Description
The Partagas Salomones LCDH: A Figurado That Demands Your Attention
Look, I’m going to be straight with you – when I first heard about the Partagas Salomones LCDH, I thought, “Do we really need another limited release?” Thing is, after spending an entire evening with this beauty during a visit to my favorite La Casa del Habano in 2019, I completely changed my tune. This isn’t just another LCDH exclusive trying to cash in on the collector craze. This is a serious cigar that shows what happens when Partagas decides to flex their figurado-making muscles. And the wrapper – oh man, the wrapper alone is worth the conversation.
The Salomones vitola has this old-school mystique that modern smokers sometimes overlook. It’s not a quick smoke. It’s not something you light up during a lunch break. This is the cigar you reach for when you’ve got a free afternoon, a comfortable chair, and nothing pressing on your schedule. Between you and me, I think the figurado revival is one of the best things happening in the Cuban cigar world right now, and this Partagas proves exactly why.
What Makes the Partagas Salomones LCDH Stand Out
Partagas has been around since 1845 – yeah, you read that right. Don Jaime Partagás founded the brand in Havana, and it’s been synonymous with full-bodied, earth-forward Cuban tobacco ever since. Their factory, the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, is basically a pilgrimage site if you’re serious about cigars. I visited back in the late 90s, and the smell of curing tobacco in that building? I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Here’s the thing about LCDH exclusives – they’re only available through La Casa del Habano stores worldwide, which means limited production runs and, honestly, bragging rights. But this Salomones isn’t just about exclusivity. The blend showcases premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco in the wrapper, binder, and filler. We’re talking about the Napa Valley of tobacco regions here – the absolute best Cuban tobacco comes from Vuelta Abajo.
The Salomones vitola itself is a double figurado, meaning it tapers at both the head and the foot. This shape isn’t just for looks (though it does look impressive in your hand). The tapered foot means you start with a concentrated flavor profile that gradually opens up as you progress through the cigar. It’s like the tobacco is introducing itself slowly instead of shouting at you from the first puff. And I know this sounds dramatic, but the construction quality on these is exceptional – I’m talking about near-perfect draws and razor-sharp burn lines that make you appreciate the torcedor’s skill.
Who should smoke this? Real talk: if you’re new to Cuban cigars, maybe start somewhere else. The Salomones LCDH sits firmly in the medium-to-full strength range with a complexity that rewards experienced palates. This is for the smoker who appreciates nuance, who doesn’t mind dedicating two hours to a single cigar, and who gets genuinely excited about how tobacco from different primings interacts in a blend.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Salomones (Double Figurado) |
| Length | 7.25 inches / 184 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 57 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Light to Final Ash
Okay, so let me walk you through what actually happens when you smoke one of these. The cold draw – before you even light it – gives you hints of cedar and hay with this underlying sweetness. Not sugar sweetness, but more like… hmm, how do I explain this… like dried fruit that’s been stored in a wooden box for years. You know what I’m talking about, right?
First third hits differently because of that tapered foot. You’re getting a more concentrated stream of smoke, and the flavors come through bold but not overwhelming. There’s this earthy backbone that’s classic Partagas – think rich garden soil after rain, mixed with cedar. But here’s what gets me: there’s also this creamy element that I wasn’t expecting. It’s like the smoke coats your palate in this velvety way. I picked up notes of roasted coffee beans and just a touch of white pepper on the retrohale. The pepper isn’t aggressive – it’s more of a gentle tingle that reminds you there’s strength behind all that smoothness.
Second third is where things get interesting. The ring gauge opens up fully now, and suddenly you’re dealing with more smoke volume and complexity. The creaminess from the first third develops into something richer – almost buttery. The earth notes are still there (this is Partagas, after all), but they’re joined by leather and this distinctive cocoa quality. Not milk chocolate, more like dark chocolate with 70% cacao. There’s also wood in there – cedar for sure, but also something harder. Mahogany maybe? Actually, scratch that – it’s more like walnut. And I know some aficionados will disagree with me here, but I think the second third is the most balanced part of this cigar.
The final third – and this is where aging really matters – shows you what this cigar is capable of. The strength builds noticeably but never becomes harsh. There’s more spice now, with black pepper joining that earlier white pepper. The creamy texture persists, which is remarkable for a cigar this far into the smoke. I got notes of espresso, dark honey, and this lingering spiciness that stays with you for a good twenty minutes after you set it down. The retrohale in this final stretch? No joke, it’s phenomenal – layers of toasted nuts, leather, and that trademark Partagas earth.
Construction-wise, I’ve never had issues with these. The burn stays remarkably even for a figurado, which isn’t always a given with tapered vitolas. The ash holds for about an inch to an inch and a half before dropping – solid and grey-white, indicating good combustion. Draw resistance is in that perfect middle zone where you’re getting enough smoke without working for it.
How Does It Compare?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Salomones LCDH | Medium-Full | 120-150 min | Experienced smokers wanting complexity and time to savor |
| Partagas Serie D No. 4 | Full | 60-75 min | Those who want classic Partagas punch in less time |
| Bolivar Belicosos Finos | Full | 75-90 min | Smokers who prefer more aggressive spice and power |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona | Medium | 90-120 min | Aficionados seeking elegance over strength in a long smoke |
What to Pair With This Beauty
I’ll be honest with you: this cigar deserves a proper pairing. My go-to? A well-aged rum, specifically something like Havana Club 15 Year or Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo. The rum’s sweetness and oakiness complement the creamy, earthy profile without competing for attention. If you’re a whisky person – and I certainly am on occasion – try a highland Scotch with some sherry cask influence. Glenfarclas 17 Year works beautifully. The dried fruit notes in the whisky echo that sweetness in the first third, while the malt stands up to the cigar’s building strength.
Coffee? Absolutely, especially if you’re smoking this in the morning. A dark roast with chocolate notes – maybe a good Sumatra or Ethiopian natural process – pairs wonderfully. Stay away from anything too acidic or light. This cigar needs a beverage with body and character.
Timing-wise, this is an evening cigar for me. Late afternoon at the earliest. You need time – we’re talking two to two and a half hours here – and you need to not be rushed. Perfect for a weekend when you’ve got nowhere to be. I’ve enjoyed these on the patio during summer evenings, but honestly, they shine in cooler weather. Fall and winter smoking seems to bring out more of that cedar and spice.
Your Questions Answered
How long should I age the Partagas Salomones LCDH before smoking?
Here’s the thing – these smoke well with minimal aging, maybe 6 months to a year to recover from their journey. But if you’ve got the patience, 3-5 years of proper aging in a well-maintained humidor transforms them. The pepper mellows, the creaminess intensifies, and the complexity deepens significantly. I keep a box aging and smoke one fresh to compare, and the difference is real.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these cigars?
I store mine at 65% relative humidity with a temperature around 65-68°F. Cuban cigars, especially complex blends like this, benefit from slightly lower humidity than some people use. At 65%, the burn stays consistent and the flavors remain sharp. Go higher, and you risk a tight draw and muted flavors. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way years ago.
Is this cigar too strong for someone transitioning from Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars?
Not gonna lie, the strength builds as you smoke it, but it’s not going to knock you over like some full-bodied Cubans can. If you’ve handled medium-full Nicaraguan puros, you’ll be fine. The key is to smoke it slowly – this isn’t a race – and have something sugary nearby just in case. I’d say smoke it after a meal rather than on an empty stomach, especially if you’re still getting used to Cuban strength profiles.
How does the Salomones vitola affect the smoking experience compared to a straight parejo?
The tapered foot concentrates the initial flavors – you’re drawing through less tobacco at first, so everything tastes more focused and intense. As the ring gauge opens up, you get more smoke volume and the blend shows different dimensions. It’s like the cigar has a built-in progression that a straight Churchill or Double Corona doesn’t have. Plus – and this matters – the figurado shape just feels special in your hand. There’s a craftsmanship element you can appreciate.
What’s the difference between the LCDH Salomones and regular Partagas production cigars?
LCDH exclusives typically use tobacco from premium crops and see more careful selection in terms of wrapper quality and aging. The Salomones vitola itself isn’t part of Partagas’s regular production line, so this is your only way to get this specific size in the Partagas blend. In my experience, LCDH releases get a bit more attention during production – think of them as the special reserve bottles in a whisky lineup. The blend is recognizably Partagas, but there’s an extra polish to the overall experience.
Should I cut this with a straight cut or V-cut given the figurado shape?
I use a straight cut and just clip the very tip – maybe 1/8 inch at most. The head already has a natural taper, so you don’t need to remove much. A V-cut can work too, but honestly, I find the straight cut gives you better draw with figurados. Whatever you do, don’t use a punch on a torpedo-shaped head. You’ll restrict the draw too much and miss out on the full flavor. Keep your cutter sharp – a clean cut on that beautiful cap is important.
Can I smoke this cigar down to the nub, or does it get harsh?
You can push it pretty far without bitterness, which speaks to the quality of the tobacco and construction. I usually smoke it until there’s about an inch to an inch and a half left. By that point, the flavors are at their most concentrated – lots of spice and leather – but not harsh or acrid. Some guys use a cigar holder to take it even further, but I’m not usually that committed. The final third is too good to rush through anyway.
Final Thoughts on the Partagas Salomones LCDH
Real talk: this cigar reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban tobacco in the first place. It’s got that classic Partagas DNA – the earth, the strength, the no-nonsense character – but wrapped up in a vitola that forces you to slow down and pay attention. The figurado shape isn’t just showmanship; it actually contributes to how the flavors develop and evolve over two-plus hours.
If you’re looking for a special occasion smoke or want to see what Habanos can do when they’re making limited releases for serious aficionados, this is it. The aging potential is real, the construction is consistently excellent, and the flavor journey from that first puff through the tapered foot to the full-bodied finale is genuinely engaging. Not gonna lie, these have earned a permanent spot in my humidor.
Whether you’re a longtime Partagas fan or someone who appreciates well-made figurados, the Salomones LCDH deserves your attention. Clear your calendar, pour something worthy, and give this cigar the time it deserves. You won’t regret it.
