Originally Posted by
craig
Partagas 8-9-8 Cabinet Selección Barnizados (barnizados=varnished (box)) NOV 08.
When I smoked a couple of these four years ago, my notes were, "underwhelming, lacking in strength and richness." I even bought another one of similar age from my local B&M to compare just in case my box were fakes.
My patience has been rewarded.
Holy F*CK this is a good cigar!
I know people like the 'new' Partagas taste of the SD#4 and SP#2 - and I like those cigars too - but I understand now why the head of Partagas said a few years ago that the 8-9-8 varnished was the best cigar the factory made.
Imagine the best 1926 natty that you've had. This cigar is sort of like that - but more refined and just plain better (and, like a typical Cuban, a tighter roll... it can only be sipped).
Definitely one of the best cigars that I have ever smoked. :-).