Description
The Robusto Extra That Changed Everything
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since the mid-90s, and I can count on one hand the number of vitolas that genuinely surprised me. The Partagas Serie E No. 2 is one of them. When Habanos S.A. introduced this thick Robusto Extra format back in 2009, I remember thinking “Great, another gimmick size.” I was wrong. Dead wrong. This cigar took everything Partagas does well – that bold, earthy character, the impeccable construction – and packed it into a format that somehow makes it all more intense without crossing into overwhelming territory.
Here’s the thing – if you’re new to Cuban cigars, or if you’ve been dancing around the edges of full-bodied smokes, the Serie E No. 2 is going to teach you what a properly made Habanos can do. And if you’re already deep into the rabbit hole like I am, well, you probably already know about this one. But stick with me anyway, because there’s nuance here that deserves unpacking.
What Makes the Serie E No. 2 Special
Partagas has been around since 1845 – that’s not a typo – when Don Jaime Partagás established his factory in Havana. The brand built its reputation on full-bodied, earth-forward cigars that didn’t apologize for their strength. But here’s what gets me about the Serie E No. 2: it manages to deliver that classic Partagas punch while showing off a complexity that some of the older vitolas in the line don’t quite achieve. Maybe it’s the ring gauge. Maybe it’s the blend adjustments they made for this format. Either way, it works.
The Serie E No. 2 sits in that sweet spot between a quick smoke and a leisurely commitment. At 54 ring gauge and 5.5 inches, you’re looking at roughly 50-70 minutes depending on your pace. That afternoon in Miami – must’ve been 2011, maybe 2012 – when I first tried one, I was struck by how the thicker ring gauge seemed to smooth out some of Partagas’s rougher edges without neutering the strength. It’s like they found the volume knob and turned up the refinement instead of just the power.
This cigar is for the smoker who knows what they want. If you’re still figuring out whether you prefer Connecticut wrappers and mild Dominican blends, bookmark this one for later. But if you’ve worked your way through medium-bodied Cubans and you’re ready to step up, or if you’re already a devotee of brands like Bolivar and Ramon Allones, then yeah, you need this in your humidor.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Extra (Serie E No. 2) |
| Length | 5.5 inches / 140 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo, Semi Vuelta, Partido) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 50-70 minutes |
The Experience: From Light to Nub
Okay, so you’ve cut the cap and you’re examining this thing before lighting up. The wrapper on a fresh Serie E No. 2 has this gorgeous colorado maduro color – not quite dark, but definitely richer than your typical medium brown. It’s oily without being greasy, and the construction is usually flawless. I mean, we’re talking about Cuban cigars here, so yeah, occasionally you’ll get one that needs a touch-up, but Partagas construction is generally solid.
The cold draw – and I know some aficionados skip this, but they’re missing out – gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s cedar in there for sure, maybe some cocoa, and this earthy, almost barnyard quality that signals you’re not smoking some mild afternoon cigar. Thing is, it’s not harsh or bitter. It’s inviting in the way a good espresso is inviting even though you know it’s going to wake you up.
First third hits you right away. No gentle warm-up here. You’re getting pepper on the retrohale – not the kind that makes you cough, but present and persistent. The primary flavor profile is earth and leather, with that cedar note weaving through everything. Some people pick up coffee here; I get more of a dark chocolate or cocoa thing happening. The smoke production is generous. Like, really generous. That 54 ring gauge means you’re getting thick, creamy clouds that hang in the air. Speaking of which, I remember lighting one of these at my buddy Carlos’s house and his wife walked in asking if something was on fire. Anyway, back to the flavors.
As you move into the second third – usually around the 25-30 minute mark for me – things get interesting. The pepper backs off just a touch, and you start noticing more complexity. There’s this spicy character that develops, almost like baking spices. Cinnamon maybe? The leather note becomes more prominent, and if you’re smoking it slowly enough, you might catch some nutty undertones. The strength is building, but it’s not hitting you over the head. It’s more like it’s climbing steadily in the background while the flavors do their dance up front.
The final third is where the Serie E No. 2 either wins you over completely or doesn’t. I’ll be honest: this is where the strength really kicks in. You’re firmly in full-bodied territory now. The earth and leather intensify, the pepper comes roaring back on the retrohale, and there’s this underlying sweetness – almost molasses-like – that balances everything out. The burn should still be even if you’ve been treating it right. The ash, which has probably held on for a solid inch or more each time, is that beautiful light gray that tells you the tobacco was properly aged.
Not gonna lie, I’ve had to set one down in the final inch because I pushed it too far. These last couple inches are potent. But if you’ve eaten recently and you’re not smoking on an empty stomach, you’ll be fine. Actually, scratch that – you’ll be more than fine. You’ll understand why people get obsessed with this particular vitola.
How It Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Serie E No. 2 | Medium-Full | 50-70 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting complexity with power |
| Partagas Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 45-60 minutes | Classic Robusto lovers, slightly more compact |
| Bolivar Royal Corona | Full | 50-65 minutes | Those who want even more strength, less refinement |
| Ramon Allones Specially Selected | Medium-Full | 55-75 minutes | Similar profile, slightly more elegant presentation |
The Serie D No. 4 is probably the closest comparison in the Partagas lineup, and honestly, it’s a toss-up which one I’d grab on any given day. The D No. 4 is shorter, a bit more traditional in its Robusto dimensions. The Serie E No. 2 gives you more smoking time and arguably more complexity because of that extra tobacco. But here’s what gets me – the D No. 4 has been around since the 1930s, and it’s iconic for a reason. The Serie E No. 2 is the new kid (relatively speaking), and it’s already carved out its own identity. That says something.
What to Drink With It
Real talk: this cigar demands a proper pairing. You can’t just grab whatever’s handy and expect it to work. The strength and complexity here need something that can stand up without fighting.
My go-to is a good aged rum – think Havana Club 7 Year or Zacapa 23. The sweetness and complexity in aged rum complements the earthy, spicy character of the Serie E No. 2 without overwhelming it. Coffee works too, especially if you’re smoking this in the morning or early afternoon. A proper espresso or a Cuban coffee pulls out those cocoa and earth notes beautifully.
Whiskey people – and I know you’re out there – go for something with some body. A nice bourbon with caramel notes works. I’ve paired this with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and it was phenomenal. Scotch drinkers should lean toward something from Islay if you like peat, or a rich Highland malt if you don’t. That time in Cozumel, I smoked one with a Talisker 10 and the maritime, smoky character of the whiskey played really well with the cigar’s earthiness.
Beer? Honestly, skip the IPAs. Too much hop bitterness clashes with the pepper. Go for a dark beer – a porter or stout. The roasted malt character bridges nicely with the cocoa and coffee notes in the cigar.
As for occasions: this is an evening cigar for me. After dinner, preferably after a good meal that included red meat or something equally substantial. I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would smoke this on an empty stomach or first thing in the morning, but you do you. Late afternoon works too, especially on weekends when you have time to really sit with it.
Storage and Aging Thoughts
Between you and me, these benefit from some rest. If you order a box, resist the temptation to light one up immediately – wait, who am I kidding, you’re going to smoke one right away. Fine. But after that initial “welcome home” cigar, let the rest sit for at least a month. Preferably three to six months. Cuban cigars generally need recovery time after shipping, and Partagas seems particularly sensitive to this.
Keep them at around 65-68% humidity and whatever temperature you can maintain consistently. I run my main humidor at 65% and it treats these cigars beautifully. Too much humidity and they smoke wet, the draw gets tight, and you lose some of those refined notes in the second third. Too dry and they burn hot, the pepper becomes harsh, and you’re basically wasting a premium smoke.
Aging potential? Hmm, how do I put this. These are fantastic young – one to three years on them – but they develop this incredible smoothness if you can squirrel some away for five-plus years. The earth notes mellow slightly, the cedar becomes more pronounced, and this honeyed sweetness emerges that isn’t really there in younger cigars. I’ve got a few from 2014 that I’m saving for something special, and every time I crack the humidor and smell them, it takes willpower not to light one up.
Is the Partagas Serie E No. 2 too strong for someone transitioning from medium-bodied cigars?
Look, it’s definitely a step up, but it’s not going to knock you sideways if you prepare properly. Make sure you’ve eaten something substantial, have a sugary drink on hand just in case, and smoke it slowly. The first two-thirds are manageable for most people who’ve been smoking medium-bodied Cubans for a while. It’s really that final third where the strength kicks in. If you’re worried, try a Partagas Serie D No. 4 first – it’s slightly less intense and will give you a good preview of the flavor profile.
How long should I age a box of Serie E No. 2 before smoking them?
Minimum? Give them at least a month to recover from shipping. But here’s the thing – three to six months makes a noticeable difference in how smooth and integrated the flavors are. If you’re patient enough to wait a year or two, you’ll be rewarded with even more complexity. I know it’s hard to wait when you’ve got a fresh box sitting there, but trust me on this. Smoke one now to see what you’re working with, then let the rest rest.
What’s the difference between the Serie E No. 2 and the Serie D No. 4?
The Serie E No. 2 is longer (5.5 inches vs 4.9 inches) and thicker (54 ring gauge vs 50) than the D No. 4. That extra tobacco translates to about 10-15 minutes more smoking time and, in my experience, a slightly more complex flavor journey. The D No. 4 is a bit more straightforward and punchy – it’s been around since the 1930s and has that classic Partagas character dialed in perfectly. The Serie E No. 2 is newer (introduced 2009) and has a somewhat more refined, smoother delivery while maintaining that signature Partagas strength. Honestly, you should have both in your rotation.
Can I smoke a Partagas Serie E No. 2 right out of the box, or does it need humidor time?
You can smoke it right away – it’s not going to hurt you or anything – but you’re not getting the best experience. Cuban cigars go through stress during shipping, and they need time to stabilize at your humidity level. The difference between smoking one fresh out of the box versus smoking one that’s rested for even just two weeks is noticeable. The rested cigar will burn more evenly, the draw will be better, and the flavors will be more integrated. Not gonna lie, I’ve definitely torn into a fresh box and smoked one immediately because I couldn’t help myself, but the ones I smoked a month later were significantly better.
What humidity level is best for storing Partagas Serie E No. 2?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, and they smoke beautifully. Some people prefer 62%, especially in warmer climates. Anything above 70% and you risk the cigar smoking too wet – tight draw, muted flavors, constant relights. Below 60% and it’ll burn too fast and hot, and you’ll lose that creamy texture in the smoke. Temperature matters too, but humidity is the big one. If you’re just starting out with Cuban cigars, 65% at around 65-70°F is your sweet spot.
Are there any limited edition Partagas cigars similar to the Serie E No. 2?
Partagas has released several limited edition and regional edition cigars over the years with similar thick ring gauges. The Partagas Serie D No. 6 (Edición Limitada 2013) comes to mind – it was a 50 ring gauge at 5.7 inches, so pretty close in size. Thing is, limited editions are hard to find after their release year and they command premium prices on the secondary market. The beauty of the Serie E No. 2 is that it’s a regular production cigar, so you can actually find it and build a relationship with it rather than chasing unicorns. If you want that thick ring gauge Partagas experience, the Serie E No. 2 is your most accessible option.
What time of day is best for smoking a Serie E No. 2?
Evening, hands down. After dinner is ideal – give yourself at least an hour after eating so you’re not uncomfortable, but recent enough that you’ve got some food in your system to handle the strength. I’ve smoked these in the late afternoon on weekends, starting around 4 or 5 PM, and that works too. Morning? No way. Not unless you have a constitution I don’t possess and you’ve just finished a massive breakfast. The strength builds throughout the smoke, and by the final third you’re in full-bodied territory. You want to be ready for that.
Final Thoughts From the Lounge
So here we are. The Partagas Serie E No. 2 is one of those cigars that reminds me why I got into Cuban cigars in the first place. It’s complex without being fussy, strong without being brutal, and consistent enough that I trust it for special occasions but available enough that I don’t have to save it only for momentous events.
If you’re building a humidor and you appreciate full-bodied smokes, this deserves a spot. Not just one or two – I’m talking about keeping a steady supply on hand. The Serie E format has proven itself over the past decade-plus, and this particular vitola has earned its place in the Partagas pantheon alongside classics like the Serie D No. 4 and Lusitania.
Will it become your favorite cigar ever? Maybe, maybe not. But I’ll be blunt: if you consider yourself a serious cigar smoker and you haven’t tried the Partagas Serie E No. 2, you’ve got a gap in your education that needs filling. Grab a five-pack if you’re cautious, a full box if you’re confident. Let them rest, pick an evening when you have time to really experience it, pour something worthy of the occasion, and light it up. You’ll understand what I’ve been talking about.
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk has me reaching for my humidor. Time to practice what I preach.
