Connoisseur’s Corner: Partagás Lusitania (1995)
The cigar looks like a slab of chocolate, with a dark and oily wrapper that has texture like silk. With more than 27 years of age, it starts off dry, a bit earthy, almost gravelly, then warms and opens up, becoming ever richer. The draw requires just a bit of work, but the burn is exceptionally even. The tangy wood note gives way to raisin paste, cocoa powder and a touch of sweet baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s leather in here too, a tapestry of rich flavors that go on and on. Quite a memorable cigar. —David Savona
Dark and alluring, with a silky wrapper, this shapely Montecristo packs a considerable punch despite being just shy of 30 years old. Leather, black pepper, a mixture of nuts and that signature tangy wood note found in so many Montecristos is all here. A superb pirámide that still feels like it has many years left in the tank. —David Savona
Though not the strong, earthy smoke that’s expected of Bolivar, the cigar is sweet and mildly floral with a procession of vanilla, toffee, almond and cappuccino flavors that harmonize gracefully. Once they act in concert—about halfway through the length of this Churchill—the notes intensify. The draw is lush and the combustion is near perfect. —Gregory Mottola
The 109 shape is among the most prized in the Cuban cigar world, a double corona with a tapered tip. Today, it’s only found on limited-edition smokes such as this one. Delicate in its opening act, with a baked cookie note, it later takes on some oak and almond. The finish smacks of fresh pears, but it remains dry in character and medium in body. —David Savona
