Description
The Partagas Churchill That Doesn’t Get Enough Credit
I’m probably biased here, but I think the Partagas Churchill De Luxe is one of those cigars that gets overshadowed by its flashier cousins in the lineup. The Serie D No. 4 gets all the attention – and don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic smoke – but this Churchill? It’s a different beast entirely. If you’re the type who appreciates a longer smoke with more time to develop, more layers to peel back, this is where Partagas really shows what they can do. I’m talking about a cigar that gives you a good 60 to 75 minutes of complexity, not just that signature Partagas punch stretched out over a longer format. There’s nuance here that catches people off guard.
What Makes This Churchill Stand Out
Partagas has been around since 1845 – yeah, that’s before the American Civil War – and they’ve built a reputation on robust, full-flavored cigars that don’t apologize for being intense. The Churchill De Luxe sits in an interesting spot in their portfolio. It’s not as aggressive as some of their smaller vitolas, but it’s definitely not mild either.
Thing is, this particular vitola gives those Vuelta Abajo tobacco blends room to breathe. The Churchill format has always been about balance – you get enough wrapper influence to keep things interesting, but enough filler to develop real complexity as you smoke. And Partagas construction? Generally solid. I’ve had maybe one or two that needed minor touch-ups out of dozens smoked over the years, which is pretty good for Cuban cigars, real talk.
Who’s this for? Intermediate to experienced smokers who want something substantial. If you’re just getting into Cuban cigars, maybe start with something gentler. But if you’ve worked your way through some Montecristo Coronas and Romeo y Julieta Churchill varieties and you’re ready for something with more character – more earth, more spice, more presence – this is your next step.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Churchill De Luxe |
| Length | 7 inches / 178 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Third by Third
The cold draw gives you leather and barnyard – not in a bad way, but that earthy, almost hay-like quality that screams “Cuban tobacco.” There’s a hint of cocoa if you’re paying attention, but it’s subtle at this stage.
Light it up, and the first third comes at you with more refinement than you might expect from Partagas. There’s definitely pepper – white pepper, specifically – dancing on your palate, but it’s not overwhelming. What surprised me the first time I smoked one of these was how much cedar came through early. That woody note pairs with this underlying earthiness that’s almost coffee-like. Dark coffee, not the fancy latte stuff. The retrohale at this stage is where you get the full Partagas punch – spice and toast and this slight mineral quality that reminds you these tobacco plants grew in red Cuban soil.
Second third is where things get interesting. The pepper mellows out – doesn’t disappear, just takes a step back – and these sweeter notes start emerging. Dried fruit, maybe figs? I’ve also gotten this nutty character that’s hard to pin down exactly. Walnut, perhaps. The earth remains constant throughout, which is pretty typical for the Partagas Serie profile. Construction at this point should be solid – the burn line might wander slightly, but it usually corrects itself. The ash holds for a good inch and a half, sometimes more, with that grayish-white color that indicates proper combustion.
Final third brings back the intensity. This is where some people struggle because it can get a bit strong, especially if you’ve been smoking fast. The flavors concentrate – more leather, more earth, hints of dark chocolate and espresso. The retrohale becomes more aggressive here, almost peppery again but with this molasses-like sweetness underneath. If you’ve let it rest properly and you’re smoking slowly enough, this final stretch is actually my favorite part. It’s complex without being harsh, strong without being bitter. That’s the sign of quality tobacco and good blending.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Churchill De Luxe | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Evening smoke with complexity |
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Medium | 60-70 min | More approachable, less earth |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Churchill | Medium | 55-65 min | Smoother, creamier profile |
What to Pair It With
I’ve tried this with various drinks over the years, and honestly? A good aged rum is hard to beat. Something like Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – rums with enough body and sweetness to complement those earthy, spicy notes without getting overwhelmed. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum play really nicely with the tobacco.
Coffee works too, but it has to be the right coffee. Strong espresso, maybe a Cuban coffee if you’re feeling thematic. The bitterness and roasted qualities mirror what’s happening in the cigar. I’ve also had success with a peaty single malt scotch – something like Laphroaig 10 – though that’s definitely an acquired taste combination. The smoke-on-smoke thing isn’t for everyone.
Time-wise, this is an after-dinner cigar. Maybe late afternoon if you’ve had a substantial lunch. It’s too much for morning, at least for me. Best enjoyed when you’ve got time to sit and actually pay attention – this isn’t a cigar for multitasking.
How does the Partagas Churchill De Luxe compare to the Serie D No. 4?
The Serie D No. 4 is more concentrated and intense due to its smaller ring gauge – it’s in-your-face Partagas from start to finish. The Churchill De Luxe is more refined and gives you more time for the flavors to develop and evolve. If you want power in a shorter smoke, go Serie D. If you want complexity with time to explore it, the Churchill is your pick.
Do these need aging, or can I smoke them right away?
You can smoke them fresh if they’ve been properly stored, but honestly? Give them at least six months if you can. A year or two is even better. The harsh edges smooth out, the flavors integrate better, and that characteristic Partagas earthiness becomes more refined. I’ve had some with five years on them that were phenomenal – the spice mellows while the complexity increases.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, maybe 66%. That’s a bit drier than the traditional 70%, but I find Cuban cigars in general smoke better at slightly lower humidity – they draw easier and burn more evenly. Temperature-wise, keep them around 65-68°F if possible. Consistency matters more than hitting exact numbers.
Is this a good introduction to full-bodied Cuban cigars?
It depends where you’re coming from. If you’ve only smoked mild cigars, this might be a bit much – the nicotine strength can sneak up on you. But if you’ve worked through medium-bodied cigars and you’re ready to step up, this is actually a good transition. It’s strong but not punishing, complex but not overwhelming. Just make sure you’ve eaten first and smoke it slowly.
How does the construction typically hold up?
In my experience, pretty well. Partagas generally has good quality control, though like all Cuban cigars, you might occasionally get one that needs a touch-up. The draw is usually spot-on – maybe slightly firm, which I actually prefer for longer smokes. The wrapper is typically smooth with visible veins but no major flaws. Burn line can wander a bit but usually corrects itself if you’re patient.
What makes Partagas Cuban cigars different from other Cuban brands?
Partagas tends to use tobacco with more body and earth than brands like Montecristo or Romeo y Julieta. There’s less cream and sweetness, more leather and spice. They’re known for that characteristic earthiness and robust flavor profile. If Cuban cigars were wines, Partagas would be a full-bodied Cabernet while Montecristo might be a Pinot Noir – both great, just different styles.
Can I smoke this down to the nub, or does it get too strong?
The final inch can get pretty intense – that’s where the tar and heat concentrate. I usually put it down with about an inch to an inch and a half left, depending on how it’s smoking. If you’re pushing through to the very end, you might get some bitterness and heat. No shame in setting it down when it stops being enjoyable – you’ve already gotten 60-plus minutes of good smoking out of it.
Final Thoughts
The Partagas Churchill De Luxe deserves more attention than it gets. It’s not the flashiest cigar in the lineup, and it doesn’t have the cult following of some other vitolas, but it’s a solid, complex smoke that rewards patience and attention. The construction is reliable, the flavor profile is classic Partagas with enough refinement to keep things interesting, and the smoking time gives you a proper experience without overstaying its welcome.
If you’re expanding your Cuban cigar horizons beyond the usual suspects – the Montecristo No. 2s and Romeo Churchill varieties – give this one a shot. Just make sure you’ve got time to sit with it, something good to drink, and no pressing obligations for the next hour or so. That’s when this cigar shows you what it’s really about.
