Partagas Black Bravo Review

[WyoBob]

The Partagas Black Bravo is a well made, solid, dark, 4 1/2 x 54 ring gauge cigar. It's a "dense", slow smoking cigar. I've smoked several boxes of the Clasico version of the Partagas Black and they're in my regular rotation. This is my first box of the Bravos.

The head was solid and "punched" with no problems. Pre light draw had kind of an "earthy" flavor as did the initial smoke. The cigar lit well and, for the most part, burned well. I did have to touch up the wrapper on 6 or 7 occasions but these touch ups were quick and no big deal. I think I may smoke a bit too slow and the wrapper doesn't keep hot enough to keep up with the rest of the cigar. The wrappers on these maduros seem pretty tough and thick, as well.

This is a really dark cigar and it's looks would say "powerhouse". I think it's a milder cigar than the Clasico and I'd class both cigars as medium strength. I've found that the Clasico and Bravos smoke better when "dry boxed" at 60% for a couple of weeks.

The first half of the smoke was mild with an earthy flavor and small hints of spice and coffee. The main flavor was just straight forward, good tobacco taste.

As with most cigars I smoke, the flavors built nicely during the second half becoming much more pronounced. The spice flavor increased quite a bit and there were nutty and coffee flavors as well. I nubbed this cigar and it lasted me 2 1/4 hours. I think I prefer the Clasicos slightly more but think the Bravos represent a good value, especially when you can get a "deal" on them. I bought a box that gave me a $3.00 cost for the Bravo.

WyoBob

[DennisP]

Nice review. I picked up a 5er of the Bravo's on cbid, just smoked one so far. Really great flavors, draw was a little tight, especially for the 54 ring gauge. I'd imagine with a punch it would be even worse.

[WyoBob]

Originally Posted by DennisP

Nice review. I picked up a 5er of the Bravo's on cbid, just smoked one so far. Really great flavors, draw was a little tight, especially for the 54 ring gauge. I'd imagine with a punch it would be even worse.

That's why I mentioned dry boxing. The Bravo and Clasico are two cigars that dryboxing really helps in the draw & "smokability" department. Two weeks at 60% seems to be just about right.

WyoBob