Partagas Salomon

Description

The Partagás Salomones is not merely a cigar; it is a monumental expression of Habanos craftsmanship and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Cuba’s most storied factories. As a Double Perfecto (Salomón) vitola, this cigar represents the pinnacle of rolling expertise, featuring a tapered head and a bulbous foot with a delicate nipple tip that requires the steady hands of a master torcedor. Measuring a commanding 184 mm (7 1/4 inches) with a 57 ring gauge, the Salomones is a full-bodied masterpiece designed for the true aficionado. From the first draw, it commands attention with a signature herbal and spicy opening that evolves into a complex tapestry of toasted nuts, dark fruit, and deep earthiness, eventually culminating in a crescendo of tangy black pepper and dry woody notes. Reserved as an exclusive for La Casa del Habano (LCDH), this is a cigar of rare pedigree, offering a 2.5 to 3-hour ritual of opulent smoke and unparalleled structural evolution.

Box Features and Packaging Options

Cigar Specifications

Brand Heritage

The story of Partagás is the story of Havana’s golden age of tobacco. Founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagás at the iconic factory located at Calle Industria 520, the brand has spent nearly two centuries defining the “full-flavored” category of Cuban cigars. While many brands sought elegance through mildness, Partagás built its reputation on power, complexity, and a deep, earthy resonance that captured the terroir of the Vuelta Abajo region. The factory itself remains a pilgrimage site for cigar lovers worldwide, symbolizing the artisanal soul of Cuban viticulture.

The Partagás Salomones specifically carries a fascinating modern history. While the Salomón shape is a classic 19th-century figurado, it had nearly vanished from commercial production by the late 20th century. It was resurrected in the mid-1990s through a visionary commission by German merchant Christopher Wolters, who requested 100 limited-edition humidors of 50 cigars each. These original 5,000 cigars became legendary among collectors, initially retailing for staggering sums. Recognizing the vitola’s prestige, Habanos S.A. brought the Salomones into regular (though limited) production in 2008 as an exclusive for La Casa del Habano stores. Today, it stands as the most prestigious figurado in the Partagás portfolio, surpassing even the famous Lusitania in terms of technical difficulty and sheer physical presence.

Tasting Profile

First Third – The Opening

Lighting a Double Perfecto requires patience; the narrow nipple at the foot must be toasted carefully to ensure an even burn as the ring gauge expands. The opening of the Partagás Salomones is surprisingly bright and herbal. Unlike the immediate “earth-bomb” of a Serie D No. 4, the Salomones begins with a sophisticated spice and floral sweetness. As the burn line reaches the widest part of the bulb, the smoke volume increases dramatically, delivering notes of white pepper and a distinct herbal strength that tingles the palate. The draw is exceptionally cool due to the massive 57 ring gauge, allowing the delicate aromatics of the wrapper to shine before the heavier filler tobaccos take center stage.

Second Third – The Heart

As the cigar transitions into the main body of the vitola, the flavor profile deepens and broadens. This is where the classic Partagás character emerges in full force. The herbal notes settle into a rich earthiness, complemented by a luxurious nutty sweetness reminiscent of toasted almonds and cashews. There is a perceptible dark fruit undertone—think dried plums or figs—that provides a perfect counterpoint to the increasing strength. The smoke texture becomes creamy and viscous, coating the mouth with a lingering cedar and leather finish. The complexity here is staggering, as the large format allows for a diverse blend of seco, ligero, and volado leaves to harmonize perfectly.

Final Third – The Crescendo

In the final three inches, the Partagás Salomones reveals its true power. The strength builds to a definitive full-bodied experience. The spice transitions from white pepper to a pungent black pepper, and the earthy notes take on a darker, more mineral-rich quality. You will encounter intense flavors of roasted coffee beans and bitter cocoa, balanced by a persistent tangy spice on the retrohale. Despite the heat that often plagues smaller cigars at the finish, the sheer length of the Salomones keeps the smoke remarkably smooth until the very end. The final notes are a bold mixture of dry oak and concentrated tobacco oils.

Finish

The aftertaste of the Salomones is long-lived and authoritative. It leaves a resonant tangy earthiness on the tongue and a warm, spicy sensation in the back of the throat. Even thirty minutes after putting the cigar down, the palate retains the memory of leather, pepper, and aged tobacco, a hallmark of high-priming Cuban leaf.

Flavor Wheel

Aging and Collector Value

The Partagás Salomones is a prime candidate for long-term cellaring. Because of its full-bodied nature and the high concentration of ligero leaves required to sustain its strength over a three-hour burn, the tobacco contains a high level of essential oils. In its youth (0–2 years), the cigar can be somewhat aggressive, with the herbal notes dominating the profile. However, with 3 to 5 years of aging, these sharp edges soften, allowing the nutty and fruity complexities to integrate with the earthy core.

For the serious collector, the Salomones is a “must-have” due to its LCDH exclusive status and the artisanal difficulty of its construction. Only the *Category 9* rollers—the highest rank in the Cuban factory system—are permitted to roll this vitola, with a daily output limited to just 50–60 cigars per worker. This scarcity, combined with the iconic Partagás brand name, ensures that well-maintained boxes appreciate significantly in value. To preserve this masterpiece, store it at a stable 65-70% RH and 18-21°C (65-70°F). The use of a Spanish cedar-lined humidor is essential, as the wood’s natural tannins complement the cigar’s inherent spiciness over time.

Perfect Pairings

Authenticity Verification

In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. Every box of Partagás Salomones we offer undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the exacting standards of Habanos S.A.

• Habanos Holographic Seal – Located on the top right of the box, this seal features a high-security hologram that is virtually impossible to forge, appearing iridescent under light.
• Box Code Verification – Each box features a unique barcode and identification number. This can be verified directly on the official Habanos website to confirm the factory of origin and production date.
• Factory Stamp – The bottom of every box is hot-stamped with “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler), alongside the specific factory code and date of boxing.
• Triple Cap – A hallmark of true Cuban craftsmanship, the Salomones features a perfectly executed triple cap at the head, ensuring a clean cut and structural integrity during the long smoke.

Our Guarantee: We source our inventory exclusively through authorized channels. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet your expectations for artisanal quality, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to the preservation of Cuban cigar culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ring gauge and length of the Partagás Salomones?

The Partagás Salomones is a substantial cigar, measuring 184 mm (7 1/4 inches) in length with a 57 ring gauge at its widest point. This vitola is known as a Salomón, which is a specific type of Double Perfecto. Its unique shape—tapering at both ends—is one of the most difficult for torcedores to master, requiring a perfect balance of filler leaves to ensure a consistent draw through the varying diameters.

Is the Partagás Salomones full strength, and how long does it take to smoke?

Yes, the Partagás Salomones is a full-bodied and high-strength cigar. It is not recommended for beginners, as the nicotine content and flavor intensity are significant. Due to its massive size and the complexity of the blend, you should set aside 2.5 to 3 hours to fully enjoy this cigar. Rushing a Salomones can lead to overheating, which masks the delicate herbal and nutty notes that make it so special.

What makes the Salomones an LCDH exclusive?

The “La Casa del Habano” (LCDH) designation means this cigar is produced specifically for the global network of franchise stores specializing in Habanos. These cigars often feature a second band (burgundy and gold) and are typically made in smaller quantities with higher-quality leaf selections. The Salomones was brought back into regular production specifically to serve as a flagship for these specialty shops, making it rarer than standard Partagás vitolas like the Serie D or Serie P.

How should I store and age my Partagás Salomones for the best flavor?

Because of its size and the oils in its wrapper, the Salomones is sensitive to fluctuations in humidity. It should be stored at 65-70% relative humidity. If the cigar becomes too dry, the wrapper may crack at the bulbous foot; if too wet, the draw will become difficult. For aging, we recommend at least 3 years in a Spanish cedar humidor. Over time, the aggressive pepper will mellow into a sophisticated spice, and the herbal notes will transform into a rich, creamy earthiness.

How do I properly light a Double Perfecto like the Salomones?

Lighting the Partagás Salomones requires a specific technique. Because of the “nipple” foot, you should use a single-flame torch or a cedar spill to gently toast only the tip. Do not cut the foot. Take small, gentle puffs to draw the flame through the narrow opening. As the burn line expands into the wider part of the bulb, the draw will open up naturally. This slow start is essential for developing the cigar’s flavor layers correctly.