Partagas Lusitanias

Description

The Partagas Lusitanias is not merely a cigar; it is a monumental architectural feat of the Habanos world, representing the pinnacle of the Prominentes vitola. Often referred to by aficionados as the “King of Double Coronas,” this full-bodied Cuban cigar offers a marathon of complexity that spans nearly two hours of evolving sensory indulgence. Hand-rolled in the legendary Partagas Factory in the heart of Havana, the Lusitanias utilizes the finest long-filler tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region to create a profile that is as powerful as it is refined. From its majestic 194mm length to its dark, oily wrapper, every element of this cigar signals a luxury experience designed for the seasoned connoisseur. Expect a sophisticated journey that begins with creamy sweetness and stone fruit, transitioning into a robust heart of toasted almonds and espresso, and culminating in a dramatic crescendo of black pepper, leather, and rich earth.

Box Features and Packaging Options

Cigar Specifications

Brand Heritage

The story of Partagas is the story of Havana’s cigar-making soul. Founded in 1845 by Jaime Partagás, a Spanish immigrant with a visionary eye for tobacco quality, the brand established itself as a pioneer in the Vuelta Abajo region. Jaime Partagás was one of the first to experiment with fermentation and aging techniques that are now industry standards, ensuring that his cigars possessed a depth and “kick” that set them apart from the milder blends of the 19th century. The Partagas Factory, located just behind the Capitolio building in Havana, remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the tobacco world, a cathedral of craftsmanship where the Lusitanias has been perfected over generations.

Throughout its nearly 180-year history, Partagas has remained synonymous with boldness and consistency. While other brands may lean toward floral or light notes, Partagas is celebrated for its earthy, spicy, and robust character. The Lusitanias, as the flagship of the brand’s regular production, embodies this heritage perfectly. It has been the choice of world leaders, literary giants, and the most discerning cigar experts, such as Mexico’s Max Gutmann. To smoke a Lusitanias is to participate in a historical ritual, engaging with a brand that helped define the very concept of the luxury Cuban cigar.

Tasting Profile

First Third – The Opening

The experience begins with a surprisingly gentle and sophisticated introduction. Upon lighting, the Partagas Lusitanias greets the palate with a wash of creamy sweetness and delicate vanilla. The initial draws are often characterized by a bright orange peel citrus note and hints of stone fruit, specifically peaches. This sweetness is perfectly balanced by a burgeoning mild black pepper on the retrohale. As the cigar settles, notes of toasted almonds and light cedar emerge, while the strength sits comfortably at a mild-to-medium level. The aroma is already captivating, filling the room with a scent reminiscent of fresh hay and floral cocoa.

Second Third – The Heart

As you move into the second third, the Lusitanias truly begins to “soar.” The complexity deepens as the strength ramps up to a solid medium-full. The fruitiness of the first third evolves into a denser dark chocolate and espresso profile. The wood notes become more pronounced, shifting from light cedar to a rich, aged oak. A beautiful savory-floral balance develops, where the sweetness of the tobacco is countered by earthy undertones and a more persistent spice. There is a complete lack of acidity here; instead, the smoke is velvety and thick, coating the tongue with flavors of leather and roasted nuts.

Final Third – The Crescendo

The final third is where the legendary Partagas power is fully realized. The strength reaches full-bodied intensity, demanding the smoker’s full attention. The black and red pepper notes become bolder, providing a pleasant tongue-tingling sensation. The espresso notes darken into a bittersweet cocoa, and the leather and earth become the dominant themes. Despite the surge in nicotine and heat, the cigar remains remarkably smooth if smoked with a slow cadence. It is a powerful, intense finish that lingers long after the cigar has been put down, leaving a final impression of licorice, charred wood, and rich tobacco.

Finish

The finish of the Partagas Lusitanias is exceptionally long and harmonious. It leaves a savory residue on the palate that emphasizes orange peel and toasted nuts. Unlike lesser cigars that may turn bitter in their final moments, a well-aged Lusitanias maintains its integrity until the very last inch, providing a clean yet profound aftertaste of pure Cuban terroir.

Flavor Wheel

Aging and Collector Value

The Partagas Lusitanias is widely regarded as one of the best “aging” cigars in the Habanos portfolio. Due to its massive size and the high concentration of ligero leaves required for its full-bodied profile, the tobacco undergoes a slow, graceful fermentation process inside the box. While it can be enjoyed fresh, it often possesses a “raw” spicy edge that some may find overwhelming. However, with 3 to 5 years of proper humidor aging, the flavors meld together, the spice softens into a complex sweetness, and the floral notes become more prominent.

For collectors, the Lusitanias is a blue-chip investment. Boxes with clear factory stamps and date codes (such as those from the legendary Partagas factory) tend to appreciate significantly in value. To maximize aging potential, we recommend storing these Double Coronas in a Spanish cedar humidor maintained at a steady 65-70% RH and 70°F. The large 49 ring gauge allows for excellent airflow during the maturation process, ensuring that the cigar does not become “plugged” as the oils settle over time. A decade-old Lusitanias is often described by aficionados as a religious experience, where the strength has mellowed into a symphonic complexity of orange, leather, and cream.

Perfect Pairings

Authenticity Verification

In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. Every Partagas Lusitanias we offer undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the exacting standards of Habanos S.A. and our own quality control protocols.

• Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos holographic seal with a unique barcode and hidden security elements visible under UV light.
• Box Code Verification – We verify the factory code and packaging date stamped on the bottom of every box to ensure provenance and aging accuracy.
• Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which are signatures of authentic Cuban craftsmanship.
• Triple Cap – The Lusitanias features the traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of the master torcedores who hand-roll these majestic Double Coronas.

Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our strict standards for construction and condition, we provide a full refund or replacement. Trusted by collectors and aficionados since 2015, we are committed to delivering only 100% authentic Cuban heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Partagas Lusitanias take to smoke?

The Partagas Lusitanias is a significant time investment. Due to its 194mm length and 49 ring gauge, you should set aside a minimum of 90 to 120 minutes. Smoking this cigar too quickly can cause it to overheat, leading to bitterness and a loss of the delicate floral and fruit notes. It is designed for a slow, contemplative cadence.

Is the Partagas Lusitanias suitable for beginners?

Generally, no. Because of its full-bodied strength and high nicotine content—especially in the final third—the Lusitanias can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to robust Cuban tobacco. It is best enjoyed by seasoned smokers who have a developed palate and an understanding of how to manage a large format vitola.

How does the Lusitanias compare to the Montecristo No. 1?

While both are large-format Cuban cigars, the Partagas Lusitanias is significantly more powerful and spicy. The Montecristo No. 1 tends to be smoother with more cocoa and cream throughout, whereas the Lusitanias offers a more dramatic evolution from sweet fruit to intense pepper and earth. The Lusitanias is also slightly larger, belonging to the Prominentes vitola group.

What is the best way to store these for long-term aging?

The Lusitanias thrives in a stable environment. We recommend keeping them in their original cedar box within a humidor. The cedar-on-cedar contact enhances the woody aroma. Aim for a slightly lower humidity (around 65%) if you plan to age them for more than five years, as this prevents mold and allows the oils to evolve slowly without the risk of the tobacco becoming too damp.