Description
Partagas Lusitanias: The Aristocrat of Double Coronas
There’s something almost regal about a properly aged Partagas Lusitanias. This isn’t just another Double Corona—it’s a cigar that commands respect from the moment you slide it from the box. For aficionados seeking the full-bodied character that made Partagas legendary, paired with the complexity and smoking time that only a grand vitola can deliver, the Lusitanias represents Cuban craftsmanship at its finest. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply dedicating an evening to the art of slow smoking, understanding what makes this cigar exceptional will enhance every draw.
The Legacy Behind the Smoke
Partagas has been rolling cigars in Havana since 1845, making it one of Cuba’s most storied brands. The factory on Calle Industria remains a pilgrimage site for cigar enthusiasts worldwide. What sets Partagas apart isn’t just history—it’s the distinctively bold, earth-forward profile that runs through their entire lineup.
The Lusitanias sits at the pinnacle of the Partagas range. Named after the ancient Roman province corresponding to modern-day Portugal, this Double Corona format (also known as prominentes in Cuban cigar terminology) offers a smoking experience that can stretch beyond two hours. It’s crafted for experienced smokers who appreciate strength balanced with nuance. The wrapper leaves sourced from Cuba’s legendary Vuelta Abajo region provide a foundation of richness that defines every inch of this substantial cigar.
This isn’t a cigar for casual moments or hurried smokes. The Lusitanias demands your attention and rewards patience with layers of flavor that reveal themselves slowly, deliberately, like chapters in a favorite book.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Double Corona (Prominentes) |
| Length | 7.6 inches / 194 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 49 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban longfiller blend |
| Strength | Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
The Smoking Journey: From First Light to Final Draw
Before lighting, examine the wrapper closely. A well-kept Lusitanias displays an oily, medium to dark brown leaf with subtle veining. The construction should feel firm throughout without hard spots. On the cold draw, you’ll detect barnyard notes, rich earth, and hints of cedar—a preview of what’s coming.
The First Third: The Lusitanias announces itself with authority. From the first puffs, you’re met with a wave of earth and leather, anchored by that signature Partagas earthiness. There’s pepper here, not overwhelming but present—a tingle on the palate that keeps you engaged. Cedar notes weave through the profile, and if you’re smoking a well-aged example, you might detect subtle cocoa undertones. The smoke production is generous, almost creamy in texture, coating your palate. The burn line typically stays even, and the ash forms in a solid, light-gray cylinder that holds for an inch or more.
The Second Third: This is where the Lusitanias truly opens up. The initial pepper mellows slightly, allowing more complexity to emerge. Coffee notes join the earthiness, and that leather quality becomes more pronounced—like a well-worn saddle or a vintage library. Some detect hints of dried fruit or toasted nuts. The strength builds steadily here; this is decidedly a full-bodied smoke, though never harsh when properly aged. The ring gauge allows for excellent smoke cooling, preventing the bitter heat that can plague larger cigars. Retrohaling at this stage brings forward white pepper and subtle sweetness that balances the robust base notes.
The Final Third: A well-constructed Lusitanias remains smooth even as you approach the final inches. The flavors intensify—earth dominates, supported by espresso-like bitterness and persistent leather. There’s a mineral quality that some describe as flinty or stony, a characteristic of premium Cuban tobacco. The strength peaks here; you’ll feel it. This is no time for an empty stomach. The cigar should never turn acrid if you’re pacing properly, allowing 60 to 90 seconds between draws. The aroma filling the room by now is intoxicating—rich, woody, complex.
Throughout the entire smoke, construction quality shines. Habanos SA’s rollers ensure the Lusitanias draws effortlessly, burns evenly, and maintains structural integrity even as it heats up. This is masterclass cigar engineering.
How It Compares
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Lusitanias | Full | 120-150 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting bold, earthy complexity |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona | Medium | 120-140 minutes | Those preferring elegance over power |
| Bolivar Belicosos Finos | Full | 90-110 minutes | Shorter smoke with similar intensity |
| Cohiba Esplendidos | Medium-Full | 130-160 minutes | Smoother profile with refined character |
Perfect Pairings for Enhanced Enjoyment
A cigar this substantial deserves equally considered accompaniments. The Lusitanias pairs beautifully with a peaty single malt Scotch—think Laphroaig or Lagavulin. The smoky notes in the whisky complement the earthy tobacco without competing. If you’re a rum enthusiast, reach for an aged Guatemalan or Barbados rum; the subtle sweetness plays wonderfully against the leather and earth.
Coffee works surprisingly well, particularly a bold French roast or Cuban espresso. The bitter notes mirror what’s happening in the cigar, creating harmony rather than redundancy. For wine drinkers, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or vintage Port can stand up to the Lusitanias’ intensity.
Timing matters. This is an evening cigar, ideally enjoyed after a substantial meal. The full strength on an empty stomach isn’t pleasant. Picture a late dinner, perhaps a grilled ribeye or game meat, followed by an hour in your favorite chair with the Lusitanias. That’s the intended experience. Weekends, special occasions, moments when you’ve got nothing but time—that’s when this cigar shines brightest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is the Partagas Lusitanias compared to other Cuban cigars?
The Lusitanias is definitely in full-bodied territory, similar in strength to Bolivar or Ramon Allones offerings. It’s stronger than most Cohiba or Hoyo de Monterrey cigars but not quite as overpowering as a fresh Partagas Serie D No. 4. With age, the strength mellows slightly while complexity increases, making vintage Lusitanias somewhat more approachable for intermediate smokers.
What’s the ideal aging time for Partagas Lusitanias?
Fresh Lusitanias can be strong and somewhat one-dimensional. A minimum of two years aging is recommended, with the sweet spot between five and ten years. At this age, the pepper softens, the earth becomes more refined, and those secondary notes of cocoa, coffee, and dried fruit really emerge. Some collectors age them for 15+ years, developing extraordinary smoothness while retaining that core Partagas character.
Is the ring gauge of 49 too large for some smokers?
The 49 ring gauge actually hits a sweet spot for many aficionados. It’s substantial enough to provide excellent smoke cooling over the lengthy smoking time, preventing harshness, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy or difficult to draw from. Smokers accustomed to petit coronas might initially find it hefty, but the construction quality ensures an effortless draw that doesn’t require excessive effort.
How should I store Partagas Lusitanias for optimal aging?
Maintain consistent humidity between 65-68% and temperature around 65-70°F. The larger format means more tobacco mass that’s somewhat forgiving of minor humidity fluctuations, but consistency yields best results. If aging for extended periods, consider keeping them in their original boxes, as Cuban cigar boxes contribute subtle cedar notes over time. Rotate boxes periodically if stacking in your humidor.
What makes the wrapper from Vuelta Abajo special?
The Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río produces what many consider the world’s finest cigar tobacco. The unique combination of red, iron-rich soil, microclimate, and generations of cultivation expertise creates wrapper leaves with exceptional oiliness, elasticity, and flavor concentration. These wrappers contribute significantly to the Lusitanias’ earthy, leathery profile and that distinctive Cuban aroma.
Can beginners smoke a Partagas Lusitanias, or is it only for experienced aficionados?
Honestly, this isn’t where beginners should start. The full strength and lengthy smoking time can be overwhelming for those new to Cuban cigars. The nicotine content is substantial, potentially causing lightheadedness or nausea in inexperienced smokers. Build up through medium-bodied cigars first—perhaps a Montecristo No. 2 or H. Upmann Magnum 46—before tackling the Lusitanias. That said, a well-aged example with five-plus years can be more forgiving for ambitious intermediate smokers.
How does the length of nearly 8 inches affect the smoking experience?
The generous length provides two key benefits: extensive smoke cooling and gradual flavor evolution. The smoke travels further before reaching your palate, resulting in a smoother, creamier experience even with full-bodied tobacco. Additionally, the length allows the blend to develop distinctly across thirds, offering a more complex journey than shorter formats. You’re essentially getting three different cigars in one smoke, with flavors building and shifting as you progress.
The Verdict
The Partagas Lusitanias isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s unapologetically bold, decidedly full-bodied, and demands both time and attention. But for aficionados who appreciate what Cuban tobacco can achieve at its finest—that intoxicating combination of earth, leather, and refined strength—it’s simply magnificent.
This is a cigar that improves with age, rewards proper storage, and delivers an experience that justifies its legendary status among Cuban vitolas. Whether you’re adding boxes to your humidor for long-term aging or selecting something special for an important evening, the Lusitanias represents Partagas at its most impressive.
Ready to experience this Double Corona masterpiece? The Partagas Lusitanias awaits—just make sure you’ve cleared your schedule.
