The Partagas Alphabet Series Chronicles - Young PSD4, mimosa, and cold brew

[Redgoldband]

I've been wanting to experiment with CCs and the champagne/sparkling wine in the pictures since it’s my fave for making mimosas. I initially wanted to do try a CC by itself, but ended up grilling breakfast this morning, so mimosas it was. The pairing was way better than expected, one of the best with a younger PSD4 I’ve had thus far. As the cigar neared the conclusion of the first inch of the first third, it really started to play along. Prior to, I wasn’t sure what I’d get, or what to expect. At this point, florals and baking spices came and did their fleeting dance for me. Here, I got a lowkey subtle spice aftertaste/tone that settled on the tongue well, and meshed with the mimosa quite well. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful morning: not too hot, a little breeze, good music playing from the stadium sound check down the way. The draw was very slightly tight, but improved heading into the 2/3.

2/3 is very smooth and aromatic. So far, I’m not getting that super smooth butter experience I've come to know with PSD4, but I love where it’s at and what I’m getting. 2/3 is showing me love: there's this aromatic subtle sweetness that I can exactly pin down. If only the draw and smoke output were better. Mimosa done, I switch to cold brew with heavy whipping cream. Now I'm getting a sharp retrohale with a whisp of the florals. Cold brew is like a decadent chocolate milk but it’s not doing anything for the cigar; the mimosa has been a better pairing thus far. Middle of the 2/3, the cigar is a bit sharper and darker in taste; think cocoa/dark chocolate. This may be owing to the cold brew, but the spices that settle tell me it’s the cigar.

The cigar is now in what I call a solid stage: leather with sweeter finishes here and there. It’s showing me what it’s made of, that it has a backbone and can get down to business if needed. I like it, but hoping the stick doesn’t finish on this note. So far, it’s like eating a good dessert before a steak: both are good in their own right, but palate-wise, the latter should proceed the former. At this point, I take off the band. Side note I love the Partagas series bands because they remind me of my frat colors. I wish I could get memorabilia in those colors. Back to the review. Smoke out put increases and the melange of flavors improves. The cold brew pairing pairing is helping things out now. I'm really loving where the cigar is right now. The final third is good, really good, but not the succulent, scrumptious final third of the PSD4 I’m used to. I can tell the Cigar has the makings for greatness, but age will do this one well. Getting some spices and cocoa notes as a close things out.