Partagas Shorts

Description

Think of the Partagas Short like a double shot of espresso compared to a milky morning latte. While other cigars try to ease you in with gentle introductions, this stick acts like a concentrated stick of dynamite that refuses to waste your time. It packs the punch of a Churchill into a format that fits neatly into a lunch break.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: Lighting up brings an immediate rush of black pepper and dry spices that wakes up your palate instantly. The draw is usually firm but workable, producing a surprisingly thick volume of smoke for such a small gauge. You get a distinct hit of cedar wood right away, sitting on top of a heavy, earthy base that lets you know this is a serious blend.

Mid-Section: As the burn line moves past the first inch, that initial spicy aggression settles into a deep, roasted character. The flavor shifts toward roasted coffee beans and tanned leather, making the smoke feel dense and chewy. Hints of nutmeg and a faint sweetness, almost like vanilla bean, start to peek through the heavy tobacco taste, adding some necessary balance to the strength.

Final Third: The intensity ramps up significantly near the band, delivering a full-strength nicotine kick that might surprise you given the size. Dark chocolate notes mix with the return of the peppery spice, creating a finish that is hot, savory, and robust. It remains flavorful down to the nub, leaving a lingering taste of musk and charred wood on the tongue.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Partagas

Don Jaime Partagas founded this brand in 1845, and it has stood as a pillar of Havana’s cigar culture ever since. The factory is famous for producing blends that prioritize earthy power over mild subtlety. While many brands have lightened their profiles over the decades to suit modern tastes, Partagas has largely stuck to its guns, delivering the heavy, full-flavored experience that traditionalists crave.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Flor de Caña 18 – The deep oak and caramel sweetness in this aged rum help tame the sharp pepper notes of the cigar.
• Whiskey: Yamazaki 12 – The delicate fruit and spice in this Japanese whisky provide a bright lift to the heavy earthiness of the tobacco.
• Coffee: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over – The high acidity and floral aromatics of this coffee cut right through the dense, oily smoke for a clean finish.

Ideal For

This cigar is built for the experienced smoker who is short on time but refuses to sacrifice intensity. It serves as a perfect winter smoke when it is too cold to stay outside for an hour, or as a quick digestif after a heavy meal. Beginners should probably steer clear, as the concentrated strength in this small format can be overwhelming if you are not ready for it.