Description
The weight surprised me first. Cradling that distinctive double perfecto shape between my fingers at the Casa del Habano, I could feel the density of perfectly rolled Cuban tobacco—each leaf carefully selected from Vuelta Abajo’s legendary fields. The wrapper gleamed with an oily sheen that caught the afternoon light streaming through the shop windows. Before even bringing it to my nose, I knew this wasn’t just another cigar from my usual rotation.
That moment of anticipation, holding what I’d later discover was a Partagas Salomones, remains etched in memory. The rich, earthy aroma rising from the wrapper promised something extraordinary. Little did I realize I was about to experience one of Cuba’s most exclusive offerings—a handmade masterpiece available only through La Casa del Habano retailers since 2008.
Partagas Salomones Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 184mm (7.2 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 57 (22.62mm diameter) |
| Shape | Double Perfecto (Figurado) |
| Strength | Full-bodied |
| Smoking Time | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Wrapper Origin | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
Every Salomones tells its story in three distinct chapters, and I’ve found each one more captivating than the last. The evolution happens gradually, but when you’re paying attention—really savoring each draw—the transitions become unmistakable.
First Third: The Bold Introduction
From the cold draw, I detected notes of barnyard and hay—that unmistakable Cuban terroir that immediately transports you to the tobacco fields. Once lit, the first third delivers full flavors of spice and wood through thick, creamy smoke that fills your palate completely. The baking spices emerge early, creating a warming sensation that builds anticipation for what’s coming.
Honestly, this opening act can be intense for some smokers. The spice doesn’t overwhelm, but it announces itself with confidence. The tobacco flavors are pure and clean, showing off the quality of that Vuelta Abajo leaf.
Middle Third: Where Complexity Blooms
This is where the Salomones truly shines. The intensity builds to full body as new flavors join the party: rich cashew and deep espresso notes that add smoothness to the intensified spice. I’ve consistently found cocoa and caramel sweetness weaving through the smoke, balanced by earthy leather undertones.
The hint of spice remains, but now it’s more integrated—part of a symphony rather than a solo performance. The body is definitely full at this point, but surprisingly, the nicotine intensity stays at medium levels, allowing you to appreciate the complexity without getting overwhelmed.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
Many cigars fade in their final act, but not the Salomones. The savory notes become prominent—a characteristic that sets this stick apart from sweeter Cuban offerings. The boldness sustains right down to the nub, maintaining that full strength while revealing new layers of nuance.
What impresses me most is how the vibrant tastes remain distinct even as the smoke intensifies. It’s a testament to the masterful blending and the quality of aged Cuban tobacco used in this exclusive release.
Construction and Craftsmanship
The Partagas Salomones showcases why Cuban cigar making remains the gold standard. That distinctive double perfecto shape isn’t just for show—it’s one of the most challenging forms for a torcedor to roll perfectly. The wrapper displays a beautiful oily sheen with minimal veins, indicating careful leaf selection and proper aging.
In my experience, the construction has been consistently flawless. The draw remains even throughout, never too tight or loose. The ash builds to about an inch before dropping cleanly, and the burn line stays remarkably straight despite the changing circumference of the figurado shape.
Every aspect screams quality: from the precise cap work to the way the wrapper spirals seamlessly around the unique profile. This level of craftsmanship explains why these cigars come in a dress box of 10 rather than the standard 25-count box format. It’s about exclusivity and perfection, not mass production.
Who Should Smoke the Partagas Salomones
Let me be direct: this isn’t a beginner’s cigar. The full-bodied strength and complex flavor evolution require an experienced palate to truly appreciate. I’d recommend having at least a year of regular Cuban cigar smoking under your belt before tackling a Salomones.
This is perfect for special occasions when you have 1.5 to 2 hours to truly focus on the experience. Business celebrations, milestone birthdays, or those rare evenings when you can sit undisturbed and savor every moment. The price point also makes it a celebration smoke rather than a daily driver.
Experienced smokers who enjoy full-bodied profiles will find this rewarding. If you appreciate Cohiba Esplendidos or Montecristo A’s, the Salomones deserves a place in your humidor. The unique shape and flavor progression offer something different from your typical parejo cigars.
Proper Storage and Aging
Given the investment in a Salomones, proper storage becomes critical. I maintain mine at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) in my primary humidor. The all-Cuban construction—wrapper, binder, and filler from Vuelta Abajo—responds beautifully to consistent conditions.
These cigars benefit significantly from aging. While smokeable immediately, I’ve found 1-3 years of proper storage allows the flavors to marry and develop additional complexity. The spice mellows slightly while the underlying tobacco character deepens.
For detailed humidor setup guidance, Cigar Aficionado’s comprehensive guide provides excellent technical advice. Remember, inconsistent humidity can ruin the delicate wrapper and affect the burn characteristics that make this cigar special. If you’re new to proper cigar storage, our guide on preserving cigars fresh with proven techniques offers practical tips for maintaining optimal conditions.
Perfect Pairings
The Salomones’ full body and complex flavor profile calls for equally sophisticated beverage pairings. I’ve found aged Cuban rum works magnificently—the caramel and vanilla notes in a 15-year Havana Club complement the cigar’s sweetness while standing up to its strength.
For whisky lovers, a peated Islay Scotch like Lagavulin 16 creates an amazing contrast. The smoke and maritime character enhance the cigar’s earthy undertones while the whisky’s complexity matches the tobacco’s evolution.
Coffee enthusiasts should try pairing with a rich espresso or Cuban coffee. The shared terroir creates harmony, especially during the middle third when those coffee notes emerge naturally from the tobacco. A maduro-wrapped alternative might pair differently, but the Salomones’ natural wrapper loves these coffee companions.
Port wine offers another excellent option. A vintage tawny port’s nutty, caramelized flavors echo the cigar’s sweet notes while providing enough body to complement rather than compete.
Authenticating Your Salomones
With exclusivity comes the risk of counterfeits. Authentic Salomones feature dual bands—the classic Partagás band plus a second LCDH band indicating its exclusive status. This dual-band system is your first authentication checkpoint.
The packaging should be a dress box of 10 with the code CB-UW-n/10-n/10. Recent boxes show factory codes like TUA or December 2023 dates. The box aroma should be clean and fresh—no ammonia smell that indicates poor storage or fake tobacco.
Examine the construction carefully. The double perfecto shape requires masterful rolling skills that counterfeiters rarely possess. Look for perfect seam work and consistent color across the wrapper. Any roughness, soft spots, or irregular shaping suggests a fake.
Purchase only from verified La Casa del Habano retailers or trusted sources like established Cuban cigar specialists. The exclusivity means limited availability, so be suspicious of sources claiming large quantities or unusually low prices.
Cutting and Lighting Techniques
The double perfecto shape requires special attention when cutting. I prefer a sharp guillotine cutter, removing just enough of the pointed cap to create a clean opening without exposing the binder. Start conservative—you can always cut more, but you can’t put it back.
For lighting, the tapered foot actually makes the process easier than you might expect. Use a quality butane lighter or cedar matches, avoiding any petroleum-based flames that can affect the initial flavors. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar slowly until the entire circumference glows orange.
Take your time with the light. The quality of this tobacco deserves proper attention to the ritual. Once lit, let the cigar rest for 30 seconds before your first draw to ensure an even burn from the start. For more detailed smoking techniques, check out our comprehensive guide on mastering Cuban cigar smoking.
The changing diameter means the draw will evolve as you smoke. Don’t be surprised if it tightens slightly in the middle section—this is normal for the figurado shape and adds to the unique smoking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a Partagas Salomones?
Pricing varies by region due to local taxes, but expect premium pricing reflecting its LCDH exclusive status. In Europe, individual sticks typically range from €40-60, while complete dress boxes command €400-600. US pricing depends on your source, as these aren’t available through normal retail channels.
Can I age Salomones for longer than 3 years?
Absolutely. Some collectors age them 5-10 years with excellent results. The full-bodied strength mellows over time while developing deeper, more refined flavors. Just ensure consistent storage conditions throughout the aging process. Extended aging often enhances the savory characteristics that make this cigar distinctive.
Why is the Salomones only available at La Casa del Habano stores?
Habanos S.A. created the LCDH exclusive program to offer unique vitolas through their premium retail network. This maintains exclusivity while ensuring proper storage and presentation standards. It’s part of their strategy to create special releases that reward their most dedicated retail partners and collectors.
What makes the double perfecto shape special for smoking?
The changing diameter creates an evolving smoking experience. You start with concentrated flavors from the narrow foot, expand into the full ring gauge complexity, then finish with intensified flavors as it narrows again. This shape also allows the master blender to create different tobacco ratios throughout the cigar’s length, adding to the flavor evolution.
How does the Salomones compare to other Partagas vitolas?
The Salomones showcases Partagas’ signature earthiness and spice in a more complex format than their regular production cigars. While sharing the brand’s DNA, the exclusive blend and unique shape create a more refined, nuanced experience. It’s fuller and more sophisticated than a Serie D No. 4, but more approachable than some of their strongest offerings.
Understanding the journey from plantation to perfection helps appreciate why cigars like the Salomones represent the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship. Each stick embodies decades of tradition, masterful blending, and the unique terroir that makes Cuban tobacco legendary worldwide.
