A Legacy Born in the Heart of Havana

In the year 1845, in the bustling, sun-soaked city of Havana, a Catalan immigrant named Don Jaime Partagás y Ravell set out to create something that would stand the test of time — a cigar brand that would embody the rich soil, the skilled hands, and the vibrant culture of Cuba. He founded the Partagás Factory on Industria Street, just behind the iconic Capitolio building.

From the very beginning, Partagás was more than just a cigar maker — it was a statement of refinement. Don Jaime personally experimented with curing, fermentation, and blending techniques that pushed Cuban cigar craftsmanship forward. His relentless pursuit of flavor consistency and construction excellence became the foundation of the Partagás identity.

The Flavor That Defined a Brand

Partagás cigars quickly gained a reputation for their full-bodied, earthy, and spicy profile, characteristics that set them apart from the lighter Cuban brands of the time. Using tobacco primarily sourced from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río, Don Jaime was able to craft blends that were robust without sacrificing balance.

Cigar lovers described them as deep, peppery smokes with a subtle sweetness — a complexity that made them a favorite among aristocrats, merchants, and travelers passing through Havana’s ports.

Tragedy and Transition

Don Jaime’s life was as dramatic as his cigars. In 1868, he was murdered under mysterious circumstances on one of his tobacco plantations — a tale that still lingers in cigar folklore. After his death, the brand passed through the hands of several owners, including Ramón Cifuentes, who would take Partagás to even greater heights.

Under Cifuentes, Partagás expanded internationally and solidified its reputation as a cigar of authority and tradition. The brand became synonymous with old-world Cuban elegance and an uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship.

The Cuban Revolution and the Split

The Cuban Revolution of 1959 forever changed the trajectory of the brand. When the new government nationalized all tobacco production, the Cifuentes family fled Cuba. The original Partagás Factory in Havana remained under state control, continuing production of Cuban Partagás for the global market (outside the U.S.).

Meanwhile, in the United States, the exiled Cifuentes family re-established Partagás in the Dominican Republic under the General Cigar Company. This created the unique situation we have today: two Partagás lines — the Cuban original and the Dominican counterpart — each with its own loyal following.

The Modern-Day Cuban Partagás

Today, the Cuban Partagás brand, still crafted in Havana’s famous factory (now called the Real Fábricas de Tabacos Partagás), produces some of the most respected cigars in the world, including:

• Partagás Serie D No. 4 – A robusto icon and one of the best-selling Cuban cigars globally.

• Partagás Lusitanias – A double corona beloved by serious aficionados.

• Partagás Serie P No. 2 – A torpedo with power and elegance.

These cigars are known for their bold strength, earthy depth, and signature peppery kick, making them ideal for seasoned smokers who appreciate intensity.

Why Partagás Stands the Test of Time

1. Consistency – Across decades and political upheaval, the brand has maintained its hallmark flavor profile.

2. Craftsmanship – Every Cuban Partagás is handmade by skilled torcedores, many of whom have decades of experience.

3. Heritage – Few brands can claim nearly two centuries of continuous production and global recognition.

A Brand Woven into Cigar Culture

Step into the Partagás Factory in Havana today and you’ll smell the same heady mix of cedar, tobacco, and history that Don Jaime himself once inhaled. You’ll see walls lined with photos of workers, dignitaries, and celebrities who’ve passed through its doors. It’s not just a workplace — it’s a living museum of Cuban cigar tradition.

Owning or smoking a Partagás isn’t simply about enjoying a cigar. It’s about participating in a story that began 180 years ago and continues to be written with every draw.

Final Puff

Partagás isn’t just one of the world’s most famous cigar brands — it’s a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and Cuban cultural pride. From the murder of its founder to the political storms that split its identity, Partagás has endured because its soul is in the leaf, the hands that roll it, and the passion of those who light it.

When you smoke a Partagás, you’re not just tasting tobacco — you’re tasting history.