Expert: James Yee - 1/7/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

I smoked a Partagas about a week ago, and was warned that these are strong and spicy, yet the Coronas Senior was creamy and smooth with very little spice. I'm confused as all the research online I have found contradicts what I tasted, I check my cigars carefully, and I  don't think it was a fake.

Could you shed some light on this for me?

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Craig,

Partagas is commonly known for having medium-to-full bodied cigars but many of Partagas' smaller cigars are more mild-to-medium bodied.  Larger Partagas cigars such as the Lusitania (double corona), Serie D No. 4 (robusto) and Churchill contain more tobacco which creates a richer, more in-depth flavour while smaller cigars uses less tobacco and has a less defined flavour profile.

It's not uncommon for smaller, thinner cigars in any brand to taste more mild than the larger counterparts.  The Partagas Coronas Senior being creamy and smooth sounds just about right.

I hope this helps.  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi James,

I was in Montreal last week and had a chance to try the Serie D No. 4 and I have to tell you it is now my favourite Cuban cigar, I think I even enjoyed it more than the Cohiba (Siglo I & II).

Can you tell which other CC have a similar flavour profile as the Serie D No. 4

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Craig,

Glad to hear you liked the Serie D4.  It's one of my favourites too.  If you liked the D4, you should also try the Partagas Churchill & Lusitania, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, Ramon Allones Specially Selected and San Cristobal La Fuerza.

I hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi James,

Just wanted to tell you thanks for your advice.

I do believe I have found my profile and favourites now. I was able to try and really enjoy the following cigars...

Vega Robainas Unicos, Partages Serie D No. 4, Montecristo Edmundo, San Cristobal La Punta, Partagas Serie P No. 2, Cohiba Robusto and a Vegas Ronaina Famosos.

I also tried the following, but was not as impressed...
HdM - Epicure No. 2 (Draw too tight), Partagas Serie E No. 2 (Not as good as the Serie D & P), H. Upmann Magnum 50 (Spicier than I prefer).

Are there any others you think I should try?

Thanks
Craig

Answer
Hi Craig,

Don't mention it, I'm happy to help. :)

If you like Vegas Robaina and San Cristobal, be sure to try the Robaina Don Alejandro and San Cristobal El Morro.

Sorry to hear about the bad Hoyo Epicure #2 but they're still worth a try.  You should also try the HdM double corona and churchill.  Sometimes you may be lucky and find a really dark, oily batch of Hoyo double coronas, these are the best.  They're just rich with flavour (similar to the Robaina and San Cristobal profile) and the abundance of oils is excellent for longterm aging (which brings out the flavours even more).

Another excellent brand is Bolivar.  Give the Bolivar Belicoso Finos and Royal Coronas a try and see if you like them.

Regards,
James