Description
The smoke from my Salomón drifted lazily across the terrace of that exclusive La Casa del Habano shop in St. Kitts. I’d been saving this particular stick for months, waiting for the right moment and the right setting. The Caribbean breeze mixed with the rich Cuban tobacco created something magical that evening. This wasn’t just any cigar – it was the Partagas Salomones “La Casa del Habano,” and I knew I was in for something special.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Partagás brand, but this LCDH exclusive edition takes everything I love about Cuban cigars and amplifies it. The double perfecto vitola isn’t common in most serie offerings, which makes this salomon shape even more intriguing. When you’re dealing with nearly three hours of smoking time, every detail matters.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Salomón (Double Perfecto) |
| Length | 184mm (7¼ inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 57 |
| Strength | Full-bodied |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
| Origin | Vuelta Abajo, Cuba |
| Packaging | Dress box of 10 |
Construction and Appearance
The first thing that strikes you about this cigar is its impressive construction. The double perfecto shape – tapered at both ends with that beautiful bulge in the middle – showcases the skill of Cuba’s elite torcedores. I’ve handled plenty of Cuban cigars over the years, but the precision here is remarkable. The wrapper has this gorgeous chocolate-brown hue with just enough oil to catch the light.
Running my fingers along the length, the texture feels smooth and slightly bumpy – exactly what you’d expect from premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The seams are practically invisible. There’s a slight give when you squeeze gently, indicating perfect humidity and fill. The cap construction deserves special mention – it’s flawless, which is crucial for a vitola this complex.
What really sets this apart from regular Partagás offerings is that secondary LCDH band. It’s not just decoration; it’s your guarantee that you’re smoking something truly exclusive. The traditional Partagás band sits beautifully above it, creating this elegant two-band presentation that screams premium quality.
Flavor Profile by Thirds
First Third
The opening draws are absolutely sublime. I’m immediately hit with full flavors of spice and wood, but there’s this creamy smoke texture that balances everything perfectly. The body starts at medium intensity, which gives you time to appreciate the complexity building underneath. There’s definitely some pepper on the retrohale, but it’s not overwhelming – just enough to wake up your palate.
What I love about this first section is how the flavors develop gradually. You’re not getting punched in the face with intensity right away. Instead, there’s this beautiful progression of woody notes mixing with subtle spice. The draw is perfect – not too tight, not too loose – and the burn line stays razor-sharp.
Middle Third
This is where things get seriously interesting. Bold cashew notes start emerging, followed by rich espresso flavors that complement the intensified spice beautifully. The body ramps up to full strength here, and honestly, this is where lesser cigars often fall apart. But the Partagás Salomones handles this transition flawlessly.
The espresso notes aren’t subtle – they’re front and center, mixing with those cashew flavors to create something really special. The spice component becomes more complex too, shifting from simple pepper to this multi-layered heat that builds gradually. I found myself slowing down my smoking pace just to savor each draw.
Final Third
The conclusion brings everything together with leather and earth tones dominating the profile. The spice remains prominent but takes on this mature, refined character that only comes from exceptional Cuban tobacco. There’s still that woody aroma throughout, but it’s deeper now – more like aged cedar than fresh timber.
What impressed me most was how clean the flavors stayed right to the nub. No harshness, no bitter notes – just this full-bodied evolution that kept me engaged for the entire smoking session. The leather notes become more pronounced as you near the end, creating this satisfying conclusion to what’s been an exceptional journey.
Perfect Pairings
With a cigar this full-bodied and complex, your pairing choices matter. I’ve experimented with several combinations, and here’s what works best in my experience. A quality aged rum like Havana Club 15 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva complements those espresso and spice notes beautifully. The sweetness in aged rum balances the intensity without competing.
For whiskey lovers, reach for something with character – maybe a peated Islay scotch or a high-rye bourbon like Wild Turkey 101. The smoky or spicy elements in these spirits echo the cigar’s profile perfectly. I’ve also had great success with a rich espresso or Cuban coffee, which amplifies those middle-third coffee notes without overwhelming the tobacco.
Wine enthusiasts should consider a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or even a Port. The tannins and rich fruit flavors provide an interesting counterpoint to the earthy, spicy tobacco. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s substantial enough to stand up to this powerful Cuban.
Who This Cigar Is For
Let me be direct – this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. The full-bodied strength and 2+ hour commitment make it strictly for experienced smokers who appreciate complex Cuban tobacco. If you’re new to cigars, you’ll want to work your way up to something like this.
This is perfect for special occasions when you have serious time to dedicate. Think celebrations, quiet evenings when you can focus, or those moments when you want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional. The LCDH exclusivity makes it ideal for collectors or anyone who appreciates rare Cuban releases.
I’d also recommend this for anyone who loves the Partagás flavor profile but wants something more substantial than their regular production lines. The salomon vitola offers a unique smoking experience that even seasoned Cuban cigar enthusiasts will find memorable. Just make sure you’ve got the time and the right setting to do it justice.
Cutting and Lighting
The double perfecto shape requires some consideration when cutting. I prefer using a sharp guillotine cutter and taking just enough off the tapered head to create a clean opening – maybe 2-3mm. Don’t cut too much; you want to maintain that elegant taper while ensuring a good draw.
For lighting, patience is absolutely crucial. The tapered foot means you need to take your time getting an even light across the entire surface. I use a butane torch lighter and work slowly around the perimeter, letting the tobacco catch gradually. Toast the foot first, then apply the flame while taking gentle puffs.
Because of the complex shape and size, expect to spend a few extra minutes on the lighting process. Rush this step, and you’ll deal with burn issues throughout the entire smoke. Trust me – those few extra minutes upfront are worth it for the next two and a half hours of perfect burning.
Storage and Aging
Like all premium Cuban cigars, proper storage is non-negotiable. Keep these at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) in a quality humidor. The complex construction makes them particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations, so invest in a reliable hygrometer and check it regularly.
Here’s where it gets interesting – aging can significantly enhance this cigar’s potential. I’ve smoked fresh ones and others with 1-3 years of aging, and the difference is remarkable. The spice mellows and integrates better, while the woody and earthy notes become more pronounced. If you can resist smoking them immediately, lay some down for extended aging.
For detailed storage techniques, I recommend checking out our comprehensive guide on preserving cigars fresh. The investment in proper storage equipment pays dividends when you’re dealing with cigars of this caliber and price point.
Authenticity and What to Look For
With LCDH exclusives, authenticity is crucial. Genuine Partagás Salomones feature the traditional Partagás Band B plus that secondary LCDH band I mentioned earlier. They’re sold only in dress boxes of 10, and the construction quality should be absolutely flawless – we’re talking about elite Cuban torcedores here.
Red flags include poor rolling quality, mismatched or missing bands, or any seller who isn’t an official LCDH retailer. The double perfecto shape is complex enough that counterfeiters often struggle with the proportions. Look for that perfect taper and bulge – irregular shapes are dead giveaways.
Buy only from trusted Habanos merchants who can provide proper authentication. Serial numbers, holograms, and other standard Cuban anti-counterfeit measures should all be present. When you’re investing in cigars of this caliber, authenticity isn’t just about quality – it’s about getting what you’re paying for.
For more insights into Cuban cigar authenticity and the journey from plantation to perfection, understanding the entire process helps you appreciate what makes these cigars so special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Partagás Salomones LCDH actually take to smoke?
Plan on 120-150 minutes minimum – that’s 2 to 2.5 hours of dedicated smoking time. The large ring gauge and 7¼ inch length mean you can’t rush this experience. I’ve had sessions go even longer when I’m really savoring each draw.
What’s the difference between this and regular Partagás cigars?
The LCDH version is exclusively available at La Casa del Habano shops, features the unique salomon vitola not found in regular Partagás lines, and offers a more complex flavor profile. The double perfecto shape and extended smoking time create a completely different experience from standard Partagás offerings.
Is this cigar suitable for someone relatively new to Cuban cigars?
Honestly, no. The full-bodied strength and lengthy smoking session make this strictly for experienced cigar smokers. If you’re newer to Cubans, start with milder Partagás options and work your way up. This is a destination cigar, not a starting point.
Can I age these cigars, and for how long?
Absolutely – aging 1-3 years significantly improves the complexity and balance. The spice mellows beautifully while the earthy and woody notes develop more depth. Store them properly at 70% humidity and 21°C, and you’ll be rewarded with an even better smoking experience.
Why is this cigar only available at LCDH shops?
LCDH (La Casa del Habano) exclusives are part of Habanos S.A.’s strategy to offer unique products through their premium retail network. These shops meet specific standards for selection, storage, and customer experience. The exclusivity ensures you’re getting something truly special that isn’t available through regular channels.
Whether you’re a seasoned Cuban cigar aficionado or someone looking to experience the pinnacle of what the Partagás marca offers, the Salomones LCDH delivers an unforgettable smoking experience. Just make sure you have the time, the right setting, and the appreciation for what makes Cuban tobacco truly exceptional. For more guidance on mastering Cuban cigar smoking, the techniques you develop will enhance every premium smoke in your humidor.
