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Partagas Lusitanias Review: The Ultimate Cuban Double Corona
Review: Partagas Lusitanias — The Cuban Double Corona That Demands Your Full Attention
There are cigars, and then there is the Partagas Lusitanias. To hold one is to feel weight, not only in size, but in heritage. This is a true Cuban double corona, measuring 7 5/8 inches with a classic 49 ring gauge. It is not made for haste. It is made for presence.
Some cigars accompany a moment. The Lusitanias becomes the moment.
When lifted from the box, there is a quiet authority in its form. A light brown wrapper, firm and substantial, rolled by experienced torcedores who understand the complexity of crafting such length. Prominentes are not simple to produce. They require large, flawless wrapper leaves, something even Cuba’s unpredictable harvests do not always yield easily. When executed properly, however, the result is unforgettable.
This is not a beginner’s cigar. It asks for patience, composure, and at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted time. In return, it offers an experience few cigars can match.
The Opening: Sweetness with Structure
The first draws reveal unexpected elegance. A gentle floral sweetness rises before deeper tones begin to unfold. Honey, graham cracker, roasted coffee — all present yet restrained. Nothing feels forced.
A red pepper warmth lingers lightly, never overwhelming. The smoke texture is velvety. Medium in body. Long in finish.
The Lusitanias does not attempt to impress immediately. It allows the smoker to settle into its rhythm.
The Middle Third: Where the Lusitanias Becomes Legendary
This is where its reputation is earned.
Recognized with 93 points and ranked among the Top Cigars of 2017 by Cigar Aficionado, the middle third reveals the depth behind those accolades. It becomes layered, complex, and deeply satisfying.
Flavors overlap and evolve:
- Citrus sweetness
- Caramel
- Salted peanut
- Leather
- Cedar
- Dark cocoa
The texture turns creamy. The finish grows longer. The body feels full yet controlled. It is often this section that commands silence, drawing full attention to the cigar itself.
Many Cuban cigars build toward their conclusion. The Lusitanias reaches its peak here, and it does so with balance and composure.
The Final Third: A Controlled Descent
The final third brings cedar forward. The spice sharpens slightly while remaining refined. The sweetness softens into faint citrus and a trace of honey.
It does not overpower. It concludes with dignity.
There is elegance in restraint. Like a symphony that ends in reflection rather than thunder, the Lusitanias closes with measured confidence.
What Makes the Partagas Lusitanias Special
The question often arises: what sets the Lusitanias apart from other Cuban cigars?
- The scale of the experience
- The richness without harshness
- The complexity of the middle third
- The unmistakable Partagas character
- The demand for patience
This cigar requires attention. It is not background smoke. It is ritual and commitment.
How the Lusitanias Compares Within the Partagas Line
If you enjoy the bold, earthy character of Partagas but normally reach for the Partagas Serie D No. 4, the Lusitanias takes that same foundation and stretches it across a much longer format. The Serie D No. 4 delivers a punchy, concentrated 45-minute smoke. The Lusitanias unfolds the same family of flavors over nearly two hours, giving each note more room to breathe and evolve. For those who appreciate the richer side of Partagas, the Partagas Serie E No. 2 offers a middle ground — wider ring gauge than the Serie D, shorter than the Lusitanias, and equally satisfying.
Is the Lusitanias Worth It Right Now
It is worth it when the time is right.
For those seeking something brief, a smaller format may suffice. But for those prepared to step away from distraction and embrace uninterrupted time, the Partagas Lusitanias delivers something substantial.
It is not defined solely by tasting notes. It is defined by mood, authority, and reward.
Lit on a quiet afternoon, the smoke rises steadily. Conversation slows. Thoughts narrow. The experience becomes singular.
The Partagas Lusitanias is not simply a cigar.
It is a commitment to slowing down and honoring the time required to appreciate it fully.
Experience the Partagas Lusitanias for yourself.
My husband smokes cigars but he’s not super experienced. Would the Lusitanias be a good gift, or is it too much for someone who hasn’t been smoking long?
Rachel, we appreciate you asking. Honestly, the Lusitanias is a commitment — it is full-bodied and demands at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted time. For someone still building their palate, it could be overwhelming. If he enjoys medium-strength cigars, the Partagas Serie D No. 4 would be a more approachable introduction to the Partagas family. Once he falls in love with that profile, the Lusitanias becomes the perfect next step.
I love the Serie D No. 4 but I’ve never tried the Lusitanias. How different is it really? I’m worried the longer format might lose intensity.
Anthony, that is one of the most common concerns we hear, and honestly it is the opposite of what happens. The Lusitanias does not dilute the Partagas character — it amplifies it. The Serie D No. 4 hits you with bold, earthy richness in a concentrated burst. The Lusitanias takes that same DNA and lets it develop over nearly two hours. The middle third in particular reaches a complexity the shorter format simply cannot achieve. If anything, you will discover flavors you never noticed in the Serie D because the longer format gives them space to emerge.
What humidity level do you recommend for storing Lusitanias? I’ve seen conflicting advice online about double coronas needing different conditions than shorter cigars.
Thomas, that is a sharp observation. Longer format cigars like the Lusitanias can be more sensitive to humidity extremes because of the sheer amount of tobacco involved. We recommend 62 to 65 percent relative humidity — slightly lower than what some general guides suggest. At those levels, the draw stays effortless and the burn remains even from start to finish. Too much humidity in a double corona often leads to tunneling or uneven burn in the middle section, which is exactly where the Lusitanias shines brightest. A quality digital hygrometer is worth the investment.
How long should I age a box of Lusitanias before smoking them? I’ve heard they improve dramatically with time.
Marco, the Lusitanias is one of the Cuban cigars that truly transforms with age. Fresh, they are already excellent, but after 3 to 5 years the flavors round out significantly — the pepper softens, the sweetness deepens, and the transitions between thirds become seamless. Some collectors age them 8 to 10 years and report an almost creamy, refined experience throughout. Store them at 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and around 65 percent humidity for best results. Our recommendation: smoke one now to establish a baseline, then tuck the rest away and revisit every year.