Popular Post Connoisseur Kim Posted February 28 Popular Post Posted February 28 After I posted the Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico review last year, I realised there were many cigars that I had yet to review in my collection. One of my cigar review project plans was to cover the short- and medium-length cigars, such as Partagás Serie D No. 4 and H. Upmann No. 2, but it fell far behind the schedule due to the global spread of COVID-19. Also, I was eager to smoke shorter cigars for a change, having not puffed on them since the Juan López Selección No. 2 and Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios reviews. Hence, I decided to review Partagás Serie D No. 4 at Ash & Bloom, a cigar lounge I had recently discovered online. Partagás Serie D No. 4 is one of the oldest Partagás cigars, having been around since the pre-1960s. It was originally released as a part of the iconic Alphabet Series (unlike today, the line featured Serie A through D and consisted of 16 different cigars: Serie A No. 1–4, Serie B No. 1–4, Serie C No. 1–4, and Serie D No. 1–4) in the 1930s for the British market. It continued to be sold even during the Cuban Revolution, but it suddenly became unavailable for some time when all Partagás Alphabet Series cigars were discontinued in the mid-1960s. Fortunately, thanks to the rise in popularity of Robustos, it reappeared in 1975 and has remained a regular production cigar in the Partagás catalogue from then. Since this Cuban Robusto is now one of the top three best-selling premium Cuban cigars, and many cigar aficionados praise the quality of current Partagás Serie D No. 4 boxes, I'm excited to try it. As I step inside Ash & Bloom, the whiskyphile cigar lounge, a large collection of whiskies immediately catches my attention. Their whisky range is so vast that they have a variety of whiskies, including Springbank, as well as rare independent bottlings and vintage whiskies that aren’t on the menu. In addition to whiskies, they also have various liquors, such as cognacs and rums. The interior is contemporary, warm, and cosy, yet it still maintains a classy atmosphere, much like any other luxurious cigar lounge. Their cigar storage vessel is a small desktop humidor on the bar counter, which contains both Cuban and non-Cuban cigars for their customers. There are designated indoor and outdoor cigar zones at the B&M, and I opted to puff on my Robusto on their cigar balcony, as the weather was cool enough for enjoying cigars outside. What I like the most about the cigar lounge is the owner's deep cigar pairing knowledge; he recommended Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 25 and 1980s White Horse (an unexpected welcome drink) when I asked him what would be suitable to pair with. Partagás Serie D No. 4 starts with the signature Partagás pepper, spice, and tobacco blast, along with earth, hay, cream, and the classic Cuban twang. As the cigar progresses, the taste shifts into a rich yet mellow blend of bitter chocolate, cocoa, and coffee; cedar, leather, and wood; toasted almonds and nuts; and roasted paprika. At the end of the cigar, it transforms into a smoky, delicately fruity, and subtly sweet profile, resembling sweet potatoes and a mug of aged Lapsang Souchong black tea. Overall, it's a bold, complex, and outstanding cigar, exhibiting all the characteristics that every full-bodied Cuban cigar should have. For those who are familiar with me, I've always preferred longer cigars, as I find them more enjoyable and relaxing than shorter ones. However, despite being only three years old (SOR OCT 21), the Robusto offers a fantastic Partagás experience without any harshness, making me wish it were a little longer. I can see why recent Partagás Serie D No. 4 productions (since 2020) are considered one of the rising stars these days. It's indeed a "Magnificent" (4/5) standard-sized Robusto! Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 25 begins with intense and powerful salt, smoke, wood, hay, malt, oak, butterscotch, caramel, and raisin notes at the nosing stage. Then, as I sip this renowned Campbeltown single malt whisky, a mixture of sweet, syrupy, and smooth almond, chestnut, nuts, dark chocolate, orange, mango, cinnamon, honey, red grape, liquorice, citrus, coconut, vanilla, spices, and pepper explodes in the mouth with a spicy kick. At the end, the whisky delivers a delicate and pleasant medium-long finish with lingering notes of berry, cedar, tobacco, and toffee, as well as a slight hint of salty seawater. I've never had either cask strength whiskies or peated whiskies before. However, I'm impressed that it's surprisingly delightful, fantastic, and well-balanced despite its high alcohol content (57.2%). What makes it even better is it perfectly blends both Oloroso sherry and Bourbon casks without ruining their unique characteristics—a feat that is challenging to achieve. This demonstrates why Springbank is among the most prestigious Scotch single malt whisky distilleries. Hopefully, Springbank single malt whiskies will be more widely accessible across the world in the future! In contrast to Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 25, White Horse from the 1980s opens up with bright and fresh banana, smoke, malt, pear, lemon, and honey fragrances at the nosing stage. Then, as I sip this vintage blended Scotch whisky, a mixture of light and subtle cinnamon, sugar, wood, vanilla, salt, tarts, medicinal herbs, smoked cheese, mango, and dragon fruit gently coats the mouth with a slight hint of underlying citrus. At the end, the whisky delivers a smooth and spicy medium finish with lasting notes of oak, orange, and custard, as well as sweetness and smokiness. Although I preferred Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 25, I still find this White Horse special and captivating, as it's my first vintage whisky experience, and its blend is based on Lagavulin, one of the Scotch single malt whiskies I've yet to try. Besides, it tastes better than Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old, one of the most unmemorable whiskies I've ever had. I can't wait to sample Lagavulin 16-Year-Old from the 1980s because it differs from the current Lagavulin 16-Year-Old in terms of taste—much like the White Horse! Spending time at Ash & Bloom is an absolutely satisfying cigar lounge experience. The comfortable ambience of this cigar lounge, along with access to the cigar balcony, allows me to do a cigar review in a relaxed manner under the autumn night sky. I really like the fact that they have such an extensive collection of whiskies, and the owner is well-versed in cigar pairings. Additionally, they permit me to bring my own cigar by paying the BYOC fee, which is particularly important for those seeking BYOC-friendly cigar B&Ms, like me. Even though it's located farther away, I'd love to visit again, and I highly recommend this whiskyphile cigar lounge to anyone who wants to enjoy cigars in a legitimate whisky haven. Address: 44, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Hours: Mon-Sun 18:00-02:00 (6:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.) Phone: 010-8975-1591 Cigar Corkage: 20,000 KRW/cigar (has discount of KRW 5,000 per drink) Cover Charge: Free of charge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashnbloomlounge/ Note. This cigar review was held on October 13, 2024. It took 1 hour and 20 minutes to puff on Partagás Serie D No. 4, which was 5 minutes longer than my usual smoking time for Robustos. There are more rooms on the second floor, but it's strictly reserved for groups (e.g. big cigar herf). As I mentioned above, their whisky selection is so diverse, that you might be able to try some rare bottles that aren't on the menu. 30 5
SirVantes Posted February 28 Posted February 28 Another superb Kimfessions instalment. And that looks like one great whisky bar! 1
Connoisseur Kim Posted February 28 Author Posted February 28 4 minutes ago, SirVantes said: Another superb Kimfessions instalment. And that looks like one great whisky bar! Thanks, @SirVantes! It's indeed one great whisky bar in Seoul. I've never seen a cigar lounge with such an extensive collection of whiskies in my life 👍 1
HuffnPuffff Posted February 28 Posted February 28 Great review of both the cigar, the drinks and the venue. Many thanks for sharing!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1
Connoisseur Kim Posted February 28 Author Posted February 28 1 minute ago, HuffnPuffff said: Great review of both the cigar, the drinks and the venue. Many thanks for sharing! Much appreciated, @HuffnPuffff! Like PSD4, both the venue and drinks were totally fantastic. I can say that Springbank 12 CS #25 was a well-balaced and delicious dram with a huge confidence 👍 1
HenryMartin Posted February 28 Posted February 28 Really enjoyed reading this review. The place looks fantastic, saved in my maps in case I get to visit Seoul. Thank you for sharing. 1
Connoisseur Kim Posted February 28 Author Posted February 28 Just now, HenryMartin said: Really enjoyed reading this review. The place looks fantastic, saved in my maps in case I get to visit Seoul. Thank you for sharing. Much appreciated, @HenryMartin! I'm sure you'll also have a great time at this wonderful cigar B&M when you travel to my country 😃 2
JohnS Posted February 28 Posted February 28 I just wanted to say thank you, on behalf a great number of members here, for taking the time to write-up this excellent review, @Connoisseur Kim! 1
MagicalBikeRide Posted February 28 Posted February 28 Thanks for the write up @Connoisseur Kim. Looks like a super venue 👌 1
Connoisseur Kim Posted March 1 Author Posted March 1 4 hours ago, JohnS said: I just wanted to say thank you, on behalf a great number of members here, for taking the time to write-up this excellent review, @Connoisseur Kim! 3 hours ago, MagicalBikeRide said: Thanks for the write up @Connoisseur Kim. Looks like a super venue 👌 2 hours ago, westg said: Wow. An amazing 👏 review. Great pics as well. Thankyou Thanks, @JohnS @MagicalBikeRide @westg! Both the venue and PSD4 were memorable and fantastic indeed 😃 2
Chucko8 Posted March 2 Posted March 2 Well done Kim. An outstanding review and write up! Very enjoyable read. 1
Connoisseur Kim Posted March 2 Author Posted March 2 12 hours ago, Edicion said: Great review and amazing place! 11 hours ago, Chucko8 said: Well done Kim. An outstanding review and write up! Very enjoyable read. Much appreciated, @Edicion @Chucko8! It's definitely an amazing place to enjoy both cigars and whisky 👍 2 1
Connoisseur Kim Posted March 3 Author Posted March 3 15 hours ago, joeypots said: Great review, Kim. Makes me want a D4 right now. Thanks, @joeypots! Honestly, I didn't expect that D4 to be this great as longer cigars. I'm sure you'll enjoy D4, just like me. 1
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