Brand: General Cigar
Line: Partagas Black Label
Vitola: Bravo 4.5 x 54
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut Medio Tiempo
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium
Box Price: $84.00 (Box of 20) Buy it now.
Description: First off, I want to thank TexCigars.com for providing the cigars for this review.
The Partagas Black Label is one of the first full bodied cigars I ever smoked and it became one of my all time favorite cigars. When I saw these show up in the mail I was eager to give them another go, but also scared that my fond memories of them would be erased because my tastes have changed. After letting these rest for a couple of weeks I decided to give them a go once again. Can the "Black Beauty" of my past hold up against my new found favorites?
One thing I can not fault General Cigar on is construction as all of their cigars are well rolled. The Black Label is one of the darkest cigars on the shelves. It has a veiny and oily wrapper with no soft sports or bulges. The draw had a bit more resistance than I liked, but it was not too difficult. The unlit draw flavor had that fermented flavor reminiscent of Scotch. I know I mention Scotch quite a bit, but I like Scotch. If you don't like it, write your own reviews. Enough about that, let's see how this baby burns!
The first couple of draws off this cigar hinted back to the black peppercorn of the Partagas Black Label, but it wasn't as overpowering as I remembered. The stronger flavor of this cigar seems to be a rich blend of coffee and earth, with the pepper more in the background. The cigar is definitely much smoother than I remember also. Even though the cigar is a very dark oscuro, my fingers and lips did not end up stained by the wrapper.
About the half way point the black pepper flavor I remember developed a bit, but the predominate flavor tone was still that rich earthiness. The cigar did seem to develop unique, almost salty flavor at this point, but it was a nice subtle change. I did have to touch the burn up a little on one side, but other than that I had no problems. Even with only an inch left when I laid it down the cigar never became harsh.
Verdict: Despite all the cigars I've smoked over the past few years, this cigar is still one of my favorites. The Partagas Black Label is a good smoke for the money and from past experience I know some age can do wonders for it. I like the Bravo, but I think the Maximo is probably the best vitola out of this line.
Similar Cigars: Some other full flavored cigars that you might like if you enjoyed this one are the Camacho Diploma, EO 601 Oscuro, Torano Signature, and the Oliva Serie O.
Thanks again to TexCigars.com for providing the cigars.
Popularity: 32% [?]
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Bravo! Spot on review. I remember going thru boxes and boxes of these guys. I prefer the Classico size. :)
Thanks, I was surprised to find that I enjoy them now just as much as I did when I first smoked them. I really need to keep a few of these on hand.
Jesse,
Really glad you liked these. Wait until next month. I’ll be sending out very special Dominican cigars. If all goes well, I will be carrying them on my store. Oughta be neat!
J
Great review. The Classico is my fav out of this line, but they’re all pretty fantastic. The only thing I don’t like is the color coming off on my fingers. That ever happen to you?
I didn’t notice on the past couple I’ve smoked but I left the band on for most of the cigar.
A great review and a good list of similar reviews as well. I have a box of piramides in my humidor right now. Couldn’t describe it any better.
Chris,
Have you tried the Maximo? I still believe it is the best of the Partagas Black Labels.
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