When a seasoned aficionado opens an old cedar‑lined cabinet, sometimes the most unassuming roll turns out to be the most coveted treasure. The Partagás Chicos Extra Mild, a slender machine‑made cigar that once slipped quietly onto Cuban shelves, has become a whispered legend among collectors seeking a taste of history that no longer rolls off the island’s factories.
From the Pre‑Revolution Era to the 1980s Shutdown
The story of the Chicos Extra Mild begins well before 1960, when Partagás first introduced this petite vitola to satisfy a growing demand for milder, quicker smokes. For several decades the line stayed in steady rotation, becoming a reliable gateway for newcomers curious about the brand’s signature flavors. By the early 1980s, however, Partagás decided to retire the format, citing shifting market preferences and a strategic focus on larger, more robust sizes. The decision marked the end of a production run that spanned the better part of a century, leaving the Chicos Extra Mild as a nostalgic relic of Cuban cigar culture.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
- Cigar name: Partagás Bonitos Extra Mild (often referred to simply as Chicos)
- Factory designation: Chicos
- Ring gauge: 29
- Length: 106 mm (≈ 4 ⅛ inches)
- Official weight: 3.00 g
- Construction method: Machine‑bunched and finished
- Band style: Standard Partagás “Band A”
- Status: Discontinued regular production
Construction, Presentation, and Packaging
Machine‑Made Consistency
Because it was produced by automated processes, each Chicos Extra Mild delivered a remarkably uniform draw and burn, ensuring that smokers could rely on the same experience from box to box. The machine‑bunching technique allowed the brand to maintain the delicate balance of the blend while keeping prices accessible.
Visual Identity
The cigar wore the iconic Partagás Band A, a design that instantly signals the brand’s heritage to connoisseurs worldwide. Each stick was individually encased in clear cellophane, preserving moisture and protecting the wrapper from minor handling damage.
Boxing and Storage
Twenty‑five cigars were nestled in traditional dress boxes, a presentation that combined practicality with a touch of elegance. The sturdy cardboard and inner lining kept the contents fresh, and the compact size of the vitola made the entire package easy to store in humidors of any scale.
Why the Chicos Extra Mild Endures Among Collectors
Today, finding a sealed box of the Chicos Extra Mild feels like stumbling upon a rare stamp in a dusty attic. Its discontinuation in the 1980s means that the supply is limited to whatever remains in private collections or forgotten shop inventories. For many enthusiasts, the cigar represents a tangible link to a bygone era of Cuban cigar production—a moment when a milder, shorter smoke was considered a perfectly respectable choice, not an afterthought.
While Partagás continues to thrive with a roster of larger, fuller‑bodied vitolas that have become modern classics, the Chicos Extra Mild occupies a unique niche. It appeals to those who appreciate the craft of blending a gentle flavor profile that still carries the brand’s signature earthiness and subtle spice. Moreover, the vitola’s modest dimensions make it an ideal option for a quick pause during a busy day, offering a concentrated burst of flavor without a long commitment.
In the world of cigar collecting, rarity and story often outweigh raw strength. The Chicos Extra Mild, with its modest size, machine‑made origins, and decades‑long production, embodies both. Its legacy lives on in the anecdotes of veteran smokers, in the occasional unopened box that surfaces at auction, and in the curiosity of newer generations who hear whispers of a tiny, extra‑mild Partagás that once roamed the Cuban market.
