Description
The Robusto Extra That Changed Everything
I still remember the first time someone handed me a Partagas Serie E No. 2. This was maybe 2004 – or was it 2005? Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’d been smoking Partagas Lusitanias and Serie D No. 4s for years, thinking I had the brand figured out. Then this thick, gorgeous robusto extra showed up and completely rewrote what I thought a Partagas could be. Thing is, most people still reach for the D No. 4 when they want a Partagas fix, and I genuinely don’t understand why. The Serie E No. 2 takes everything that makes Partagas legendary – that earthy, robust tobacco character from Vuelta Abajo – and delivers it in a vitola that gives the blend room to breathe and evolve. If you’re one of those people who thinks all Cuban robustos taste the same, this cigar will change your mind.
What Makes This More Than Just Another Partagas
Partagas has been around since 1845, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure out what they’re doing. The factory, Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, sits right in the heart of old Havana, and walking past it always reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place. That smell of aging tobacco just hits different.
The Serie E No. 2 came along in 2011 as part of the Edición Regional program – wait, no, I’m mixing that up. It actually became a regular production release later. Anyway, what you need to know is this: it’s a robusto extra format, which is basically a regular robusto that decided to hit the gym. The extra ring gauge and length give the tobacco blend more space to show off, and with Partagas’s traditionally strong, earthy profile, that extra real estate matters.
The wrapper is pure Vuelta Abajo leaf, same as you’d find on premium Cohiba or Trinidad releases, though Partagas does something different with their tobacco processing. They age it longer, ferment it harder. You can taste that commitment the moment you light up. This isn’t a cigar for someone looking for a mild morning smoke – this is for when you want something with substance, something that’ll keep up with a serious whiskey or survive a long conversation at the lounge.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto Extra |
| Length | 5.6 inches / 140 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
How This Thing Actually Smokes
The cold draw is telling. You get this immediate earthiness, like wet soil after rain mixed with cocoa – darker than milk chocolate, not quite baker’s chocolate. Some cedar in there too. I always check the construction before lighting, and Partagas rarely disappoints on this front. The triple cap is clean, the wrapper has this slight tooth to it without being rough.
First third hits you with that classic Partagas punch. Earth and leather dominate, but there’s this underlying sweetness that keeps it from being one-dimensional. I’m probably biased here, but I think the 54 ring gauge is the sweet spot for this blend – not so thick that it becomes unwieldy, but substantial enough that you get a cool, even burn. The retrohale in this section is intense. Pepper, tobacco, a hint of coffee. If you’re not used to fuller-bodied cigars, take it slow.
Second third is where things get interesting – and this is where the Serie E No. 2 separates itself from other Partagas vitolas. The flavors start layering. That initial earth settles into a backdrop, and you start picking up nuts, maybe some dark chocolate, definitely some espresso notes. The strength builds but never becomes overwhelming. I’ve smoked these with bourbon, with rum, even with a strong coffee, and the cigar holds its own every time. The ash is solid – usually makes it to an inch and a half before I tap it, sometimes longer. Clean white-gray color, which tells you the tobacco is burning right.
Final third brings everything together. Some cigars fall apart at the end – either they get harsh or the flavors just kind of give up. Not this one. The earthiness comes back stronger, joined by this leathery richness that reminds me of a well-worn tobacco pouch. There’s still sweetness underneath, keeping things balanced. No harshness, no bitterness, just a solid, satisfying finish. The last inch is still worth smoking, which honestly isn’t something I can say about every cigar.
How It Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Serie E No. 2 | Medium-Full | 75-90 min | Evening smoke, pairs with strong drinks |
| Partagas Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 50-60 min | Quick powerful smoke, classic choice |
| Cohiba Robusto | Medium | 60-70 min | Special occasions, smoother profile |
The D No. 4 comparison comes up constantly. Both are Partagas, both are robustos (technically), but they’re different animals. The D No. 4 is more concentrated, more aggressive – it’s the espresso shot. The Serie E No. 2 is the full cup of coffee you savor. I reach for the D No. 4 when I’ve got an hour and want something intense. I reach for the Serie E No. 2 when I’ve got ninety minutes and want complexity.
What To Drink With It
I’ve paired this cigar with everything from Nicaraguan rum to Japanese whisky, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. But if I’m being specific – and I might as well be – here’s what actually works best.
Bourbon is the no-brainer pairing. Something with a bit of age and proof – Four Roses Single Barrel, maybe Blanton’s if you’re feeling fancy. The sweetness in bourbon plays off that underlying cocoa and coffee in the cigar without competing with the earthier notes. Dark rum works too – Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva both bring enough complexity to match the tobacco.
Coffee is underrated with this cigar. Not your morning drip coffee – I mean a proper espresso or a Cuban coffee if you can get one. The bitterness complements the cigar instead of fighting it. I’ve smoked these at a lounge in Tampa where they serve café Cubano, and that combination just works.
Time of day matters. This isn’t a morning cigar unless you’re the kind of person who drinks bourbon for breakfast – and who am I to judge? Evening is ideal. After dinner, when you’ve got time to sit and actually pay attention to what you’re smoking. Weekend afternoons work too, especially if you’re settling in for a long poker game or a conversation that’s going to wander.
How does the Serie E No. 2 compare to other cigars in the Partagas lineup?
It’s fuller and more complex than the Serie D No. 4, with a longer smoking time that lets the flavors develop more gradually. Think of it as the D No. 4’s bigger, more contemplative brother. The Serie P No. 2 is elegant and refined, while the E No. 2 is more robust and earthy. If you like your Partagas with some muscle, this is your vitola.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe 66% depending on the season. Any higher and the draw gets tight, any lower and you lose some of that oily richness in the wrapper. Temperature-wise, aim for 65-68°F if you can manage it. These cigars are forgiving, but they reward proper storage with better burn and flavor development.
How much rest time do these need after purchase?
If they’re coming from a reliable source with good stock management, you can smoke them right away – though I’d give them at least a week in your humidor to acclimate. If you’re buying a fresh box from a recent release, let them rest for a month or two. I’ve got a box from 2019 that’s smoking beautifully now, so age doesn’t hurt these at all.
Is this too strong for someone new to Cuban cigars?
I’ll be honest – it might be. If you’re coming from mild Connecticut-wrapped cigars, the Serie E No. 2 will kick your ass a bit. But if you’ve smoked medium-bodied cigars and want to step up, this is actually a great choice because it’s full-flavored without being brutally strong. Just smoke it on a full stomach with a good drink, and you’ll be fine.
How does this compare to Cohiba in the same size range?
Totally different profiles. Cohiba is refined, smooth, elegant – the cigar equivalent of a tailored suit. Partagas is earthier, more rustic, more assertive. Think work boots versus dress shoes. Neither is better, they’re just made for different moods. I reach for Cohiba when I want sophistication, Partagas when I want character and strength.
What’s the best way to cut and light this cigar?
Straight cut works fine, though I sometimes use a V-cut on thicker ring gauges like this. For lighting, take your time – toast the foot evenly with a butane torch or cedar spill, then draw slowly while rotating. Don’t rush it. A bad light will mess up the first third, and with a cigar this good, that’s a waste.
Are these available in different box sizes?
You’ll typically find them in boxes of 25, though some retailers carry smaller counts. I’ve seen 10-packs floating around too. Box presentation is standard Partagas – nothing fancy, but solid and traditional. If you’re buying a full box, check the production date code. Fresher isn’t always better with Cuban tobacco.
Final Thoughts From the Humidor
The Partagas Serie E No. 2 is one of those cigars that reminds me why I got into Cuban tobacco in the first place. It’s not trying to be the smoothest or the prettiest – it’s just delivering serious, authentic flavor from start to finish. If you’re someone who appreciates earthy, full-flavored cigars with enough complexity to keep things interesting, this needs to be in your regular rotation. Stock up when you find them, because quality releases like this don’t sit on shelves forever. Whether you’re pairing it with bourbon at your favorite lounge or savoring it solo on a quiet evening, the Serie E No. 2 delivers every single time.
