Blog, Cigar Reviews
Partagas Serie E No. 2 Review: The Cuban Duke That Rewards Patience
Review: Partagas Serie E No. 2 — A Duke Built for Deliberate Moments
There are cigars chosen because time is available. And there are cigars selected because the moment deserves weight.
The Partagas Serie E No. 2 belongs firmly in the latter category.
A cigar should match the rhythm of the day. Some are suited for conversation. Some invite quiet reflection. Others, like this Duke, feel perfectly aligned with the late afternoon sun when the pace slows and a long exhale becomes possible.
A Duke With Presence
Released in 2011, this Duke vitola introduced a larger ring gauge into the regular production line. Measuring 5 1/2 inches with a 54 ring gauge, it carries undeniable presence in the hand.
The weight feels reassuring. This is not a hurried smoke. It is a deliberate decision to sit, to settle, and to remain present.
First Impressions Matter
Before flame touches the foot, the aroma sets the tone. Sweet cedar rises gently. A faint trace of hay follows. There is a quiet promise of depth waiting to unfold.
The Opening Third
- Soft cedar warmth
- Creamy texture on the palate
- Subtle lingering sweetness
- Gentle earthiness beneath it all
The introduction is measured and steady. Nothing feels abrupt. The cigar establishes its character with composure.
The Beauty of Age: Serie E No. 2 Aging Potential
Many enthusiasts speak of the five year mark as a notable point for the Partagas Serie E No. 2. Even at four years, the evolution becomes apparent.
Why Aging Changes the Experience
- Sharpness softens
- Sweetness becomes rounder
- Transitions grow smoother
Time refines the edges, allowing the cigar’s structure to reveal itself more gracefully. For those who have the discipline to wait, the Serie E No. 2 rewards handsomely. The earthy, robust character of a young stick mellows into something altogether more refined — think dark chocolate drizzled over toasted almonds.
The Second Third Deepens
Leather becomes more pronounced. Creamed coffee moves forward. Cocoa lingers quietly in the background. A restrained touch of citrus lifts the richness and prevents heaviness.
The strength advances toward medium to full, building steadily and with confidence. If you appreciate how the Partagas Lusitanias handles its power, the Serie E No. 2 offers a similar boldness compressed into a shorter, broader format.
Construction and Craft
The burn line remains even. The draw feels effortless. Smoke output is abundant yet controlled, delivering a velvety texture that defines the experience.
The Final Third and Its Crescendo
Dried hay notes emerge. The coffee deepens into a darker register. A faint marzipan nuance may appear near the close. The strength rises, though it remains disciplined.
What Sets the Serie E No. 2 Apart
- Clear progression from beginning to end
- Creamy smoke supported by structure
- Depth without harshness
- Confident, balanced presence
Serie E No. 2 vs Serie D No. 4: How They Compare
The comparison is inevitable. Both carry the Partagas name. Both deliver boldness. But the differences matter. The Serie D No. 4 is a Robusto — slightly shorter, narrower, and more concentrated in delivery. The Serie E No. 2, with its wider 54 ring gauge, allows flavors more room to breathe and develop at a more measured pace. Where the D No. 4 punches, the E No. 2 builds. Both are outstanding. The choice depends on whether you want intensity delivered swiftly or complexity revealed over time.
Is the Partagas Serie E No. 2 Right for You?
This is not an impulsive, everyday cigar. It is a considered selection. A celebration. A reward. A quiet hour reserved entirely for yourself.
The Partagas Serie E No. 2 does not simply release smoke into the air. It defines the atmosphere around it and lends meaning to the moment.
Ready to experience the Duke for yourself?
What’s the best drink to pair with the Serie E No. 2? I usually go with bourbon but I’m open to trying something different.
Bourbon is a solid pairing, Rachel, so you’re already on the right track. The Serie E No. 2 has enough body to stand up to darker spirits. If you want to branch out, try a well-aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or Santiago de Cuba Extra Anejo — the caramel and vanilla notes in the rum complement the cigar’s cocoa and leather beautifully. For something unexpected, a strong espresso or even a dark porter beer works surprisingly well during the second half when the coffee notes in the cigar really come alive.
I keep going back and forth between the Serie E No. 2 and the Serie D No. 4. I like bold cigars but I want something I can sit with for a while. Which one should I go for?
Both are fantastic choices, Carlos. The main difference comes down to format and pacing. The Serie D No. 4 is a Robusto that delivers its power more directly — you’ll get the full Partagas punch in about 45 minutes. The Serie E No. 2, with its wider 54 ring gauge, stretches that experience to over an hour and lets the flavors unfold more gradually. If you enjoy sitting on a patio and really taking your time, the E No. 2 gives you that room. If you want that same bold DNA in a tighter package, the D No. 4 is hard to beat.
I’m thinking about getting the Serie E No. 2 for a special dinner. Is this a good celebration cigar or is it more of an everyday kind of smoke?
The Serie E No. 2 is practically made for celebrations, James. Its size, complexity, and the way it commands an hour of your evening make it feel like an event in itself. It’s the kind of cigar that marks a promotion, an anniversary, or that dinner where you just want everything to feel elevated. That said, it’s also priced reasonably enough that you won’t feel guilty reaching for one on a quiet Saturday afternoon. But yes — if you’re looking for something that adds gravitas to a special occasion, the Duke delivers.
How many years should I age the Serie E No. 2? I bought a box and I’m trying to figure out if I should smoke a few now or just put them all away.
Great question, David. Our honest recommendation is to smoke two or three right away so you have a baseline. Then tuck the rest into your humidor at 65-67% humidity. Many seasoned smokers find the sweet spot is around 3 to 5 years of aging. At that point, the sharper edges smooth out, the sweetness rounds, and the transitions become seamless. Some collectors push beyond five years and report even deeper chocolate and espresso notes. But don’t let the box sit untouched — part of the joy is smoking one every six months and tracking how they evolve.