AshMap
Overview
There is a specific kind of quiet confidence that comes from a cigar that knows exactly what it is and refuses to apologize for it. The Partagás 1845 Corona is that smoke. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with rare tobaccos or experimental fermentation; instead, it leans into the legacy of its Havana namesake by delivering a masterclass in balance and restraint. From the first cold draw, the narrative is clear: this is a cigar built for the purist who values the ritual of the smoke as much as the smoke itself. The pre-light offers a whisper of sweet hay and a faint, creamy vanilla that promises a gentle, contemplative journey rather than a bombastic assault.
The first third unfolds with a distinct creaminess that feels like velvet on the palate, immediately establishing a refined texture. This is not a thin, airy cream but a rich, coating sensation that carries the primary flavors of toasted brioche and a distinct cedar plank note. The retrohale introduces a lively white pepper tingle that is present but polite, never overpowering the delicate balance. As the ash forms, a roasted almond and cashew nuttiness emerges, grounding the smoke and giving it a savory depth that prevents the cream from becoming cloying. It is an approachable opening, but the execution is so precise that it feels far more expensive than its price point suggests.
As the burn line crosses into the second third, the blend reveals its more contemplative side. The cedar backbone remains, but it now shares the stage with a dry, powdery cocoa that is more reminiscent of a baking chocolate than a sweet confection. A subtle leather note begins to weave through the profile, adding a layer of complexity that speaks to the aged Dominican Piloto Cubano in the filler. The true surprise of this section is the emergence of a golden raisin sweetness—a delicate, fruity nuance that arrives in the middle of the draw and lingers just long enough to add a touch of elegance. The creaminess, which has been a constant companion, now acts as the glue, binding the cocoa, leather, and fruit into a cohesive, harmonious whole.
The final third is where the 1845 Corona proves its pedigree. The strength, while still medium, gains a slight edge, and the flavors shift toward a grounding earthiness that anchors the entire experience. A mild espresso note emerges, adding a bitter-sweet counterpoint to the earlier sweetness, while the cedar and leather remain persistent on the finish. The white pepper on the retrohale picks up a marginal intensity, providing a final, satisfying kick. Crucially, the cigar finishes cleanly, with no harshness or ammonia, a testament to the two-year aging of the tobaccos. It holds its composure down to the nub, delivering a consistent, honest tobacco character that is both satisfying and deeply reassuring. This is a cigar that respects the smoker’s time and palate, offering a narrative arc that is complete, coherent, and utterly dependable.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Dominican Olor / Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (natural line) — brand uses Cameroon and Dominican grown leaves depending — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-filler tobaccos, aged Dominican Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic — General Cigar's La Romana facility |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged minimally 2 years prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with creamy cedar and mild toasted bread, underscored by a light white pepper tingle on the retrohale. A gentle nuttiness — roasted almond and cashew — establishes itself quickly and sets an approachable, refined tone.
Second Third
The profile deepens into dry cocoa and mild leather with a continuing cedar backbone. A touch of dried fruit, specifically golden raisin, emerges in the middle transitions, adding sweetness without cloying. Creaminess remains a constant and balancing thread throughout.
Final Third
The finish introduces mild espresso and a subtle earthiness grounding the blend. Pepper picks up marginally on the retrohale while cedar and leather linger on the palate. Finishes cleanly without harshness, maintaining its medium character through the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistent and reliable as expected from General Cigar's Dominican operation — draw is open and effortless, burn line is even with a firm, light grey ash that holds an inch or more. A workhorse corona in terms of construction integrity.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Medium-aged rum such as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or a light single malt like Glenfiddich 12 Year — avoid heavily peated expressions that will overwhelm the blend
Wine
A lighter-bodied Garnacha from Navarra, Spain, or an aged Pinot Noir from Burgundy — the dried fruit and cedar in the cigar harmonize well with red berry and earthy wine profiles
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian drip coffee or a lightly sweetened horchata — both complement the almond and cream notes without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel. He’s a 34-year-old architect who has been smoking for about three years, having graduated from flavored machine-mades to premium hand-rolled cigars only in the last eighteen months. He’s not chasing strength or rare limited editions; he’s looking for a reliable, flavorful smoke to accompany his lunch break on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. He enjoys the nutty profile of a good Connecticut-shade cigar but finds some too one-dimensional. He wants something with a bit more depth to help him think through a complex structural problem for his current project. This Partagás is his perfect companion. It offers him the familiar creaminess he enjoys, but introduces him to the world of cedar and cocoa without overwhelming his palate. It’s a smoke that makes him feel like a connoisseur, not a novice, giving him the confidence to explore more complex blends in the future, all within the comfortable timeframe of his lunch hour.
Bottom Line
The Partagás 1845 Corona is a benchmark for the everyday premium cigar, delivering a refined and balanced profile that punches far above its modest price. It is a masterful example of how heritage and modern construction can create a smoke that is both accessible and deeply satisfying. This is a box-worthy staple for any humidor.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Partagás 1845 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Partagás 1845 Corona a strong cigar?
No, it is rated as Medium (3/5) strength. Physically, this means you will feel a gentle, warming presence on the palate and a slight nicotine buzz that is calming rather than overwhelming. It is substantial enough to be satisfying after a meal but mild enough to be enjoyed on an empty stomach without any risk of lightheadedness.
What does Partagás 1845 Corona taste like?
The flavor journey begins with creamy cedar, toasted bread, and roasted almond. The middle third introduces dry cocoa, mild leather, and a distinct golden raisin sweetness. The finale brings a grounding earthiness, mild espresso, and a slight uptick in white pepper on the retrohale, all anchored by a persistent creaminess.
How long does Partagás 1845 Corona take to smoke?
Given its Corona vitola and specific dimensions of 5.5 x 46, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 45 to 55 minutes. This makes it an ideal length for a lunch break or a focused, unhurried early-evening session.
What is the best pairing for Partagás 1845 Corona?
For a spirit, a medium-aged rum like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is an excellent match, as its inherent sweetness and oak notes will harmonize with the cigar's cedar and dried fruit. If you prefer whisky, a light single malt such as Glenfiddich 12 Year is ideal; avoid heavily peated Islay expressions, as their smoky intensity will completely overpower the blend's delicate balance.
Is Partagás 1845 Corona good for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a beginner who is ready to move beyond machine-mades. Its Medium strength is forgiving, and its flavor profile is clear and defined without being challenging or harsh. The $8–$12 per cigar price point is a reasonable investment for a premium hand-rolled experience that will teach a new smoker what quality construction and balanced flavor are all about.
Where can I buy Partagás 1845 Corona?
As a widely available everyday-tier cigar from General Cigar, you can find it at most reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry a diverse selection of premium hand-rolled cigars. It is also commonly stocked by major online cigar retailers, where you can often find better deals when purchasing bundles or boxes.
What is the price of Partagás 1845 Corona?
The Partagás 1845 Corona is positioned in the 'Everyday' tier, with a retail price typically falling between $8 and $12 per cigar. This pricing makes it a highly competitive option against other premium Dominicans, offering significant value for the level of construction and flavor complexity it delivers.
Is Partagás 1845 Corona worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling, this is not a cigar that demands extended post-production aging. The profile is already well-integrated and balanced. While a year or two in your humidor might slightly round off the white pepper edges, it is not a blend that will dramatically evolve or improve with long-term cellaring, so it is best enjoyed now.
What wrapper does Partagás 1845 Corona use?
The Partagás 1845 Corona uses a Dominican Olor / Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade (natural line) — brand uses Cameroon and Dominican grown leaves depending. This specific wrapper is a medium-brown Colorado shade with a silky sheen, and it is responsible for the cigar's signature creaminess, subtle sweetness, and the smooth, refined mouthfeel that defines the smoking experience.
Where is Partagás 1845 Corona made?
It is hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic at General Cigar's renowned La Romana facility. This factory is known for its strict quality control and consistent construction standards, which is why the 1845 Corona exhibits a flawless draw and an even burn, hallmarks of a professionally crafted cigar.