Partagas Short TSM MAR 19 (BPCRW)

[saltbox]

Stored at 62RH, just over 4 months of rest, 1 year 8 months box age. I've accumulated a couple boxes of Partagas Shorts now as they've been excellent short smokes, and no meetings in the days leading up to Christmas means time to grab a quick smoke to start the day.

This box in particular has been a bit problematic. The cigars have been great on flavor but consistently solidly plugged. Either the entire factory needs some more training or this box somehow ended up with the work of one roller that was overly enthusiastic with the bunching, and my PerfecDraw isn't always able to win the battle.

First third: yep, this one is crazy plugged too, but getting the PerfecDraw in about halfway in from the head gets the draw to a reasonable, if not still tight, point. Opens with nice smooth creamy twang and that nice paprika note. This cigar leans a bit more towards the savory end instead of sweet, but otherwise consistent with the rest of the box so far.

Middle third: More of that nice creamy paprika, but a surprisingly complex third for a short smoke. Coffee appears on the retrohale at one point. Some nuttiness enters and takes on a cashew like flavor with the creaminess. Occasional red bell pepper notes on the finish. Peppery spice starts to pick up.

Last third: More of the same: cream, twang, cashews, spice, and paprika.

Overall: great consistent Partagas flavor, and unfortunately consistent (for the box) ridiculously tight draw. On the bright side, I've gotten my money's worth in terms of tobacco mass at least. 87/100