Partagás Serie du Connaisseur No.1 1998

[Popof4]

Here's something IMO worthy to share.

I had, for me, a rare occasion to meet with a serious connoisseur of Cuban leaf for an afternoon tasting, and ultimately had an amazing several hours of getting to know each other via sharing smokes. On my part it was an information gathering/exchange and a vast learning experience, but was secondary to the interpersonal communication. Short story long, I am a relative "newbie of the smoke". Having had a go at the 90s boom but not really acquiring much knowledge of leaf, I did not include smoke into my life, hence it was not long lived.  Six or 7 years ago my curiosity got the better and I ventured into trying what was available at B & Ms,  I don't recall what the second calling was about but at this point in my life I'm more of a "quest for knowledge" kind of guy. Being able to acquire and learn about Cuban sticks ultimately changed my perspective and increased my enjoyment on a grand scale. This sort of follows my wine road excursion to a T.   Curiosity, knowledge search, sample, data points, collect, repeat.

While the recent price adjustment has put the screws to our collective ability to collect, we are by no means excluded from savoring what we have. We, or many of us that don't have an extensive supply just do so less often, and add to our collection on a smaller scale. The host of this magnificent community has addressed a solution to the problem by introducing alternatives. It's a wonderful option. It's one attempt to conquer the problem.

My host asked if I had a preference to vitola or marque prior to my arrival. I could only offer that I've been leaning toward lancero and panetela skinneys lately.

I did not snap a shot of the smoke I sampled, I was too busy enjoying the moment. This smoke is a 38R 7.5" unbanded specimen of pure Partagas pleasure. These were sold in semi boîte nature boxes of 24 and wrapped in yellow ribbons. No bands applied until 2005 I am told. The cold draw was a perfect voluminous splash of white pepper that lingered for seconds on end. I didn't want to fire it up so the experience lasted. After a toast the flavor was all pepper on a scale I've not experienced in a CC.  I was sort of reminded of the NC peppery palate presence that I'm not very fond of. This was not that same pepper.  The flavor was there in spades, but did not burn or bite, it was a complexity, an addition to the Partagas profile. I was not expecting the power this smoke applied.  Figuring 15 years would tame a beast, not the case here. I can only guess this must have been a true behemoth early on and needing the years to mellow to this level.  Leather, soil, autumn leaves, spice, ginger. A perfect burn never  needing correction.  There was only 1 relight needed because of neglect.  It was a luxurious leaf bound leaf that was tasty a Partagas skinny to the nub. Yum is the sum. I sat for over an hour and a half sipping Bedrock Pagani Heritage 2018 which matched well with the smoke.  I'd have brought a syrah had I known the pepper factor would be the star of the show. I treasured the experience of this smoke that spent 15 years well cared for, nurtured and patiently waiting for this moment. I can't thank my friend enough for graciously sharing the smoke that he tended to for so long.

Then he threw another on the table to smoke, game not over...