Description
The Partagas Churchill De Luxe stands as a towering monument to the art of Cuban cigar rolling, representing the pinnacle of the full-bodied smoking experience. As one of the most prestigious offerings from the historic Partagas factory, this Churchill vitola—known in the factory as the Julieta No. 2—is crafted for the seasoned aficionado who demands complexity, strength, and an extended period of opulent relaxation. Measuring an impressive 178 mm (7 inches) with a 47 ring gauge, the De Luxe is a masterclass in balance, delivering a sophisticated tapestry of nutmeg, dark chocolate, cedar, and rich leather. From the moment the flame touches the foot, this cigar asserts its dominance with a dense, aromatic smoke that has earned it a prestigious 90-point rating from Cigar Aficionado. It is not merely a cigar; it is a 60-to-75-minute journey through the heart of Havana’s tobacco heritage, offering a full-flavored profile that evolves with grace and power.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 (Special Edition/Selection) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 hand-rolled Habanos | 10 hand-rolled Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Classic Partagas Dress Box with ornate lithography | Standard cedar-lined slide-lid or dress box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and serious collectors | Gifting and short-term humidor rotation |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar spacers and semi-sealed construction | Compact cedar lining for freshness |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Churchill / Julieta No. 2 |
| Length | 178 mm (7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Full-bodied |
| Body | Robust and oily texture |
| Smoking Time | 52-77 minutes |
| Factory | Partagas Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The legacy of Partagas is inextricably linked to the history of Havana itself. Founded in 1845 by Jaime Partagás y Ravelo, the brand is one of the oldest and most respected in the Habanos portfolio. The iconic Partagas factory, located just behind the Capitolio building in the heart of Havana, has served as a cathedral for cigar rollers for generations. Jaime Partagás was a pioneer in the industry, famously being one of the first to experiment with fermentation and aging techniques that allowed for the creation of the bold, full-flavored blends that define the brand today.
The Churchill De Luxe is a continuation of this 19th-century excellence. While many brands offer a Churchill size, the Partagas iteration is celebrated for its uncompromising strength. It utilizes the finest leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, an area of Pinar del Río globally recognized for having the perfect microclimate and soil composition for premium tobacco. Over the decades, Partagas has become the choice of world leaders and literary giants, most notably Winston Churchill, whose preference for this specific vitola eventually led to the 7-inch, 47-ring gauge format being named in his honor across the entire Cuban industry.
Choosing a Partagas Churchill De Luxe is an immersion into a tradition of Cuban luxury. The brand’s commitment to “Totalmente a Mano” (totally by hand) craftsmanship ensures that every cigar possesses the structural integrity required for a slow, cool burn. This heritage of power and precision is what makes the De Luxe a cornerstone of any serious humidor, representing the “gold standard” of the heavy-gauge, long-format Cuban cigar.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a smooth and inviting introduction. Upon lighting, the Partagas Churchill De Luxe greets the palate with a refined creaminess. Initial notes of nutmeg and cocoa are prominent, underpinned by a light cedar sweetness that lingers on the lips. The draw is typically perfect, offering just enough resistance to allow the smoker to savor the silky smoke texture. As the tobacco warms, a subtle hint of floral sweetness and toasted nuts begins to emerge, setting a sophisticated stage for the strength that is yet to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar enters its second phase, the complexity deepens significantly. The strength transitions from medium-full to a definitive full-bodied presence. The cocoa notes darken into bittersweet dark chocolate, while the cedar evolves into a more pronounced leather and earth profile. This is where the signature Partagas “spice” makes its appearance—a medley of black pepper and cinnamon that tingles the retrohale without overwhelming the delicate roasted nut flavors. The construction remains flawless, with a razor-sharp burn and a firm, light-gray ash.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the De Luxe truly earns its reputation. The flavors intensify into a powerful crescendo of robust tobacco, damp earth, and heavy spice. The sweetness of the first third is replaced by a savory, meaty richness. Despite the increase in power, the cigar remains remarkably balanced, never becoming harsh. Notes of espresso beans and charred oak dominate the closing minutes, providing a deeply satisfying and “chewy” smoke that demands the smoker’s full attention. It is a bold, unapologetic finish that leaves a lasting impression of Havana’s finest terroir.
Finish
The finish is long, creamy, and exceptionally balanced. Long after the cigar is rested, the palate retains a pleasant lingering of cocoa, aged cedar, and a whisper of white pepper. It is a clean finish that invites contemplation, reflecting the 90-point quality and the expert fermentation of the Vuelta Abajo leaves.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Earth, Leather |
| Secondary Notes | Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Cedar |
| Tertiary Notes | Roasted Nuts, Espresso, Cinnamon |
| Finish | Long, Creamy, and Spicy |
| Aroma | Rich Tobacco, Cedar, and Exotic Spice |
Aging and Collector Value
The Partagas Churchill De Luxe is legendary among collectors for its extraordinary aging potential. Due to the high oil content and the inherent strength of the Partagas blend, these cigars require time to reach their peak maturity. While they are enjoyable when young, a minimum of 5 to 10 years in a temperature-controlled humidor allows the tannins to soften and the flavors to integrate into a more cohesive, velvet-like experience.
Collectors often seek out specific vintages, such as the 1998 and 2001 productions, which have developed legendary status for their deep notes of truffle, aged leather, and sweet cocoa. To preserve the collector value and ensure optimal development, we recommend storing these in a cedar-lined humidor at 65-72% humidity and a constant temperature of 65-70°F. Properly cellared boxes of the De Luxe not only maintain their physical integrity but often appreciate in value as the tobacco evolves into a smoother, more complex masterpiece of Cuban craftsmanship.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of an 11-year rum amplifies the cocoa and leather notes. |
| Cognac (XO) | The dried fruit and oak nuances of a fine Cognac complement the cedar and spice. |
| Peaty Islay Whiskey | The smoky, medicinal notes of the whiskey provide a bold counterpoint to the earthy tobacco. |
| Strong Black Coffee | A concentrated espresso or ristretto highlights the nutmeg and roasted nut profile. |
| Vintage Port | The dark berry sweetness balances the heavy pepper and spice of the final third. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We ensure that every Partagas Churchill De Luxe we ship meets the rigorous standards of Habanos S.A. to guarantee you are receiving a genuine masterpiece of Havana.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official holographic seal on the upper right corner, which includes a unique barcode and a hidden image visible only under laser light.
- Box Code Verification – The bottom of every box is branded with the “Totalmente a Mano” stamp, the factory code, and the date of production, allowing for full traceability.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Habanos S.A.” and “Hecho en Cuba” heat-stamped markings that signify official government-sanctioned production.
- Triple Cap – Each Churchill De Luxe is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert rollers that ensures a clean cut and a smooth draw.
Our Guarantee: We take pride in our supply chain. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our strict quality control standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors and connoisseurs globally since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Partagas Churchill De Luxe taste like compared to other Churchills?
Compared to the Romeo y Julieta Churchill, which is medium-bodied and floral, the Partagas Churchill De Luxe is significantly more robust and earthy. It focuses on dark chocolate, leather, and pepper, making it the preferred choice for those who enjoy a “heavier” and more powerful smoke. It is often described as the most “masculine” of the Cuban Churchill vitolas.
How long does it take to smoke a Partagas Churchill De Luxe?
Given its 178 mm length and 47 ring gauge, this cigar is designed for a slow, leisurely experience. Most aficionados find that it lasts between 52 and 77 minutes. Smoking it too quickly can cause the tobacco to overheat, so it is best enjoyed in an environment where you can relax and allow the flavors to develop naturally.
Is the Churchill De Luxe suitable for a beginner?
Because of its full-bodied strength and high nicotine content, we generally recommend the Churchill De Luxe for experienced smokers. Beginners may find the final third a bit overwhelming. However, for a novice looking to explore the “full” side of the Cuban spectrum, this cigar provides a clean, balanced introduction to strength without the harshness found in lesser brands.
How should I store this cigar for long-term aging?
To maximize the aging potential of the Partagas Churchill De Luxe, store it in a cedar-lined humidor at a stable humidity of 65-69%. For long-term “cellaring” (5+ years), keeping the humidity slightly lower (around 65%) can help prevent mold and allow the oils to mature slowly. Ensure the temperature does not fluctuate, as the large Churchill format is sensitive to expansion and contraction which can crack the delicate Vuelta Abajo wrapper.
