Description
The Partagas Salomones “La Casa del Habano” is not merely a cigar; it is a monumental statement of artisanal mastery and a pillar of Cuban tobacco tradition. As an exclusive release for the La Casa del Habano (LCDH) network, this full-bodied Salomón (a double perfecto or figurado) represents the pinnacle of the Partagás factory’s output. Measuring a commanding 184 mm (7 1/4 inches) by a 57 ring gauge, it is one of the most physically impressive vitolas in the Habanos S.A. portfolio. Designed for the seasoned aficionado, the Salomones offers a complex, evolving smoking experience characterized by deep earthy tones, rich cedar, and a sophisticated spice that intensifies throughout its lengthy duration. Its tapered head and foot require the steady hand of a master torcedor, ensuring that each puff delivers a concentrated burst of flavor that transitions from herbal sweetness to dark, decadent chocolate and pepper. For those seeking a luxurious, multi-hour journey through the heart of Havana’s finest tobacco, the Partagas Salomones stands as an unrivaled choice.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 (Limited/Special Editions) | 10 (Standard LCDH Production) |
| Packaging Type | Semi Boîte Nature / Dress Box | Premium Slide-Lid Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term investment and cellaring | Personal indulgence and gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for moisture retention | Compact design for humidor efficiency |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Salomón (Double Perfecto) |
| Length | 184 mm (7.25 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 57 |
| Wrapper | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Full-bodied |
| Body | Robust and Rich |
| Smoking Time | 120–180 minutes |
| Factory | Partagás Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The history of Partagás is inextricably linked to the golden age of Cuban cigars. Founded in 1845 by Jaime Partagás Rueda, the brand is housed in one of the most iconic buildings in Havana—the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, located just behind the Capitolio. For nearly two centuries, Partagás has been the standard-bearer for full-flavored, robust cigars, utilizing the richest leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region. The brand’s reputation for power and complexity has made it a favorite among the world’s most demanding smokers, who appreciate the “Partagás style”—a unique blend of earthiness and spice that is instantly recognizable.
The Salomones vitola itself has a fascinating and somewhat clandestine history. While the shape was once a staple of 19th-century cigar production, it had largely disappeared from regular production by the mid-20th century. In 1996, the legendary German merchant Christopher Wolters commissioned a special run of 100 humidors, each containing 50 Partagas Salomones, to celebrate his shop’s anniversary. These cigars became instant legends in the secondary market. Recognizing the demand for this majestic shape, Habanos S.A. officially introduced the Partagas Salomones as a La Casa del Habano exclusive in 2008. Today, it remains a “cult classic,” prized for its rarity and the technical skill required to roll its distinctive double-tapered silhouette.
As part of the LCDH exclusive line, the Salomones bears a secondary maroon and gold band, signaling its status as a product reserved for the world’s most prestigious cigar boutiques. This exclusivity ensures that the tobacco used is of the highest grade, often undergoing additional aging before being rolled. The Partagas Salomones is not just a cigar; it is a piece of living history, reviving a classic 19th-century format for the modern connoisseur.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with the ritual of lighting the narrow foot of the double perfecto. Because of the tapered shape, the initial draws are concentrated and intense. The opening is marked by strong herbal notes and a wave of rich, damp earth. As the burn line expands toward the widest part of the cigar, the palate is greeted with creamy cedar and a subtle, underlying sweetness reminiscent of dried hay. The smoke production is voluminous and “cool,” a benefit of the massive 57 ring gauge. Early on, a gentle spice begins to tingle the back of the throat, hinting at the power yet to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the Partagas Salomones reaches its midpoint, the flavor profile deepens and becomes significantly more complex. The herbal notes recede, replaced by bold dark coffee and toasted nuts. There is a distinct leathery texture to the smoke that coats the palate, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. The earthiness remains a constant foundation, but it is now joined by dark fruit nuances—think black cherry or plum—which balance the increasing strength. The draw remains impeccably smooth, allowing the aficionado to appreciate the subtle interplay between the natural tobacco sweetness and the rising white pepper notes.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Salomones truly earns its reputation as a full-bodied powerhouse. The strength ramps up significantly, delivering a bold crescendo of black pepper, charred wood, and bitter dark chocolate. The complexity does not falter; rather, it intensifies. The cedar becomes more pronounced, taking on a resinous quality, while the spice moves to the forefront of every puff. Despite the high nicotine content and flavor intensity, the cigar maintains its balance, never becoming harsh if smoked with the patience such a large vitola demands.
Finish
The finish of the Partagas Salomones is tangy, peppery, and incredibly long-lasting. Even after the cigar is rested, the flavors of roasted espresso and leather linger on the tongue for minutes. It is a satisfying, robust conclusion to a two-to-three-hour journey, leaving the smoker with a profound sense of fulfillment and the unmistakable “buzz” of high-quality Cuban Ligero tobacco.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Rich Earth, Toasted Cedar, Dark Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Leather, Roasted Walnuts, Black Pepper |
| Tertiary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Dried Plum, Herbal Spice |
| Finish | Long, Tangy, and Robust |
| Aroma | Opulent, Spicy, and Wood-forward |
Aging and Collector Value
The Partagas Salomones is widely considered one of the best candidates for long-term cellaring in the Habanos portfolio. Due to its full-bodied strength and the high oil content of its wrapper and filler leaves, this cigar possesses the structural integrity to evolve beautifully over decades. In its youth, the Salomones can be “beastly”—vibrant, spicy, and perhaps a bit unruly. However, with 1 to 5 years of aging, the sharp edges of the pepper begin to mellow, allowing the coffee, leather, and chocolate notes to integrate into a more harmonious profile.
For the serious collector, the LCDH exclusivity adds a layer of investment security. These cigars are produced in smaller quantities than the standard Partagas range (like the Serie D No. 4), making them highly sought after on the secondary market. To maximize aging potential, it is vital to maintain a stable environment. We recommend a relative humidity (RH) of 65-72% and a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). The tapered ends of the Salomones are delicate; ensure they are stored in a way that prevents the foot from cracking. Over time, you may notice a light “plume” or crystallization of oils on the wrapper, a sign of a perfectly maturing Cuban masterpiece.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of a 12-year rum perfectly complements the cigar’s earthy spice. |
| Peated Islay Scotch | The smoky, medicinal notes of the whiskey stand up to the Salomones’ full-bodied strength. |
| Cognac (XO) | The dried fruit and oak notes of a fine Cognac mirror the cigar’s middle-third complexity. |
| Double Espresso | The intensity of dark-roasted coffee aligns with the cigar’s espresso and chocolate notes. |
| Stout or Porter | The creamy, malty character of a dark beer provides a cooling contrast to the peppery finish. |
Authenticity Verification
At our luxury boutique, we understand that purchasing premium Cuban cigars requires absolute trust. We guarantee the 100% authenticity of every Partagas Salomones we ship. Each box undergoes a rigorous inspection process before being added to our humidor.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light, ensuring it is a genuine product of Cuba.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each dress box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production, allowing for full traceability.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which are mandatory for premium Habanos.
- Triple Cap – Each Salomones is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert rolling that ensures a perfect seal and aesthetic.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification through their official website, we provide a full refund. We have been trusted by international collectors since 2015 to deliver only the finest, authenticated Cuban tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Partagas Salomones take to smoke?
Because of its massive 184 mm length and 57 ring gauge, the Partagas Salomones is a significant time commitment. On average, it takes between 2 and 3 hours to smoke. This is a cigar designed for a slow, contemplative afternoon or a long evening celebration; rushing this vitola will cause it to overheat and turn bitter.
Is the Partagas Salomones suitable for beginners?
Generally, no. This cigar is recommended for experienced smokers. Its full-bodied strength and high nicotine content can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to robust Cuban blends. Furthermore, the Salomón shape requires careful lighting and an understanding of how to manage the burn on a tapered foot, which can be challenging for novices.
What makes the “La Casa del Habano” edition different?
The La Casa del Habano (LCDH) edition is an exclusive production run available only through authorized LCDH boutiques. These cigars often use extra-aged tobacco and are subject to stricter quality control. The Salomones also features the distinctive maroon LCDH secondary band, making it a more collectible and prestigious item than standard production cigars.
Does the Partagas Salomones require a specific type of cutter?
While a standard straight guillotine cutter works well, many aficionados prefer a large-gauge v-cutter or a sharp cigar punch for the Salomones. Because the head is tapered, you should be careful not to cut too much off; start with a small snip to preserve the integrity of the wrapper and ensure a concentrated draw. If the draw is too tight, you can always take a bit more off.
