Let me be direct: Partagas isn't for everyone. If you want something mild and polite, look elsewhere. But if you want a cigar that grabs you by the collar and demands your attention—a cigar that tastes like Cuba itself, raw and uncompromising—then welcome home. This is the oldest continuously produced cigar brand on the island, and there's a reason it's survived since 1845 when Don Jaime Partagás opened his factory on Industria Street in Havana.
I've watched newcomers light up a Serie D No. 4 thinking it would be "just another Cuban" and seen their eyes widen at that first blast of pepper and earth. That's Partagas. It doesn't apologize. It doesn't hold back. Every puff carries 180 years of history, the rich Vuelta Abajo soil, and the stubborn Cuban spirit that refuses to make anything less than extraordinary.
Complete Guide to Partagas Product Lines
Serie D - The Powerhouse Line
The Serie D represents Partagas at its boldest. Full-bodied, complex, and unapologetically intense. The Serie D No. 4 is one of the most respected robusto formats in existence.
- Partagas Serie D No. 4 - 4.9" x 50. The legendary robusto that sets the standard. A must-smoke for any serious aficionado.
- Partagas Serie D No. 5 - 4.4" x 50. Shorter, equally intense, for when time is limited but commitment isn't.
- Serie D No. 4 Tubos (3) - Three-pack in aluminum tubes.
- Serie D No. 1 Limited Edition 2004 - Full box of 25, vintage release.
- Serie D No. 1 Limited Edition 2004 VINTAGE - Aged collector's item.
- Serie D No. 2 Limited Edition 2003 - Vintage torpedo format.
- Serie D No. 4 Reserve L.E. 2005 - Special reserve release.
Serie E - Modern Power
A newer addition to the portfolio, Serie E delivers the classic Partagas punch in contemporary ring gauges favored by modern smokers.
- Partagas Serie E No. 2 - 5.4" x 54. Thick ring gauge, concentrated Partagas intensity.
- Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015 - Ultra-premium aged tobacco selection.
Serie P - The Pirámide Line
For those who appreciate the torpedo shape's flavor-concentrating properties combined with Partagas power.
- Partagas Serie P No. 2 - 6.1" x 52. Torpedo format with full body.
- Serie P No. 2 Tubos (3) - Three-pack in tubes.
- Serie P No. 2 Tubos (15) - Box of 15 in tubes.
- Cedar Petaca Serie P No. 2 (5) - Travel-ready cedar case.
Lusitanias - The Crown Jewel
The Lusitanias is Partagas in its ultimate form: a 7.6" x 49 double corona that demands two hours of your time and rewards every minute. This is not a casual smoke—it's a commitment.
- Partagas Lusitanias - 7.6" x 49. The legendary double corona.
- Partagas Lusitaneas - Alternative presentation.
- Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007 - Aged excellence, highly sought after.
Classic Line
Traditional vitolas that have been produced for generations, representing the foundation of the Partagas portfolio.
- Partagas Coronas - 5.6" x 42. The standard corona, bold and direct.
- Partagas Coronas Grandes - Larger corona format.
- Partagas Petit Coronas - 5" x 42. Shorter, same attitude.
- Partagas Lonsdales - 6.5" x 42. Elegant length, full flavor.
- Partagas Churchill De Luxe - 7" x 47. The Churchill format with Partagas character.
- Partagas Corona Senior - Classic corona format.
- Partagas Astoria - Traditional vitola for the purist.
Tubes and Presentations
- Partagas De Luxe Tubos - Classic in aluminum protection.
- Partagas De Luxe Tubos - Alternative presentation.
898 Varnished Cabinet
The legendary 8-9-8 refers to the stacking arrangement in the distinctive varnished cabinet—8 cigars, 9 cigars, 8 cigars. A traditional presentation that serious collectors seek out.
- Partagas 898 Varnished - Classic cabinet selection.
- Partagas 8-9-8 Varnished - Traditional stacking presentation.
Salomones and Special Formats
For those who want the full Partagas experience in grand formats.
- Partagas Salomon - 7.25" x 57. Massive figurado.
- Partagas Salomones "La Casa del Habano" - LCDH exclusive.
- Partagas Salomones "La Casa del Habano" - Alternative presentation.
La Casa del Habano Exclusives
- Partagas Maduro No. 1 - Rare maduro wrapper selection for LCDH.
- Humidor Partagas Salomon LCDH - Commemorative humidor.
- Humidor Partagas LCDH - Collector's presentation.
Añejados - Factory Aged
- Partagas Corona Gorda Añejados - Aged at the factory for enhanced smoothness.
Partagas Size and Strength Comparison
| Vitola | Line | Size | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Corona | Classic | 5" x 42 | Medium-Full |
| Corona | Classic | 5.6" x 42 | Full |
| Serie D No. 5 | Serie D | 4.4" x 50 | Full |
| Serie D No. 4 | Serie D | 4.9" x 50 | Full |
| Serie P No. 2 | Serie P | 6.1" x 52 | Full |
| Serie E No. 2 | Serie E | 5.4" x 54 | Full |
| Lusitanias | Premium | 7.6" x 49 | Full |
| Salomon | Special | 7.25" x 57 | Full |
Partagas Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Partagas doesn't tiptoe around your palate—it announces itself with authority. The Vuelta Abajo tobaccos used in these cigars are selected for their bold, earthy character, and the result is a flavor profile that's unmistakably Cuban at its most powerful.
Primary Flavor Notes
- Earth and mineral - The foundation of every Partagas, like Cuban soil after rain.
- Black pepper - Present from the first puff, especially on retrohale.
- Dark chocolate - Bittersweet cocoa that balances the spice.
- Coffee - Dark roast, espresso-like intensity.
- Leather - Rich, aged leather throughout.
- Wood - Oak and cedar, adding structure.
What Makes Partagas Different
- Notably fuller body than most Cuban brands
- Immediate power from the first light
- Complexity that reveals itself over time
- A finish that lingers for minutes
How to Identify Authentic Partagas Cigars
As one of Cuba's most famous brands, Partagas is frequently counterfeited. Know what to look for:
The Partagas Band
- Royal crown - The crown above "Partagas" should be detailed and sharp
- Red and gold coloring - Deep, consistent colors without bleeding
- "Habana, Cuba" text - Clear, legible, properly spaced
- Embossed lettering - Feel for raised text with your fingertip
The Box
- Official Habanos hologram seal
- Factory code on bottom (Partagas factory or contracted production)
- Date code in Cuban format
- Serial number matching hologram
Best Drink Pairings for Partagas Cigars
Partagas demands drinks that can stand up to its intensity:
- Aged rum (12+ years) - Santiago de Cuba 12 or Ron Zacapa match the intensity.
- Islay Scotch - Peated single malts like Lagavulin complement the earthiness.
- Espresso or Ristretto - Strong coffee for a strong cigar. Simple as that.
- Red wine (full-bodied) - Barolo, Amarone, or bold Rioja.
- Port (Vintage or LBV) - The sweetness balances the pepper.
Partagas Storage and Aging Recommendations
Partagas cigars benefit enormously from proper aging:
- Humidity - 65-70% RH. Don't over-humidify these—they smoke better on the drier side.
- Temperature - 65-70°F (18-21°C).
- Aging potential - Partagas cigars transform with age. The Lusitanias and Serie D No. 4 at 5-10 years are spectacular. Gran Reservas can age 20+ years.
- Resting period - Minimum 3-4 weeks after shipping. These cigars travel poorly when stressed.
Partagas Limited Editions and Collectibles
Partagas releases some of the most powerful limited editions in the Cuban catalogue:
- Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007 - The ultimate Partagas expression.
- Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015 - Modern Gran Reserva release.
- Selección Privada Edición Limitada 2014 - Private selection limited release.
- Pirámide Limited Edition 2000 - Early limited edition, now vintage.
- Pirámides Edición Limitada 2000 - Torpedo format LE.
- Serie D No. 1 Limited Edition 2004 - Powerful vintage LE.
- Serie D No. 2 Limited Edition 2003 - Vintage collectible.
- Serie D No. 4 Reserve L.E. 2005 - Special reserve edition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partagas
Is Partagas too strong for beginners?
Honestly? Probably. Partagas is a full-bodied brand that doesn't compromise on strength. If you're new to Cuban cigars, start with something milder like Montecristo or H. Upmann. When you're ready for more, the Petit Corona is a reasonable entry point—still powerful, but manageable.
What makes the Serie D No. 4 so famous?
The Serie D No. 4 is considered one of the finest robustos ever made. At 4.9" x 50, it delivers 45-60 minutes of concentrated Partagas intensity: earth, pepper, chocolate, and leather in perfect balance. It's consistently rated among the top Cuban cigars of all time.
How does Partagas compare to Bolivar?
Both are full-bodied Cuban brands, but they approach power differently. Partagas has more earth and chocolate with sophisticated complexity. Bolivar tends spicier and more aggressive. If Partagas is a heavyweight boxer with technique, Bolivar is a brawler. Both hit hard.
What is the 8-9-8 cabinet?
The 8-9-8 varnished cabinet refers to the traditional stacking arrangement: 8 cigars on the bottom, 9 in the middle, 8 on top. This classic presentation showcases Partagas heritage and is prized by collectors.
How long should I age Partagas cigars?
Partagas transforms beautifully with age. Fresh, they're powerful and peppery. With 3-5 years, the edges soften and complexity deepens. At 10+ years, the Lusitanias and Serie D No. 4 become something transcendent. The Gran Reservas can age decades.
Why is Partagas called the oldest Cuban cigar brand?
Don Jaime Partagás founded the brand in 1845, making it the oldest continuously produced cigar brand in Cuba. The original factory at Industria 520 in Havana is now a museum and tourist destination, though production has moved to modern facilities.