Cigar Czars

 

Review of Partagas Anejo Cigar

By: Gary Manelski

Partagas Anejo is a seasonal barber pole cigar that began shipping to retailers during March 2022. These cigars are made in Dominican Republic with both 1998 Cameroon and 2013 Connecticut Shade wrapper leaves, a Dominican binder, and a blend of Dominican and Mexican filler tobaccos. The cigars are available in only two sizes, a Petit Robusto (4.5 x 49) and an Esplendido (4.5 x 60), which sell for $6.99 and $7.49, respectively. For more information, please see the press release.

Both Partagas Anejo vitolas are a relatively short 4½ inches in length due to the size of the Cameroon wrapper leaves. By looking at the picture of one of the sample Petit Robustos, it is obvious that the large band on the cigar would eventually have to be removed in order to continue smoking beyond the first 1½ inches. When doing so, be careful not to damage the wrappers.

The sample Partagas Anejo Petit Robusto cigars began with a mild-to-medium body and flavor, which had a hint of spice. After a the first few puffs, I noticed a nutty flavor which was eventually joined by a creamy taste as the spice began to fade. After 15 to 20 minutes into the smoke, a leather flavor also emerged. The combination of these flavors was very enjoyable until the end, and worthy of a very good 4-point rating (for flavor only) out of a possible five points.

It took me 35-40 minutes to smoke the Petit Robusto cigars down to about 1½ inches remaining. During that time, the cigars needed 3 or 4 touch-ups and a couple of relights (which may have affected the flavor). Some barber pole cigars do not burn very evenly, and may require a little effort to keep them going. However, with cigars this short, the amount of effort that was required detracted from the overall (and short) smoking experience. In addition, although the draw was good, the cigars did not hold a very long ash due to all the burn issues. Therefore, a reduction in my overall rating to a net of 3.75 points on a 5-point scale was made because of the issues noted.

UPDATE:
After smoking one more Partagas Anejo Petit Robusto about a week after this review, I was surprised to find that the cigar burned perfectly, without needing any touch-ups nor relights. The flavor also exhibited hints of a natural tobacco sweetness during the second half, and the cigar's true flavors were not hampered by any burn issues. Being handmade products, it is not unusual for cigars in the same batch or box to smoke a bit differently, with some brands being more consistent than others. Anyway, a superior rating of 4.25 points was warranted for this one last sample.


Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer.

Partagas Anejo Petit Robusto Cigar
Partagas Anejo Petit Robusto Cigar

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