Partagas Cifuentes Enero cigar sampler

Partagas Cifuentes Enero cigar review

3/8/2023

Partagas has been making these lower priced smokes for like 10+ years.  I bought a few boxes a while back, like probably 10 years ago.  This one is from that batch.  I had to look this one up and I really couldn't believe these are still available.  

They were about $3 each back then and about $5 now.  

It's an all Dominican puro with Corojo wrapper.

Pretty mild at first.  Has that classic first Dominican flavor of sweet graham cracker flavor that has a papery and cedary taste.  

I guess some describe this as creamy.  To me it's a little too much bite to call creamy.  It is mild but has some strong aftertaste.  Good aftertaste of sweetness and some spice. But still kind of has a slight bite instead of just flavors left on your tongue.  

Yeah I know I'm being a little too critical for a lower priced cigar, but you need know what you are getting for 5 bucks. 

You are getting a great rolled cigar from some fine rollers and blenders, but don't expect a great cigar.  Got to pay a little more.  Don't expect a big name brand to sell a cigar for half the cost of their flagship brands and be on the same level.  I enjoy these, but don't expect it to be as intriguing as a classic Partagas.  But for the price, it will satisfy.  

Better than some more expensive  brands.  Just check my reviews. 

Great burning cigar.  Yeah, mine have some age and these age very well.  I remember these tasting great when new and taste great now. 

Now it has both smoothed out and has starting delivering some strong flavors of charred oak, spice, and cedar sweetness.  A little bit too much of charred oak for me, but still good.  

The draw is very loose and allows it to get as much flavor as you want.  And I'm in for 45 minutes now with 2 inches to go.  Now I remember why I like this one.  Yeah, it not perfect, but it is easy draw with smooth smoke, some interesting transitions, never burns hot, and keeps burning good and long.

Kind of earthy tasting now. Lots of transition.  Still smooth.  Hints of sweetness and spice.  More medium to full now.  

Bit of rough taste but still satisfying.  Maybe it's because my 10 year old wrapper has cracked, but still tasting pretty good. Burns great, but the fragile wrapper is falling apart. 

I haven't touched it up once.  And the finish is just right.  

For a budget smoke, you can't go wrong.  I haven't smoked a recent one, but if they are the same, it's a good deal.  I think I have a couple left.  When I run out, I'll revisit.  For now, I'll enjoy this one.  

Overall: 88

Flavor 87, complexity 90, burn 90, experience 88, value 90.