Description
The weathered leather chair in the corner of that old Havana lounge had become my favorite spot over the years, a place where the afternoon light filtered through shutters and time seemed to slow to a comfortable crawl. That particular evening, the barman slid a cedar box across the counter with a knowing smile—he’d been saving something special, he said, a cigar that would test my mettle and reward my patience in equal measure.
The Partagas Churchill De Luxe sat there with an almost defiant presence, its dark wrapper glistening under the amber lights. At seven inches with a 47 ring gauge, this isn’t a cigar you approach casually. It demands respect, attention, and honestly, a certain frame of mind. I’ve smoked countless Churchills over the years, but this particular vitola from Partagas has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding in the Cuban portfolio.
What strikes you immediately about this cigar is its unapologetic character. Partagas has never been a brand for the faint-hearted, and the Churchill De Luxe embodies that philosophy completely. It’s full-bodied from the first draw to the last, delivering waves of flavor that evolve and intensify throughout what becomes a truly memorable smoking experience.
Construction and Appearance
The wrapper on an authentic Churchill De Luxe is something special—a rich, oily Colorado Maduro shade that feels substantial between your fingers. The leaf shows that characteristic Cuban sheen, with minimal veining and a texture that speaks to proper aging and careful selection. When you examine the seams, they’re virtually invisible, a testament to the skill of the torcedores at the factory.
The construction is consistently excellent. The bunch feels firm without being overpacked, promising that effortless draw that makes long smoking sessions enjoyable rather than a chore. I’ve found that the triple cap is always cleanly applied, and there’s a satisfying weight to each cigar that suggests the generous amount of premium filler tobacco packed inside.
The Partagas band sits perfectly positioned, with that distinctive red and gold color scheme that’s been synonymous with the brand since Don Jaime Partagas first put his name on cigars back in 1845. Every detail reflects the heritage and tradition that makes Cuban cigars legendary among aficionados worldwide.
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Intense Acts
Opening Third: The Bold Introduction
The cold draw hints at what’s coming—leather, barnyard notes, and a subtle cocoa sweetness that promises complexity. Once lit, the Churchill De Luxe announces itself with authority. There’s immediate pepper and cedar on the palate, accompanied by a coffee-like earthiness that forms the foundation for everything that follows.
What I appreciate about this opening section is the lack of pretense. This cigar doesn’t ease you in gently—it establishes its full-bodied character right from the start. The smoke is thick and creamy, coating your palate with flavors that linger between draws. There’s a robustness here that seasoned Partagas smokers will recognize immediately.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
The second act is where this Churchill truly reveals its depth. Those initial pepper notes mellow slightly, making room for dried fruit and nutty qualities that add new dimensions to the profile. I consistently pick up almonds and a subtle raisin sweetness that balances beautifully against the earthy foundation.
The strength remains firmly in full-bodied territory, but there’s a sophistication to how the flavors interact now. Leather becomes more prominent, joined by hints of dark chocolate that emerge on the retrohale. The burn line stays razor-straight, and the ash builds into a firm column that speaks to the excellent construction.
Final Third: The Powerful Crescendo
By the time you reach the final inches, the Churchill De Luxe has transformed into something magnificent and demanding. Leather intensifies, joined by rich espresso notes and dark chocolate that create a powerful finish. The spice returns with renewed vigor, but it’s warming rather than harsh—a fitting conclusion to what’s been an intense journey.
This final section is where you understand why some call this a “pugnacious Churchill.” It requires a good frame of mind to fully appreciate, rewarding those who approach it with patience and attention. The finish lingers beautifully, leaving traces of tobacco, leather, and coffee that stay with you long after you’ve put down the nub.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 7 inches (178mm) |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Vitola | Churchill (Julieta No. 2) |
| Strength | Full-Bodied |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
| Wrapper Origin | Vuelta Abajo, Cuba |
| Brand Founded | 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas |
Perfect Pairings
The full-bodied nature of the Churchill De Luxe demands equally robust drink pairings. In my experience, aged Cuban rum creates the ideal complement—something like Havana Club 7 Años or Santiago de Cuba 11 Años. The rum’s sweetness helps balance the cigar’s intensity while echoing those underlying caramel notes.
For whiskey enthusiasts, I’d recommend a peated Scotch like Lagavulin 16 or Ardbeg 10. The smoky character of Islay malts stands up beautifully to this cigar’s power without being overwhelmed. The interplay between peat smoke and tobacco creates something truly memorable.
Strong espresso is another excellent choice, particularly during evening sessions. A rich Cuban coffee or a double shot of quality Italian espresso amplifies those coffee and chocolate notes that emerge in the middle and final thirds. Just make sure it’s freshly brewed—this cigar deserves nothing less.
Wine lovers should reach for something substantial—a bold Barolo, an aged Rioja Reserva, or a powerful Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wine’s tannins complement the leather notes while the fruit undertones provide an interesting counterpoint to the cigar’s earthiness.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Partagas Churchill De Luxe is emphatically not a beginner’s cigar. Its full-bodied strength and complex, intense flavor profile require experience and a developed palate. If you’re still exploring milder Cuban brands, I’d suggest working up to this one through the Partagas Shorts or Serie D No. 4 first.
Experienced smokers who appreciate robust, full-flavored cigars will find this an exceptional choice. This is the cigar for those evenings when you want to be challenged, when you’re in the mood for something that demands your full attention and rewards it generously.
It’s perfect for special occasions—celebrations, milestone moments, or those rare nights when you want to test yourself against something truly formidable. The smoking time of 60-75 minutes means you need to commit to the experience, making it ideal for unhurried evenings with no pressing obligations.
If you typically enjoy full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars and want to experience what Cuban tobacco can deliver at its most powerful, the Churchill De Luxe offers an unforgettable introduction. Just approach it with respect and proper technique.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The Churchill format requires careful cutting. I use a sharp guillotine cutter positioned about 2mm from the head, making one clean, confident cut. The goal is to open the draw without damaging that beautiful wrapper or creating loose tobacco pieces that’ll interfere with your smoking experience.
For lighting, patience is essential. Toast the foot evenly with a butane torch or quality cedar spills, rotating the cigar slowly to achieve an even cherry across the entire surface. Don’t rush this process—a poorly lit premium cigar is a waste of both time and money.
Once lit, take the first few draws gently. Let the cigar establish its rhythm and don’t force it with aggressive puffing. The generous filler means you’ll get plenty of smoke volume, but overheating will introduce bitterness that masks the subtle flavor transitions this cigar offers.
Given the full-bodied strength, pace yourself throughout the smoke. A draw every 45-60 seconds is ideal. This cigar rewards those who take their time and punishes those who rush.
Storage Requirements
Maintaining optimal storage conditions is crucial for preserving the Churchill De Luxe’s exceptional character. Keep these cigars at 65-70% relative humidity and temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). The standard 70/70 rule works perfectly for most Cuban cigars, including this one.
The oily wrapper makes these cigars particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations. Too dry and the wrapper cracks; too humid and you’ll encounter burn problems. I use a digital hygrometer and monitor conditions weekly to ensure consistency.
For long-term aging, these Churchills improve significantly over time. The flavors mellow and integrate, creating an even more refined smoking experience after 2-3 years of proper storage. Proven storage techniques become essential when you’re investing in premium Cuban tobacco.
The original boxes provide excellent protection and help maintain consistent humidity. If you’re buying individual cigars, cedar tubes or a quality humidor with Spanish cedar lining will serve you well. Setting up your humidor correctly from the start prevents costly mistakes down the line.
Authenticity Guide
With Partagas’s prestigious reputation comes the unfortunate reality of counterfeits. Knowing how to identify authentic Churchill De Luxe cigars protects both your investment and your smoking experience.
Genuine Partagas bands feature crisp, clear printing with proper color registration. The distinctive red and gold color scheme should be vibrant without any bleeding or misalignment. Counterfeit bands often have subtle errors that give them away upon close inspection.
The wrapper should display that characteristic oily sheen with minimal veining and flawless construction. Fake cigars frequently have dry, brittle wrappers or visible construction defects that would never pass Cuban quality control.
Box authenticity matters too. Look for proper Habanos holographic seals and the official warranty sticker. The box codes should be consistent and legible. When in doubt, purchase only from authorized dealers who can verify provenance and stand behind their products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Churchill De Luxe compare to other Partagas vitolas?
The Churchill De Luxe is among the fullest-bodied offerings in the Partagas lineup. While cigars like the Serie D No. 4 offer similar flavor profiles in a more approachable format, the Churchill delivers more intensity and complexity over a longer smoking time. It’s considered one of the more challenging vitolas in the brand’s portfolio.
Is this cigar suitable for daytime smoking?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The full-bodied strength and intensity make this better suited for evening sessions when you can devote your full attention to the experience. Smoking this on an empty stomach or during a busy day is likely to be overwhelming.
How long should I age these cigars before smoking?
They’re enjoyable fresh, but the flavors really integrate and mellow with 1-2 years of proper storage. If you have the patience, longer aging continues to improve the smoking experience. Many aficionados prefer these with 3-5 years of age.
What’s the best way to handle the strength?
Eat a substantial meal before smoking, stay hydrated throughout, and pace yourself with draws every 45-60 seconds. Having something sweet nearby—a piece of dark chocolate or a sugary drink—can help if the nicotine becomes too intense.
Why is this cigar considered challenging?
The combination of full-bodied strength, complex evolving flavors, and extended smoking time demands experience and attention. Unlike milder cigars that you can enjoy casually, the Churchill De Luxe requires engagement. As one reviewer noted, it’s “a pugnacious Churchill that requires a good frame of mind to fight with it.”
