Description
The amber glow of the humidor’s interior light caught the distinctive pyramid shape as I reached past rows of familiar parejos. Something about that torpedo silhouette, wrapped in its glossy Colorado leaf, made me pause mid-reach in the Santiago lounge that humid September evening. The weight felt substantial in my palm – not heavy, but purposeful – while the oily sheen of the wrapper caught the low lighting perfectly.
This was my introduction to the Partagas Serie P No.2, a cigar that’s since become my go-to recommendation for anyone seeking that perfect balance between Cuban tradition and accessible complexity. I’ve found that this particular vitola offers something genuinely special – it’s among the more approachable full-bodied cigars in the Partagas lineup without sacrificing any of that legendary factory character.
Construction and Appearance
The Serie P No.2 showcases everything I love about Cuban craftsmanship. That Colorado wrapper – ranging from light brown to medium brown depending on the harvest – has this almost velvety texture that speaks to proper aging. I’ve noticed the leaf typically displays minimal veins, with just enough natural oils to give it that appetizing sheen without feeling sticky.
What really impresses me is the consistency of the roll. Every one I’ve smoked has had that perfect torpedo taper – not too sharp, not too blunt. The construction feels solid in hand, with no soft spots or hard lumps that plague lesser cigars. Honestly, you can feel the quality before you even light it.
This comes straight from the legendary Partagas factory, established back in 1845 in Havana’s heart. The tobaccos are sourced from Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region, which any serious aficionado knows produces some of the world’s finest leaves. That provenance shows in every aspect of the construction.
Flavor Journey by Thirds
Opening Third: The Welcome
The first few draws always surprise newcomers with their approachability. I typically get immediate notes of cedar and oak, backed by this distinctive damp earth character that’s pure Cuban terroir. There’s a lovely floral quality that emerges after the initial toast flavors settle – something I’ve posted about in cigar forums where members often ask about that unique Partagas signature.
Brown sugar sweetness weaves through the opening, balanced by that characteristic sweet-salty flavor profile that marks quality Partagas cigars. The pepper is there but restrained – this isn’t going to overwhelm anyone new to Cuban cigars.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
This is where the Serie P No.2 really shows its character. The complexity builds beautifully as caramel and coffee notes join the party. I’ve consistently found milk chocolate and hazelnut emerging here, creating this rich, creamy smoke that draws effortlessly.
Leather and earthiness provide the backbone while subtle citrus brightens the overall profile. Some members of my regular smoking group swear they detect nougat in this section – I can’t disagree. The pepper increases slightly but remains perfectly balanced against the sweetness.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The strength ramps up to medium-full in the final act, but never becomes harsh or bitter. Those earthy, leathery notes intensify while new flavors emerge. I consistently taste cumin and honey, with occasional hints of wheatgrass and espresso that add depth without overwhelming the palate.
That signature salty-sweet tobacco character remains throughout, creating an enjoyable smoke right to the nub. It’s complex enough to keep experienced smokers engaged while remaining accessible to those building their palate.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Length | 156mm (6 1/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 (20.64mm diameter) |
| Vitola | Piramides (Torpedo) |
| Strength | Full to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-120 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado |
Perfect Pairings
The robust, peppery character of the Serie P No.2 demands equally bold companions. I’ve found that aged rum works magnificently – specifically something like a 15-year Diplomático or Zacapa. The rum’s natural sweetness complements those caramel and brown sugar notes beautifully.
For whiskey lovers, reach for something with backbone. A peated Islay Scotch like Ardbeg or Lagavulin creates an interesting contrast, while bourbon’s vanilla notes harmonize with the cigar’s sweeter elements. I particularly enjoy it with a high-rye bourbon like Wild Turkey 101.
Coffee enthusiasts should opt for espresso or a full-bodied French roast. The coffee’s bitterness plays nicely against the cigar’s earth and leather notes. If you’re a wine person, go bold – a Barolo or Côtes du Rhône has enough structure to stand up to this full-bodied smoke.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The torpedo shape requires a bit more attention than your typical parejo. I always use a sharp guillotine cutter, taking just enough off the pointed cap to create a clean opening – usually about 1/8 inch. Don’t cut too much; you’ll lose that concentrated draw that makes torpedos special.
For lighting, I prefer a butane torch for the initial char, then switch to wooden matches for the actual lighting. The pointed foot means you need to be patient – light the center first, then work outward to ensure an even burn. Rush this step and you’ll fight tunneling issues throughout the smoke.
Take your time with the first few draws. Let the tobacco warm gradually rather than puffing aggressively. This approach rewards you with cleaner flavors and better burn characteristics throughout the entire smoking experience.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Serie P No.2 occupies that sweet spot between accessible and challenging. I’d recommend it to intermediate smokers who’ve moved beyond mild Connecticut wrappers but aren’t ready for something like a Cohiba Esplendidos. It’s also perfect for experienced smokers who want a solid, reliable Cuban without breaking the bank.
This isn’t a beginner’s cigar – that full strength will overwhelm someone new to premium tobacco. But it’s definitely less intimidating than other Partagas offerings like the Serie D No. 4. I’ve successfully introduced several people to Cuban cigars with this particular stick.
Occasion-wise, it’s versatile enough for both contemplative solo smoking and social settings. The 45-120 minute smoking time makes it perfect for afternoon sessions or evening gatherings. I particularly enjoy these outdoors – the robust flavors hold up well against fresh air and conversation.
Authenticity and Avoiding Counterfeits
Cuban cigar counterfeiting is unfortunately common, and popular cigars like the Serie P No.2 are frequent targets. Authentic boxes should display proper Habanos packing codes – for tubes, look for codes like D-C-C/P-3-A/T-15. The decorated 25-cigar boxes have been standard since the 2005 launch.
Examine the construction carefully. Genuine Serie P No.2s have consistently smooth, even burns with firm construction throughout. The Colorado wrapper should feel supple but not dry, with that characteristic oily sheen I mentioned earlier. Each cigar should have an official foot band – missing or poorly printed bands are red flags.
Purchase only from authorized Habanos dealers. Suspiciously low prices, especially online, usually indicate counterfeits. Poor construction, uneven burns, harsh flavors, or missing holograms on the box are all warning signs. When in doubt, consult with reputable Cuban cigar specialists who can verify authenticity.
Storage and Aging
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the Serie P No.2’s character. I keep mine at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) in my main humidor. These specific numbers aren’t arbitrary – they replicate the Cuban climate where these cigars were born.
These cigars are available in boxes of 25 or tubes (typically 15 cigars in packs of 3). The tubes offer extra protection but aren’t necessary if your humidor maintains stable conditions. For detailed guidance on maintaining proper humidor conditions, proper technique makes all the difference.
Aging potential is excellent. I’ve smoked Serie P No.2s with up to eight years of additional aging, and the results are spectacular. The pepper mellows while the earthier, more complex notes become more pronounced. If you can resist smoking them immediately, buying a box and aging half is a rewarding strategy.
Monitor your storage conditions regularly. Fluctuating humidity can ruin even the finest Cuban tobacco. A good hygrometer and quality humidification system are investments that pay dividends in preserved cigar quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Serie P No.2 compare to the Serie D No.4?
The Serie P No.2 is notably less nicotine-heavy than the famous Serie D No.4, making it more approachable for intermediate smokers. The torpedo shape also provides a more concentrated flavor delivery compared to the D No.4’s robusto format. Both are excellent, but the P No.2 offers better balance for most palates.
What’s the ideal smoking time for this cigar?
Expect 45-120 minutes depending on your smoking pace. I typically finish mine in about 75-90 minutes with a relaxed draw frequency. The wide time range reflects personal smoking styles – some prefer quick, frequent puffs while others take longer, more contemplative draws.
Can beginners smoke the Serie P No.2?
I wouldn’t recommend it for true beginners. The full to medium-full strength can be overwhelming for someone new to premium cigars. Start with milder options and work your way up. However, if you’ve been smoking cigars for several months and want to explore Cuban territory, this is an excellent stepping stone.
How should I prepare for smoking this cigar?
Eat something beforehand – the full strength can hit hard on an empty stomach. Have your preferred beverage ready, and plan for at least an hour of uninterrupted time. The proper smoking technique really enhances the experience with Cuban cigars of this caliber.
What makes this cigar special compared to other Partagas offerings?
The Serie P No.2 strikes that perfect balance between the Partagas factory’s bold character and approachable complexity. It’s less overwhelming than some other lines while maintaining that distinctive Cuban terroir that comes from the Vuelta Abajo region. The torpedo shape also adds a unique smoking dynamic compared to the brand’s more common parejos.
