Let's talk about the Partagas No.1 - this classic Cuban-style robusto comes in at 5½" x 50 ring gauge, packed 25 per box. The Cameroon wrapper glistens with just enough oil to suggest proper humidor care. Priced around $150/box, it's positioned as an upper-midrange daily smoker for enthusiasts who want authentic Cuban character without vintage pricing.
Initial third: Immediate woodsmoke and black pepper spice. The Dominican filler creates dense smoke with slight throat tingle. Burn line stays razor-sharp.
Middle third: Mexican tobacco emerges with coffee grounds and unsweetened cocoa. Pepper subsides to background warmth. Ash holds firm in 1" segments.
Final third: Leather notes dominate as nicotine builds. Last inch develops mineral tang - classic Cuban-style finish. Average smoke time 50 minutes.
The triple-cap head cuts cleanly. Dominican binder keeps combustion even despite varying filler densities. Some box examples (2024 production) show slightly spongy foots - better humidify at 65% RH minimum. Wrapper veins remain small, no major tears reported in recent batches.
