Partagas Corona, 1991 Vintage Cigar
A very close friend came by to visit last week. With him, was a care package gift that included a cigar that was older than him. A Partagas Corona from 1991.
ABOUT THE CIGAR – PARTAGAS :: CORONA from 1991
Partagas is one of the oldest brands, and one that has released dozens of different vitolas throughout the years. Whenever you come across an old box from someone’s collection, especially when they are wrapped in cellophane, any cigar aficionado stops and takes a second look, followed by the many enquiries on the age and nature of the cigar.
The Partagas Corona is a handmade cigar that initially hit the market pre-1960 and discontinued in 2006. It was available in boxes of 25, individually wrapped in cellophane until the early 1990s.
BOX DATE: 1991
SIZE: 47 x 5.5 inches.
FACTORY NAME: Corona
The cigar was from an era where it was still common for Cuban cigars to come in cellophane. The band shows signs of age, and the cellophane has adopted the dark brownish hue from the close to 30 years in the wrapper. Removing that cellophane is a special feeling. Really makes you think that, in a cigar factory in Havana, 29 years ago, a worked inserted that cigar into that cellophane, and now for the first time since, it has seen and felt new light.
1st Part
In recent months, I have religiously been avoiding a torch flame lighter. Most of my cigars are lit with either a soft flame lighter or a good old fashioned match. I find it gives the cigar a softer, sweeter, more delicate flavor. With a cigar this old, I would not even consider using a heavy torch lighter. My opinion is that the strong flame would diminish the smoothness of the tobacco.
The aromas from the un cut cigar are somewhat farm like. For non cigar lovers, that might be a turn off, but for those of us who opened a few cigar boxes, we know that it is a sign that we are about to enjoy a very rich and tasty cigar.
The first few puffs were extremely creamy. I mean that not only in texture but in taste as well. The kind of cream you would find in a custard type desert, or a cream used in coffee.
2nd Part
The ash has a brownish tone to it. The strength on this cigar is mild, and certainly milder than one comes to expect for the powerhouse Partagas cigars that are being released today. The flavor is still very creamy, with a sweetness you would get from a custard filling. It is quite enjoyable.
The cigar flavor remains consistent; however it has intensified and is creamier than it was initially. It is evolving, however I would say more with the intensity and strength and less with the flavor.
3rd Part
Although the cigar was quite mild throughout, the finale of this cigar had some punch and a pleasant powerful kick to it. I am now getting the more familiar flavors and characteristics I am used to from Partagas. The creaminess has turned into the earthiness we usually get from a Partagas, however the elegance of it is still ever present. Picture a warrior using his sword ever so eleganty, but with power nonetheless. That is this cigar.
