Description
The Partagas Shorts is a legendary “pint-sized powerhouse” within the Habanos S.A. portfolio, offering a concentrated expression of the robust, earthy character that has defined the Partagas marque since 1845. Classified as a Minutos vitola, this 110mm (4 3/8 inch) treasure is meticulously hand-rolled using long-filler tobacco sourced exclusively from the world-renowned Vuelta Abajo zone. Despite its compact dimensions and 42 ring gauge, the Shorts delivers a sophisticated medium-to-full-bodied profile that rivals its larger cousins, such as the Serie D No. 4. Aficionados prize this cigar for its signature notes of black pepper, deep cedar, and rich dark chocolate, making it the definitive choice for those seeking a high-intensity, luxury smoking experience when time is of the essence. Whether enjoyed as a morning accompaniment to a double espresso or a quick afternoon indulgence, the Partagas Shorts represents the pinnacle of Cuban craftsmanship in a short format.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Habanos | 10 Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Traditional Dress Box (Habilitada) | Cardboard Pack or Small Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and daily rotation | Travel, gifting, and trial sampling |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined for optimal maturation | Compact storage for humidor efficiency |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Minutos (Tres Petit Corona) |
| Length | 110mm (4 3/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) – Dark Colorado |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) – Tripa Larga |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full-bodied intensity |
| Smoking Time | 20–30 Minutes |
| Factory | Partagas Factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Partagas is inextricably linked to the history of Havana itself. Founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagás y Ravelo, the brand is one of the oldest and most prestigious names in the cigar world. The iconic Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, located just behind the Capitolio building in Old Havana, became a symbol of Cuban cigar excellence, known for producing blends with unparalleled depth and “brio.” Don Jaime was a pioneer in the industry, famously being one of the first to experiment with fermentation and aging techniques that allowed Partagas cigars to develop their trademark earthy potency.
The Partagas Shorts was introduced to the portfolio prior to the 1960s, designed to capture the brand’s full-bodied essence in a format suitable for the modern, fast-paced world. For over sixty years, it has remained a staple for serious smokers who demand the complexity of a Lusitania or a Serie D No. 4 but only have a half-hour to spare. The blend relies on the heavy, nutrient-rich soils of the Vuelta Abajo region, ensuring that even in this smaller vitola, the smoker experiences the full spectrum of Cuban terroir. Today, Partagas remains a “Global Brand” within the Habanos hierarchy, a testament to its enduring legacy of quality and strength.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon lighting, the Partagas Shorts greets the palate with an immediate burst of black pepper spice and a rich, foundational tobacco sweetness. The draw is typically firm, producing voluminous clouds of silvery-blue smoke that carry a highly aromatic scent of toasted cedar and leather. As the first few millimeters burn, a surprising creamy texture emerges, softening the initial spicy “kick” and introducing subtle hints of sourdough bread. This opening is assertive and unapologetically Cuban, setting the stage for a complex evolution despite the cigar’s small stature.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the middle third, the spice transitions from a sharp pepper to a more nuanced baking spice and cinnamon. The core flavor profile deepens significantly, revealing layers of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. There is a perceptible earthiness here—reminiscent of damp soil after a tropical rain—which is the hallmark of the Partagas blend. If paced slowly, the smoker will detect faint notes of vanilla and toasted nuts, which provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the increasing strength of the tobacco. The construction remains impeccable, with a solid grey ash that holds firmly to the foot.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final third, the Partagas Shorts reaches its full-bodied peak. The flavors become more concentrated, with leather and heavy earth dominating the palate. The spice returns to the forefront, but it is now integrated with a rich, oily sweetness that prevents the smoke from becoming harsh. Notes of bitter cocoa and charred cedar linger on the tongue, providing a robust finish that demands the smoker’s full attention. This is a cigar that can be smoked comfortably to the very nub, as the temperature remains remarkably cool for such a short vitola, allowing the complex spice and tobacco oils to shine until the final puff.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and memorable. It leaves a persistent aftertaste of dark chocolate, espresso, and aged leather. The retrohale is powerful but rewarding, offering a final aromatic flourish of peppery cedar that reinforces the cigar’s premium pedigree.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Damp Earth, Black Pepper, Cedar |
| Secondary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Roasted Coffee, Leather |
| Tertiary Notes | Vanilla, Sourdough, Toasted Walnuts |
| Finish | Long, Spicy, and Earthy |
| Aroma | Rich Tobacco, Wood Smoke, Spice |
Aging and Collector Value
While the Partagas Shorts is famously enjoyable when fresh—offering a raw, vibrant energy that many aficionados love—it is also a prime candidate for long-term aging. When stored in a cedar-lined humidor at 65-72% RH, the initial “bite” of the pepper begins to mellow after just 6 to 12 months, allowing the sweet chocolate and creamy vanilla notes to become more prominent. Collectors often prefer the 50-count Cabinet (SLB) or the 25-count dress boxes for aging, as the concentration of cigars helps to marry the oils and refine the blend over several years.
A Partagas Shorts with 3 to 5 years of age is a revelation; the strength remains medium-to-full, but the balance becomes exquisite, transforming a “quick smoke” into a refined, vintage masterpiece. Because of their consistent quality and relatively accessible price point for a premium Cuban, they are a staple in the humidors of collectors who wish to track the evolution of the Partagas blend without committing to the higher cost of larger vitolas.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Double Espresso | The intense roasted notes of the coffee perfectly mirror the cigar’s coffee and chocolate profile. |
| Havana Club 7 Year Rum | The molasses sweetness of Cuban rum balances the earthy spice and leather of the Partagas blend. |
| Peated Islay Scotch | The smoky, medicinal notes of the whiskey stand up to the full-bodied strength of the Shorts. |
| Cognac (VSOP) | The fruit and oak nuances of Cognac provide a sophisticated contrast to the cigar’s peppery opening. |
| Oatmeal Stout | The creamy mouthfeel and chocolate malt of a stout beer complement the cigar’s middle-third creaminess. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. Every box of Partagas Shorts we provide undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the exacting standards of Habanos S.A. and our discerning clientele.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a holographic strip and a unique barcode that can be verified on the official Habanos website.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production (e.g., MAR MAY 23), ensuring you know exactly when and where your cigars were rolled.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which guarantee traditional Cuban construction.
- Triple Cap – Each Partagas Shorts is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert torcedores that ensures a clean cut and smooth draw.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to delivering only 100% authentic Cuban heritage to your humidor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Partagas Shorts taste like?
The Partagas Shorts is characterized by a heavy, earthy profile typical of the brand. You can expect dominant flavors of black pepper, cedar, and leather, which evolve into dark chocolate and espresso as you progress. It is a savory, robust smoke with a subtle underlying sweetness and a creamy texture that develops in the second third.
How long does it take to smoke a Partagas Shorts?
Due to its Minutos vitola (110mm x 42), the Partagas Shorts typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes to smoke. It is designed for those moments when you want a full-bodied, high-quality Cuban experience but have limited time, such as a lunch break or a brisk evening walk.
Is the Partagas Shorts suitable for beginners?
While the size is approachable, the medium-to-full strength and intense flavor profile may be overwhelming for a complete novice. However, for a beginner looking to experience the “true” taste of a full-bodied Cuban cigar without committing to a 90-minute smoke, the Shorts is an excellent introduction to the Partagas brand.
How does the Partagas Shorts compare to the Serie D No. 4?
Both cigars share the same DNA of earth, spice, and wood. The Serie D No. 4 (a Robusto) offers a more gradual evolution and a slightly cooler smoke due to its larger ring gauge. The Partagas Shorts is essentially a concentrated version of that profile—it gets to the “sweet spot” much faster and delivers a punchier, more immediate intensity.
Does the Partagas Shorts age well?
Absolutely. While many enjoy them “fresh” for their spicy vigor, aging them for 1 to 3 years allows the oils to harmonize, smoothing out the pepper and enhancing the notes of chocolate and cream. They are widely considered one of the best small Cuban cigars for short-to-medium-term cellaring.
