Line: Black LabelLength x Ring Gauge: 5 1/5 x 50 Crystal
Country of Origin: Filler: Nicaraguan; Binder: Dominican Republic; Wrapper: Connecticut Broad leaf
Strength: Full Bodied
Date: March 2, 2013
Notes:
As a personal preference, I enjoy full-bodied cigars in the winter. The best therapy for plummeting temperatures and cold dry air that accompanies a typical New York City winter is a rich maduro cigar. The dense plume and rich aroma quickly overtake the senses and deliver you away from the frigid cold. Naturally a full bodied cigar needs the company of a full-bodied drink. In the past, I would recommend a nice cabernet sauvignon. This time around, I decided to be a tad adventurous and give some bourbons a spin.
I have been on a bourbon kick recently. Having been introduced to Woodfood Reserve and Buffalo Trace, I have embraced this truly American spirit with full enthusiasm. Yesterday at Lexington Bar and Books, I enjoyed the Partagas Black Label Crytsal cigar with a Woodford Reserve on the rocks, followed by a bourbon (Knob Creek) Manhattan. The Partagas Black Label was very rich. Daniel Nunez truly created a maduro masterpiece constructed from Dominican, Nicaraguan and American tobacco. At the beginning of the smoke, there is a "woody" subtlety that complements the Woodford reserve. As the experience continues, the taste becomes more complex. A bourbon Manhattan augments this complexity. Your head is swimming with nicotine and alcohol goodness. The taste of the cigar with the Manhattan, the sight of the plume and the smell of the bouquet transports you away from the bitter NYC cold.
Overall, this cigar is among my favorites. It is full bodied and packs a punch. It is a very well constructed cigar with an even burn and white ash. Its definitely a seasonal cigar. I cannot imagine smoking this during the heat and humidity of summer... I consider this cigar better suited for "winter" therapy.
Overall: 8.5/10.
