Partagas Lusitanias

Why Partagas Lusitanias Became My Go-To Recommendation

Look, I’ll cut right to the chase – when someone asks me about partagas lusitanias near me and whether they’re worth hunting down, my answer is always the same: absolutely, but only if you’ve got the time and patience to do them justice. This isn’t a cigar you rush through during your lunch break.

I’ve been smoking cigars for over two decades now, and I can honestly say the Partagas Lusitanias holds a special place in my humidor. Started smoking these beauties back in ’08 when my buddy Carlos (Cuban expat living in Miami) introduced me to them during a weekend fishing trip. Three hours on that boat, nursing one Lusitanias between the two of us… that’s when I knew I’d found something special.

The thing is, most people don’t really understand what they’re getting into with a Lusitanias. It’s a double corona – 7.6″ x 49 ring gauge – which means you’re committing to at least two and a half hours of smoking time, probably closer to three if you’re doing it right. And trust me, you want to do it right with this one.

First Impressions: What You’re Really Getting

Right off the bat, the construction is typically solid Partagas. That classic Cuban triple cap, firm but not hard to the touch, and a wrapper that’s got this beautiful Colorado shade – not too dark, not too light. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and find one with that slight oily sheen that just screams quality.

The pre-light draw? It’s got this earthy, almost barnyard-y aroma that some folks find off-putting. Don’t be one of those people. That funk is telling you something about what’s coming. My wife still wrinkles her nose when I’m doing the pre-smoke ritual, but after 15 years of marriage, she’s learned to live with my “smelly sticks” as she calls them.

Cold draw gives you hints of cedar, maybe some leather, definitely earth. Nothing too aggressive, which is good because this cigar’s going to wake up real nice once you get it lit.

The Smoking Experience: A Journey Worth Taking

Here’s where the Lusitanias really shines, and where I part ways with some of the more traditional reviewers who insist on breaking everything down into rigid thirds. That’s not how I smoke, and it’s probably not how you smoke either.

The first inch or so is all about settling in. Light cedar, some cream, very approachable. This is the cigar saying “hello, nice to meet you.” Don’t judge it yet – it’s just getting started. I learned this the hard way back in ’09 when I nearly put one down after 20 minutes thinking it was boring. Biggest mistake I could’ve made.

Somewhere around the second inch, things start getting interesting. The earth becomes more pronounced, and you start getting these waves of what I can only describe as roasted coffee beans mixed with dark chocolate. Not overpowering, just… present. It’s like the cigar is finally warmed up and ready to show you what it’s got.

By the time you’re halfway through – and you should be at least an hour in by now if you’re pacing yourself properly – the Lusitanias hits its stride. This is where the magic happens. Rich tobacco flavors, hints of spice that tingle the back of your throat, and this underlying sweetness that keeps everything balanced. It’s complex without being confusing, if that makes sense.

The final stretch (and we’re talking about the last two inches here) is where opinions really divide. Some people love how the flavors concentrate and intensify. Others find it gets too strong, too in-your-face. Personally? I think it’s perfect. That’s when all the subtlety goes out the window and the cigar just says “remember me.” Bold finish, no apologies.

What I Pair It With (And What Actually Works)

Okay, here’s where I’m gonna get specific because generic pairing advice is useless. I’ve tried everything with these cigars over the years.

My absolute favorite pairing? Flor de Caña 18 rum. The sweetness complements without competing, and the complexity matches what you’re getting from the tobacco. Had this combination on my 45th birthday last year, sitting on my back deck until almost midnight. Perfect evening.

Coffee works too, but not just any coffee. I’m talking about a proper Cuban espresso or a really good French press with some body to it. Folgers isn’t gonna cut it here, folks. The cigar will overpower weak coffee and make everything taste like ash.

Now, here’s where I might lose some of you – I actually think these pair beautifully with a good cognac. Tried it with Hennessy XO a few years back during a poker game that went way too late. The combination was ridiculous good. Rich, warming, sophisticated. Made losing $200 almost worth it. (Almost.)

What doesn’t work? Beer. Don’t even try it. The carbonation and hops clash terribly with the tobacco. Learned that lesson at a bachelor party in Vegas. Also skip the wine unless it’s something really full-bodied and you know what you’re doing.

Who Should Smoke These (And Who Shouldn’t)

Let me be brutally honest here – this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. If you’re new to cigars or still figuring out what you like, save your money. The Lusitanias will overwhelm you, and you’ll walk away thinking Cuban cigars are overrated.

This is for the person who’s already got some experience under their belt. You should be comfortable with medium to full-bodied smokes. You should know how to pace yourself. And most importantly, you should have the time to really enjoy it properly.

Perfect for: experienced smokers, special occasions, when you’ve got three hours to kill and nowhere else to be. I smoke these maybe six times a year, usually for birthdays, anniversaries, or when something worth celebrating happens.

Skip it if: you’re in a hurry, you prefer milder cigars, you’re budget-conscious (these aren’t cheap), or you’re smoking somewhere you can’t commit to the full experience.

Storage and Handling Tips

Here’s some insider stuff that took me years to figure out. These cigars benefit from proper aging more than most. If you can get your hands on some that have been sitting in a humidor for 2-3 years, you’re in for a treat. The harshness smooths out, the flavors integrate better, everything just clicks.

Keep them at 65-68% humidity, not higher. I learned this the hard way when I kept mine at 72% for about six months. They smoked okay but didn’t have that crisp burn I was looking for. Lower humidity keeps the burn even and prevents that soggy feeling you sometimes get with larger ring gauges.

Temperature matters too. I keep my humidor around 68-70 degrees. Too cold and they won’t smoke right, too warm and you risk beetle issues (had that happen once – not fun).

One more thing – let them acclimate for at least a week after you buy them before smoking. I don’t care where you got them or how they were stored. Give them time to settle into your humidor’s environment. Trust me on this one.

The Reality Check

Look, I’m not gonna blow sunshine up your ass here. These cigars aren’t perfect. Sometimes you get one with construction issues – tight draw, uneven burn, wrapper problems. It happens with Cubans, even good ones. That’s just the reality of the industry.

Also, they’re expensive. Depending on where you find them, you’re looking at $25-40 per stick, maybe more. That’s real money for most of us. Are they worth it? For special occasions, absolutely. As an everyday smoke? Unless you’re making lawyer money, probably not.

The other thing nobody talks about – they’re not always available. Finding consistent sources for authentic Cuban cigars (if you’re in a place where they’re legal) can be a real pain. Quality varies by year, by box, sometimes even within the same box.

Common Questions People Ask Me

Q: How do I know if I’m getting authentic ones?

A: Buy from reputable dealers, know what the bands and boxes should look like, and honestly – if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve seen too many people get burned by fakes.

Q: Can I smoke just half and save the rest?

A: Technically yes, but you’re missing the point. The flavor development over the full smoke is part of the experience. It’s like leaving a movie halfway through.

Q: Are they really that much better than non-Cuban alternatives?

A: Different, not necessarily better. I love my Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars too. But there’s something about Cuban tobacco that’s just… unique. Hard to explain until you experience it.

Q: What’s the best time of day to smoke one?

A: Late afternoon or evening when you’ve got time and won’t be interrupted. I prefer them after dinner, maybe around 7-8 PM when I can really settle in.

Bottom line? If you’re serious about cigars and you have the opportunity to try authentic Partagas Lusitanias, do it. Just make sure you’re prepared for the commitment. This isn’t just a smoke – it’s an experience. And when you find that perfect one on that perfect evening with the right drink and good company… well, that’s why we do this in the first place.