Description
A Cigar That Demands Your Full Attention
Every now and then, you come across a cigar that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just… pay attention. The Partagas Salomones LCDH is one of those cigars. I’ll be honest – when I first heard about this limited La Casa del Habano exclusive, I was skeptical. Another special release? Another collectors’ item that looks better in the humidor than it smokes? But after spending quality time with this beast – and I mean that literally, this thing is massive – I had to admit I was wrong. This isn’t just another trophy cigar.
What makes the Salomones vitola special goes beyond its impressive size or the fact that it’s an LCDH exclusive. The shape itself – that double figurado with its tapered head and foot – creates a smoking experience that evolves in ways a straight parejo just can’t match. And when you combine that with Partagas’ signature robust tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region? You’ve got something worth talking about. Actually, scratch that – you’ve got something worth clearing your afternoon schedule for.
What You’re Really Getting Here
Partagas has been around since 1845, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure out what they’re doing. Founded by Don Jaime Partagás, the brand built its reputation on full-bodied, earth-forward cigars that don’t apologize for their strength. The Salomones LCDH continues that tradition, but – and this is important – it’s not just about power. There’s a refinement here that comes from the careful selection of tobacco and the complexity of the figurado shape.
The LCDH designation means this was created exclusively for La Casa del Habano stores worldwide. These aren’t your everyday production cigars. They’re made in smaller batches with particularly careful attention to wrapper selection and construction. You can see it the moment you pick one up – that Cuban wrapper from Vuelta Abajo has this rich, almost chocolate-brown color with just enough oil to catch the light. The veins are minimal, and the wrapper leaf is applied with the kind of precision that makes you appreciate the torcedores who crafted it.
Who’s this cigar for? Well, if you’re new to cigars, maybe start somewhere else. This is a commitment – both in time and in strength. But if you’re an experienced smoker who appreciates a full-bodied profile with layered complexity, and you’ve got a couple hours to really savor something special, this is your cigar. It’s for those evenings when you’re not in a hurry, when you want something that commands respect.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Salomones (Double Figurado) |
| Length | 7.25 inches / 184 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 57 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
The Experience: From First Light to Final Puff
Right off the bat – and I mean before you even cut this thing – the cold draw gives you a preview of what’s coming. There’s this immediate earth note, like rich potting soil after rain, mixed with a subtle sweetness that surprised me the first time. Cedar’s there too, hanging in the background. The foot has that distinct Partagas aroma: barnyard, leather, maybe a touch of cocoa.
Once you toast that tapered foot and get it going properly (take your time here – rushing a figurado is a rookie mistake), the first third opens with a wallop of earth and leather. This is classic Partagas DNA. But what caught me off guard – in the best way – was this underlying creamy note that balances out all that strength. The smoke production is generous, almost dense, and the burn line stays remarkably even despite the changing ring gauge. The ash holds solid for a good inch and a half before you need to think about knocking it off.
The second third is where things get interesting. As you move into the wider ring gauge section, the flavors open up and get more complex. That initial earth note mellows just slightly, and you start picking up spicy notes – black pepper mainly, with occasional hints of cinnamon on the retrohale. The creamy texture continues, which keeps this from being a one-dimensional powerhouse. I’ve noticed that if you’ve got some age on these – even just six months to a year in your humidor – the smoothness improves dramatically. The aggressive edges round off, and everything integrates better.
Thing is, that retrohale in the middle section will remind you this is still a full-strength cigar. Don’t get cocky. I’ve seen experienced smokers underestimate the nicotine kick here. The flavors intensify as you progress: more leather, that distinctive Partagas earth character, and a growing woody note that reminds me of cedar chest lining. The construction remains solid – no touch-ups needed if you’re smoking at a reasonable pace.
The final third is where the Salomones really shows its character. The taper at the head concentrates the smoke, and the flavors get richer and more intense without becoming harsh. There’s this beautiful interplay between the spicy notes and a subtle sweetness that emerges – almost like dark chocolate or espresso. Some coffee notes appear too, bitter in a good way. The strength builds here, absolutely, but it’s not overwhelming if you’ve been pacing yourself. The last two inches are particularly rewarding – I almost always smoke these down until they’re too hot to hold. The finish lingers on your palate: earth, leather, a touch of black pepper, and that creamy undertone that’s been there all along.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Salomones LCDH | Full | 120-150 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting complexity and time to savor |
| Partagas Lusitanias | Full | 90-110 minutes | Those who want Partagas punch in less time |
| Bolívar Belicosos Finos | Full | 70-90 minutes | Full strength preference with earthy profile |
What to Drink With This Beast
With a cigar this robust and full-bodied, you need a pairing that can stand up without getting steamrolled. My go-to? A good aged rum – something like Havana Club 15 Year or Ron Zacapa 23. The sweetness and complexity of aged rum plays beautifully against those earth and leather notes. If you’re a whiskey person, go for something with some heft – a peaty Islay Scotch like Laphroaig or Ardbeg works surprisingly well. The smoke-on-smoke pairing is intense but rewarding.
Coffee works too, especially in the afternoon. A strong Cuban espresso or a bold French roast complements those coffee notes that emerge in the final third. I’ve also had success with a rich stout beer – something like an imperial stout with chocolate notes. Skip the light beers and wine here – they’ll get lost completely.
As for timing and occasions? This is an after-dinner cigar through and through. You want a full stomach before tackling this level of strength. Weekend afternoons work well too – those lazy Saturday or Sunday sessions when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing pressing to do. Not a rushed smoke by any definition. Save it for when you can truly dedicate the time it deserves.
How long should I age the Partagas Salomones LCDH before smoking?
You can smoke these fresh, but honestly? Give them at least three to six months in your humidor if you can manage the patience. I’ve had some with two years of age on them, and the difference is remarkable – the rough edges smooth out, the creamy notes become more pronounced, and everything just integrates better. That said, if you’re curious and want to try one now, go for it. Just know it’ll be a bit more aggressive than if you’d waited.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing this cigar?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe 67% at most. These larger ring gauge cigars can develop burn issues if they’re too moist, and nobody wants to fight with a $40+ cigar. Some people go higher, but I’ve found that 65% gives you a perfect draw and an even burn. Temperature-wise, aim for 65-70°F. Pretty standard stuff, but worth mentioning since figurados can be finicky if storage conditions aren’t right.
How does this compare to the regular Partagas Serie D No. 4?
Completely different animals, really. The Serie D No. 4 is a fantastic robusto – compact, punchy, about an hour of your time. The Salomones LCDH is a two-hour-plus commitment with a more complex flavor evolution thanks to the changing ring gauge. Both are full strength, both have that Partagas earth-forward profile, but the Salomones shows more refinement and complexity. Think of the D4 as your weeknight smoke and the Salomones as your special occasion cigar. You know what I’m talking about, right?
Will this cigar be too strong for me?
Be honest with yourself – if you’re still working your way up from mild to medium cigars, this isn’t your next step. This is legitimately full strength, especially in that final third. I’ve seen guys who thought they could handle it end up sitting down unexpectedly. Make sure you’ve eaten, stay hydrated, and maybe have something sweet nearby just in case. If you regularly smoke Bolivars or full-strength Partagas without issues, you’ll be fine. If not, maybe work up to it.
What’s the best way to cut a Salomones?
With that tapered head, you’ve got options. I prefer a straight cut placed carefully to open up the right amount of draw without taking too much off. Some people like a V-cut or even a punch for figurados, but I find a straight cut works best here. Start conservative – you can always cut more if the draw’s too tight, but you can’t put wrapper back on. Take your time with it.
Are LCDH exclusives really better than regular production?
Generally speaking? Yeah, I think so. The LCDH releases tend to get better quality control and wrapper selection. They’re made in smaller quantities, which usually means more attention to detail. Is every single LCDH exclusive better than every regular production cigar? No, that’d be silly. But the Partagas Salomones specifically is a step above in my experience – the construction is consistently excellent, and the tobacco selection shows. Worth the premium? I think so, but I’m probably biased here since I love a good figurado.
Can I smoke this indoors or will it overwhelm the room?
Hmm, how do I put this… unless you’ve got serious ventilation, this’ll smoke out a room pretty thoroughly. The smoke output is generous, and with a two-hour smoking time, that adds up. Save it for outdoors, your garage if it’s ventilated, or a proper cigar lounge. Your significant other will not appreciate you smoking this in the living room. Trust me on that one.
Final Thoughts on This Cuban Giant
The Partagas Salomones LCDH isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and I respect that. It’s a full-strength, complex, time-intensive cigar for experienced smokers who appreciate traditional Cuban blending and the artistry of a well-crafted figurado. The combination of that classic Partagas earth and leather profile with the creamy smoothness and evolving complexity makes it stand out even in a crowded market of premium Cubans.
Is it perfect? No cigar is. It demands your time, your attention, and a fair bit of smoking experience to fully appreciate. But if you’re at that point in your cigar journey where you’re ready for something serious, something that rewards patience and careful attention, this is absolutely worth having in your humidor. I keep a few on hand for those rare occasions when everything aligns – the right mood, the right amount of time, the right setting. Those sessions always become memorable.
If you’ve been thinking about trying one, stop thinking and just do it. Make sure you’ve got a clear afternoon, maybe some good company or a book you’ve been meaning to read, and give this cigar the respect it deserves. You won’t regret it.
