Partagas 898 vs 898v

[Tegu]

I picked up a partagas 898 varnished from fairly recent production and was impressed, great smoke. Better than other 898s I have had. Aren't the 898s and the 898Vs the exact same cigar? Just a different box correct....

 

[CWS]

No........

 

[cvm4]

There's the 898 varnished and 898 non-varnished. And they're different sizes too.

 

[Tegu]

I guess I have only had the 898v then about 6.5x42, what size are the regular 898s?


edit: NM, the 898 is a little bit shorter, I found one in the bottom of my Humi.

Thanks

 

[Hot_Sauce]

I find the blends to be differnt as well. The 898V has the Partaga spice and the 898NV is more of an earthy smoke.

 

[Moro]

No, they're not the same and yes, 8-9-8 V is better. At least in me honest opinion.

 

[djustice]

Must be tough losing an 898 in the bottom of ones humi. :grin:

 

[Kurtdesign1]

I find the blends to be differnt as well. The 898V has the Partaga spice and the 898NV is more of an earthy smoke.

Good description. I'd add that the NV (Non Varnished) is more papery or symbolically dry tasting on the light up. That's dry as in flavor, not tannins. The NV is a great *light* partagas. They can be a stronger cigar but they're never going to make enemies. Think of them as having more approachable strength than the spicy, boisterous Varnished's. Both have their place, IMO.

UnVarnished is a Coronas grande (6-1/8 x 42 - I believe), Varnished is a dalia (6-3/4 x 43)

 

[CWS]

Like he said.. they different.

 

[Tegu]

Must be tough losing an 898 in the bottom of ones humi. :grin:

LOL, I have had quite a few of the 898s in the past, never really cared for them, I guess I never had an 898v until recently when I aquired a couple, I always just assumed they were the same cigar, different box. After I really liked the V it got me wondering, I did not notice the size difference, but after cvm4 said it was a different size I dug deep, I thought I had a couple down there...

Thanks Again Guys, the 898v is now on my list of smokes I need a box of.

 

[knuck42]

898 UV has been DC'ed if memory serves. I recently smoked three. The first three I have ever smoked. I found them to be much lighter then their varnished brethren. Definately possessed a Partagas profile, but with a decidedly less spicey delivery. I noted hints of honey and cream where I would normaly get cedar and red pepper in a Partagas. Honestly, I quite enjoyed the ones that I smoked, but I don't see myself going out of my way to procure more. If I want a lighter Partagas I'll reach for a Lonsdale. Just my .02 fwiw

 

[jkim05]

Yes, the 898 varnished and unvarnished are not the same cigar. The unvarnished version has been discontinued as of 2002. They are not the same size, but they're pretty close. Whether the two cigars are the same blend in different sizes or if they are actually different blends is a point of contention, but there are slight flavor differences. Some believe this to be from the packaging and I would say that the varnish makes a difference especially as the cigar ages for longer and longer. With the 898's from the 70's, the unvarnished is definitely the milder smoke and much more delicate than the varnished ones from the 70's. Both really tasty though.

 

[DocLogic77]

Very different cigars. The 898v IMO is the best current production CC. I would take it over an any regional, EL, esplendido or whatever you can find. If you like your spice like a punch to the face...welp this is the cigar for you. Bold, in your face flavors...and the 2006's are smoking so good right now.

Hands down my favorite cigar.