Partagas Serie P No. 2

Size: 52 × 156 (6.1")

Shape: Pyramid

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking Time: 1 ½ hours

Beverage: Celebrator Dopplebock

The Partagas Serie P No 2 was released to immense anticipation in 2005.  It has become one of the most recognizable and enjoyed Cuban cigars currently in production and is often compared to the Monticristo No 2.  The tobacco used in the Partagas Serie P No 2 is the finest Cuba has to offer – made in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba which is within the Pinar del Rio province (See Cigar Aficionado's article on this area of Cuba).  Other reviews of the Partagas Serie P No 2 have been excellent and I have read that the No 2 should contain the same strong earthy flavours for which Partagas cigars are known.

This is actually the third time I’ve smoked a Partagas Serie P No 2.  The first was as part of a Selection Pyramides box that my brother-in-law brought back from Cuba.  The cigar was so enjoyable we ordered a box of 10.  The last time we smoked a Serie P No 2 I remembered thinking that I almost preferred it to the Monticristo No 2 – which is saying a lot considering how unbelievable an aged Monti No 2 can be.  Therefore, the Partagas Serie P No 2 that we review here had some high standards before a match even touched the foot.

The wrapper on this cigar looked great…dark and oily it certainly had the appearance of a well constructed stick.  A few prominent veins protruded through the rich brown wrapper.  As my cigar felt a bit light I checked it for any soft-spots and noticed a few near the foot of the cigar.  Using our favourite cutter, the cap clipped off easily and fell into the new, oversized ashtray our local cigar hangout recently acquired.  Although I’m still learning how to detect flavours in cigars, the smell and taste of dried grass and cedar was easily recognizable.  I lit the end of the cigar with a match and immediately noticed a distinct lack of the sweet earthy flavours that were immediately apparent the last times we smoked a No 2.  As well, the soft-spots near the end of my cigar resulted in a noticeable run down the side of my stick that needed constant attention throughout the first third.  After several minutes the strength and complexity of the stick began to shine through and I began to become reacquainted with the familiar flavours of the Partagas Serie P No 2 – earth, sweetness, dried grass, and cedar.  The cigar maintained this lovely bouquet of flavours throughout the middle third before some bitter, young notes began to mingle in the fray.  As I really began to sink my teeth into the deep, rich flavours of the stick it began to become a tad harsh and less enjoyable.  However, overall this was a great cigar and given a few years in the humidor (and a quality roll) would easily become a four out of five Fidel cigar, but at this stage I’ll rate it 3 ½ out of 5 Castros.