Partagas 160 Robusto Major

[jjirons69]

Here's a little bio I found:

"In 1995 General Cigar offered an extremely limited edition cigar to commemorate the 150 years Partagas cigars have been in production- the Partagas 150. Ten years later, using the same rare, 1977 vintage Cameroon wrapper, they launched the Partagas 160 Signature Series.

These very sought-after beauties are Cigar Master Daniel Nuñez’s tribute to the legacy of his mentor, the legendary Ramón Cifuentes. Blended with Dominican Piloto Cubano and Mexican San Andres filler tobaccos, these cigars have been sorted three times to intensify the flavors of the tobaccos. The result is a cigar connoisseur’s delight; a medium bodied, well-balanced, extremely rich and creamy smoke."

Cigar: Partagas 160 Robusto Major
Size: 5.5 x 52
Price: $18-$23
Paired: Mendocino Oatmeal Stout
Time: 1.5 hours





This cigar was gifted to me years ago by a fellow PSHC member. I probably have 30 or so HTF or premium NCs and I don't smoke them often. The only NCs I buy are special deals with buddies just to have smokes on the golf course, so my stash if limited. It was a raining afternoon yesterday and after eyeing this guy for a few weeks, I decided it was time. I also thought about a little review, so here it goes.

Initial: The cigar was well-constructed, firm, and tight. It had a typical cigar smell. It wasn't that attractive, as the wrapper looked a little splotchy and faded. I guess that's to be expected given the age of the wrapper. I punched it and toasted away.



1st third: It lit great. The draw was not loose and was probably a tad tight. After a few drags and a little finger rolling, it loosened up nicely. My initial thought were very pleasing. Hype-wise, I was prepared for a big let down, another run-of-the-mill premium smoke that would for sure not make it all the way through a blind taste test. However, the taste was very smooth with a strong bread presence. There was no spice, pepper, etc. I would call it medium. The aftertastes were not long and were quite pleasing. The bread flavors were even more pronounced in the nasal exhale. Again, strange, as I don't nasal exhale the majority of NCs as I find them too harsh for my olfactory system. For several draws in this first third I picked up salt. It reminded me of the salty taste I get from Dips or Sancho Panzas. Very pronounced and a nice surprise. After that short incident, however, it was gone. I kept trying to compare this stick to others I've had. It was a unique NC in that it didn't taste like an NC. I would have to say it was very similar to a fresh PLPC. That's pretty bold for me to say, as I don't remember any NCs that directly remind me of CCs. It paired well with my oatmeal stout. No touchups.



2nd third:
The draw was much looser and just about right. No more salt, but still lots of bread. As I was getting deeper, I thought it would change to a little more fuller smoke, but it didn't. It remained smooth, and while a little stronger, would still be what I called medium. Nasal exhales were still tasty. There were more hints of wood and leather as I got deeper. It wasn't overly complex with flavors shifting every few draws, but it was enjoyable. Also noted was the absence of sweetness. It was in no way bitter or hot, but it also wasn't sweet. No touchups.