Age is not always a bad thing...

I was lucky enough to sample a 1990 Partagas Serie D Number 4 a while ago.

Now the D4 as many of you already know, is a classic Cuban cigar, and rarely lets you down. Lots of spice, top quality tobacco, signature rosado wrapper and a lovely aroma, these sticks are among the best selling Habanos worldwide and (touching all available) are very reliable on the quality control side too, in my experience.

But smoking one that's 22 years old and which came from the depths of the cigar vaults at JJ Fox of St James's? Now that's an entirely different kettle of fish. For starters, I got a kick from the old-fashioned band. I'm so used to seeing the newer version that every time I brought the cigar to the mouth I was mesmerised by it.

Anyway, before that stage, I had been pleasantly surprised by the delightful pre-light aroma; sweet hay and freshly cut grass mixed together. And then it was time to fire the beauty up.

I've discovered it's quite difficult describing an aged cigar. For one, I've not had as much experience as I'd like :)

And for another, it's a very unique experience.

If any of you have ever smoked any cigars that have 'gone over' - ie have been aged too long and are past their best, even though they've been well kept - you will know there is a cloying floral note that soaks across your palate.

This aged Partagas displayed elements of a floral note, but in an entirely different - and more pleasant - manner.

The tobacco had obviously matured slowly and calmly over the years, all the 'hard edges' having been knocked off the smoke, to reveal a smooth, clear, sweet and very rounded character.

The spice was there, but in a very refined form, almost tea-like. The draw and burn was magnificent, as you can see from the photograph.

I paired this beauty with a very nice bottle of Argentinian Malbec and I found myself staring at the cigar and wondering about all the things that had happened during its long life. I had married and had children; wars had been won and lost, boundaries ripped down, new world orders created. This beautiful stick was older than my nieces and nephews who were now off to university.

A quite remarkable and ethereal experience and the finish was everlasting and so pleasant that I avoided going to bed and brushing my teeth to keep the moment alive.

Thanks to JJ Fox for having the presence of mind to stash this cigar away 22 years ago. Just think, I was still in school. What a wonderful adventure.

Happy herfing.

N.