Partagas Lusitanias ECA JUL 02

[Philc2001]

Cigar: Partagas Lusitanias

Code: ECA JUL 02

Format: Prominente (double corona)

Size: 194mm (7.6 inches) x 49

Date: 09/11/2016

The Lusitania owes its name to the ill fated RMS Lusitania, the British luxury ocean liner sunk by a German U-Boat during WWI. On May 7th, 1915 enroute from New York to Liverpool, England the Lusitania was hit by an exploding torpedo off the coast of Ireland, and sank in a scant 20 minutes. 1,100 of the 1,900 passengers and crew perished that day, including 120 Americans. Though it would take another two years before the US officially entered WW I, the sinking of the Lusitania played a key role in turning public opinion against Germany, in the US and around the world.

The Partagas Lusitanias are available in 25-count dress box, which is where this 7.6 inch specimen originated, and in 50-count cabinets. In 2006 they also became available in 10-count dress boxes.

Cold draw was perfect, dispatching little taste or aroma. Fire from my torch lighter quickly formed a nice cherry at the foot, and the episode was on. Early flavor was mild, with some sweet pepper and cedar, while the aroma was notably light as was the smoke volume. But within an inch or so the character of the cigar was enriched with a big dose of earth, rich toasted tobacco, and creamy smoothness.

As the first third gave way to the second, the distinct Cuban twang I so covet came out in spades. A marvelous aroma of rich loamy earth with that intoxicating barnyard tone that is so elusive in modern Cuban cigars. There are flowery and sweet spice undertones that give this cigar a creamy flavor that stands out as much for its uniqueness as its balance of everything that is good in Cuban tobacco of this pedigree. It is so captivating that I have virtually tuned out the Packers and Jaguars football game.

Though not overly complex, this cigar has such a pleasing character, full of rich flavors and aromas. While smoking this Lusitania I was struck by how well measured and balanced this blend is, and how expertly this cigar was rolled. Although it went out on me a couple of times, which I attribute mostly to my wineador being a tad too humid from this hot and humid summer, I was in awe of the superior tobaccos that were used in its making. It is a shining example of the expertise possessed by the farmers, blenders and rollers of this great cigar.

Smoking past the midsection, I am little surprised that after 14 years of nap time this cigar has lost none of its medium bodied flavor, and gracefully improved in smoothness and richness. As the fans whir overhead, doing their best to move the saturated air, I am fixated on a memorable smoking experience. Although I have to keep a rag nearby to wipe my brow, nothing can deter me from savoring this intoxicating aroma and smooth creamy flavor. The only break I permitted myself is a brief moment to cool off as I fetched a bottle of Zephyrhills sparkling water to dampen my pallate.

In the final third the cigar started to exhibit a bit more spice and a hint of black pepper in the finish that tingled my tongue, but not in a distracting manner. The flavor and aroma have remained remarkably consistent throughout the cigar. Turning my attention to the game, the Packers pulled out a win by the skin on their teeth, and now my hapless Dolphins have taken the field in Seattle.

As I savor the last couple of inches of this magnificent cigar, essence of sweet pepper, cumin, basil and rich earth dominate the forefront, while nuances of cookie dough, vanilla, and smoldering sweet wood add to the masterful creamy balance. It is so enjoyable that it has completely diverted my attention from footbal, and I am just noticing the Seahawks were up by 3 as the Dolphins tied it up. Finally at the halftime break in the game I laid the last inch and a half to rest in the ash tray.

I was worried when I first sparked this large impressive and somewhat intimidating vitola because the temperature outside in the shade was over 90df, and the humidity was so thick you could almost spread it with a knife. But once it got rolling it took hold of me and held me captive throughout the 2+ hours it took to finish it.

A week after smoking a truly outstanding 1999 Partagas Lonsdale, which I deemed near perfect but for some niggling burn issues, this Lusitania has given the Lonsdale a serious run for the title of best Partagas ever. The two cigars are very different, with the Lonsdale demonstrating a very complex multi-layered flavor profile, with a very unique sweet and flowery aroma. But the Lusitania brings it on with smoothness and cream like no other. With the demise of the Lonsdale since 2002, I now confirm the Lusitanias as the standing flagship of the Partagas marquee, and I think this is a sentiment shared by many. It is a testament of the pride and dedication of the Cuban people who poured their soul into it.

It has been said that you don't truly know how good a Cuban cigar can be until you've smoked a Partagas Lusitania at its best. I can certainly vouch for that statement. This cigar is a classic example of the best Cuba has to offer. A 9.5 out of 10 on my personal scale. An experience I will truly look forward to again, soon.

In closing, I wish to honor the souls of those who fell 15 years ago in the 9/11 attacks. May God have mercy and welcome them into the kingdom of heaven.

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[Dimmers]

a lovely review thanks!

[TheMonk]

Lovely review, one what is usually a fabulous cigar indeed. Well done!

[Bob M]

Big time review! I love the Lusitanias as well!


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[westg]

Great review ..thanks

[eswary]

Still one of my favorites. They have changed alittle over the years, but so have I. Thanks for the review, well done!


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[JZBdano]

Great review for a great cigar.  Thank you

[Sean3]

Love the ending tribute.