.
Upon lighting, an aromatic blend of earth, fruits, and a hint of salt manifests. As the cigar evolves, it gradually reveals notes of walnut and sweet floral aromas, signaling a beautiful progression. Indeed, each draw becomes an exploration, sometimes spicy, sometimes leaning towards roasted, all while maintaining a typical Partagas signature.
On the palate, one experiences a gentle voluptuousness. The first third begins with earthy notes, followed by a savory development with hints of nuts and a touch of coffee, offering a surprisingly rich mouthfeel. The second third, while retaining that earthiness, begins to incorporate roasted nuances, evolving into a final segment where more powerful and peppery accents emerge, making the experience captivating and harmonious.
The finish is marked by a pleasant sensation in the mouth, where a gentle warmth lingers without being overwhelming, promising a rather long finish. Your palate will be enchanted by this fascinating balance between strength and sweetness, making the Partagas 8-9-8 a unique cigar that will appeal to discerning smokers.
This cigar, best enjoyed after a good meal, pairs deliciously with an intense black coffee or a peaty whiskey, offering a moment of pleasure and reflection, transporting you into the lush aromatic universe of Cuba.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar showcases a beautiful aromatic complexity and meticulous construction. Its earthy and spicy notes, accompanied by a delightful evolution on the palate, make it an essential choice for fans of full-bodied cigars. Its warm finish and excellent balance are captivating, leaving a lasting impression. An experience not to be missed.
How to taste: Partagas 8-9-8
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1.Visual Examination
The Partagas 8-9-8 stands out with its colorado wrapper, a shiny reddish-brown that is slightly oily, a characteristic of Habanos. Its construction is very beautiful, and its Dalias format, with a length of 169.9 mm (6¾") and a ring gauge of 43, gives it an elegant appearance.
This first visual impression allows for an assessment of the craftsmanship quality and sets expectations regarding the aromas and development of the cigar.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, inhaling the aromas provides insight into the notes that are to come. For the Partagas 8-9-8, one perceives nuances of damp earth, spices, and pepper, accompanied by hints of coffee.
This step allows for anticipation of the aromatic palette that will develop during tasting and sharpens attention to details during lighting.
3.The Cut
The standard cut under the cap should be done cleanly to prepare for the draw. Ensure that the cut is sharp to avoid damaging the wrapper.
A precise cut guarantees a consistent draw and prevents combustion issues that could detract from the tasting experience.
4.Cold Draw
Testing the cold draw with the Partagas 8-9-8 reveals remarkable ease, indicating good airflow through the cigar.
An adequate draw suggests harmonious combustion and allows for starting the tasting on a positive note, without undesirable surprises.
5.Lighting
Lighting should be done evenly to avoid canoeing. Take care to toast the foot of the cigar until a nice ember is achieved.
A careful lighting prevents asymmetric combustion issues that could disrupt the evolution of aromas during tasting.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the Partagas 8-9-8 reveals marked strength accompanied by dominant aromas of damp earth, spices, and pepper, while offering a medium smoke volume.
This initial phase is crucial for appreciating the powerful character of the cigar while allowing its aromas time to balance.
7.Second Third
At this stage, the cigar blossoms, and secondary aromas of nuts, fruits, and vanilla begin to emerge, bringing a beautiful complexity.
The evolution of flavors in the middle of the tasting allows for a full appreciation of the blend's balance, revealing the blender's mastery.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the gray ash testifies to the quality of the tobacco, while a slight warmth lingers in the mouth, offering a beautiful aromatic complexity with notable finish.
The finish is a key moment to evaluate the depth of the aromas and the overall quality of the cigar, an indicator of the overall experience.