COHIBA CORONAS ESPECIALE - 1998

Filler - Cuba, Binder - Cuba, Wrapper - Cuba, 6.5 x 42 This slim, mature cigar bore a dusty teak-coloured wrapper airbrushed with tiny diamonds of plume and wore a delicate, lacy web of minute veins that were feint enough to give the illusion of being painted on. The band slipped effortlessly over the head of this cigar, the girth of which had obviously diminished with the passage of time. Masterful construction was evident in the firm, even roll and the perfectly executed cap; the signature pigtail cocked at a jaunty angle after being freed from its elegant pressboard capsule. The pre-light scents of mild cedar and aged tobacco wafted up as I turned the cylinder in my fingers, silken wrapper smooth to the touch. Once the cap fell to the sharp blade of the cutter, the draw was revealed to be perfectly resistant and, before the flicker of flame was brought near, the elegant flavours of exotic spice and a mild tickle on the lips presaged the melodious blend.

The waver of the match, cupped against the morning breeze, sought the end of the cigar and with gentle ease a full, even light was summoned. Comfortable, relaxing and inviting, the flavour trickled forth, a subdued mélange of dried citrus peel, oriental tea leaves - dark and tannic - and a hint of honeyed wild oat. The subtle finish left pleasant remembrance of the cedar aging and a clean cool feel of tobacco tingling in the mouth, tapering slowly with the passage of time. A meticulously even burn marched steadily up the length of the stick, each draw leaving a dark circle around the ash like the rings within a tree, collectively chronicling the story of an epic smoking episode. Halfway into the luxurious experience the flavour deepened and strengthened, enhanced with harmonious nuances of dark bakers chocolate and sage. The high teasing notes of wildflowers and pleasant vitality of cardamom flitted in to expand the sophisticated flavour.

Enjoyed on a warm sunny day, the gentle bay breeze and calming melodies of smooth jazz flowed along with the low splashing of a fountain and offered a delightful background for the experience. Sweet, alluring and pervasive, the aroma of the burning cigar reached out, its tendrils spreading around the deck area and seemingly chasing away any negative energy. In the final few inches, the rich, medium strength of the blend quickened my pulse as the warm embrace of heady spices began to fill in the core. As the cigar dwindled in size each new draw was an electrifying bolt of kaleidoscopic savouriness. The zest of the cigar was a perfect complement to my mid-morning meal, spicy fresh tomato bisque and a plate of balsamic sautéed onions and mozzarella cheese with toast points. I smoked this cigar to the very nub and the final puffs left a warm, gratifying finish that cemented the utter brilliance of the blend.

A magnificent smoking experience that is not often duplicated, the narrow gauge and masterful execution created a cigar that aged perfectly and came dangerously close to perfection. Highly recommended.

OVERALL SCORE: 17/30

PARTAGAS SERIE D NO. 4

At 4 7/8" long, with a ring gauge of 50, the Partagas Serie D No.4 is a cigar of classic Robusto proportions. The typical D4 has a chocolate coloured, almost oily wrapper, and is firmly built (albeit responsive to a gentle squeeze), with very little surface vein.

I find the D4 an easy cigar to light, and one that burns well; there is no unevenness, and, because the draw is free and consistent, you don't need to puff too frequently or too hard to keep it alight. As a result, it does not burn too hot, which, in turn, means that there is not the bitterness that can be found with some Robustos. It also means that the D4 produces a satisfyingly long, very light grey, firmly packed ash.

Each easy draw fills the mouth with a good volume of slightly sweet smelling, bluish smoke, which is where the real fun starts: the D4 is, to my mind, of medium strength (although I know that many consider it to be strong), both in terms of the flavours and the tobacco 'punch.' The main attraction of this cigar is the way in which the flavour 'evolves.' On lighting, there is a rush of intense nutty flavour, with a touch of peppery spice. After a while, this subsides to woody then earthy notes. Towards the end, it becomes even sweeter, moving into subtle cut grass tones.

Throughout, the flavours blend seamlessly, producing a complex but accessible taste; that is to say, it is a cigar that can be enjoyed by newcomers to smoking, but is also one which has enough depth to bring a connoisseur back time and again.

Near the start of this review, I referred to "the typical D4," and I meant it - the very fact that these cigars are so consistent (in every respect, not just its physical characteristics) is another of the brand's strengths - at around £250 a box, you like to know what you're getting.

All-in-all, this is a reliably well-balanced and tasty smoke, of an ideal size and strength to round off a good meal.

OVERALL SCORE: 27.5/30

PARTAGAS SERIE D NO. 3

Initial Impressions 9/10
Nice oil-laden dark wrapper leaf as anticipated from all the previous 'Ediciòn Limitadas'. The D3 oozes a lovely 'old leather briefcase' aroma which is quite delicate. I let Casa perform the selection for me. There was absolutely no fault with the initial appearance. The wrapper is evenly toned and the vitola is definitely well constructed. If I had to be pedantic about aesthetics I would be frowning about a miniscule amount of excess gum on the secondary 'Ediciòn Limitada' band that had polluted the wrapper and that the Partagas band didn't have enough gum so it came off in my hand upon picking it up. However, I care more about how it smokes than how it looks! As expected the limited edition band shows 2006 to distinguish it from the previous incarnation in 2001.

Upon Lighting 8/10
A powerful but refined start. Like a nice sports car you can tell that the cigar is idling and there will be a lot more to come once you put your foot down. The initial draws produce a nice bitterness. Somewhat akin to the aroma of freshly over-roasted roasted coffee beans with an espresso con panna finish. There is just a small hint of its immaturity, however this isn't enough to distract from the taste. Additionally it serves as a flag to signal that this cigar will probably be a great smoke in 6 to 12 months when it has had time to settle.

Middle 7/10
A good full round flavour develops a few inches into this smoke. However, the aftertaste has become rather hollow with a single strong flavour rather than majestic blend of tastes. The burn is exceptionally even but the ash is strangely 'flaky' in appearance with uneven colour. Personally, I don't often pay attention to ash but in this case it has just struck me as slightly unusual.

The smoke itself dissipates regally in a satisfying golden brown tinge. However, I suspect that this is more due to the effects of coloured halogen lights and it just adds to the enjoyment.

To my surprise, just past the half way mark the other flavours suddenly catch up and I begin to detect a more balanced blend in the smoke. It's as if the filler leaves have heard me and just bungeed back into life to balance the void on the hollow aftertaste.

The End 8/10
This cigar just keeps improving. It's a shame that it didn't do so earlier. With 2 inches left, the usual harshness that heralds the end of a cigar has still not appeared. This one vitola to smoke until the burning sensation of the fingertips forces you to resign.

Conclusion 8/10
I am smoking this cigar following a post-lunch sandwich rather than the conclusion of a grand three course dinner. Nevertheless, it provides as satisfying strong taste and is a great alternative to the Partagas D1 if you want a shorter smoke. If you're a Partagas fan, this is definitely one to try now. If you like them I would buy a box and lay them down in your keep for an excellent smoke this time next year. If your partner objects, conceive your first child now, so that you have a great excuse to smoke a box on the birth in nine months time.

OVERALL SCORE: 23.5/30