AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about twenty minutes into the Partagás Serie E No. 2, when the cigar’s architecture becomes apparent. The initial assault from the tapered head—a concentrated blast of roasted espresso and raw cocoa that feels like a punch from a velvet glove—begins to recede, and you realize you are not smoking a cigar so much as navigating a series of rooms, each with its own climate. This is the pirámide’s gift: the narrow draw forces the Vuelta Abajo leaf to speak in a focused, almost aggressive whisper, while the widening body behind it promises a deeper, more expansive vocabulary. It is the Serie D No. 4’s cerebral sibling, less famous, more demanding, and ultimately more rewarding for those who understand that a torpedo is not a shape but a narrative device.
The pre-light draw offers a hint of the journey: dried hay and a faint, almost imperceptible sweetness that suggests the molasses to come. But the first true sentence is written on the retrohale—a sharp black pepper that clears the sinuses and announces the cigar’s full-strength intentions. Beneath that, the foundational notes of cedar and a pronounced, barnyard-like earthiness establish the unmistakable Partagás character. This is not a subtle opening; it is a declaration of terroir, a reminder that this tobacco was grown in the red soil of Vuelta Abajo and rolled in the La Corona factory with a specific, uncompromising intent. The ash, a firm salt-and-pepper column, holds with a confidence that borders on arrogance.
As the burn line crosses into the second third, the ring gauge opens and the smoke transforms. The pepper, once a sharp intruder, integrates into the blend, becoming a warm undercurrent rather than a leading note. The profile deepens into dark leather and a rich, creamy tobacco that coats the palate. Then come the dried fruits—raisin and fig—that lend a subtle, almost wine-like complexity. This is the section where the cigar’s entubado bunching reveals its genius: the draw remains generous and even, allowing the smoke to become denser, more aromatic, and layered with toasted nuts and a bitter chocolate that lingers on the finish. The barnyard quality fades, replaced by a sophistication that feels earned.
The final third is a crescendo. The cigar, now fully opened, delivers a full-bodied intensity that demands respect. Espresso grounds and charred oak lead the charge, but it is the pronounced molasses sweetness that provides the counterpoint, balancing the lingering pepper and leather with a deft, almost confectionary hand. The finish is long, slightly tannic, and leaves a persistent spice that invites contemplation. This is not a cigar to be rushed; it is a 90-minute meditation that rewards patience. The Serie E No. 2 is often overshadowed by its robusto sibling, but in this vitola, the blend finds a sharper, more articulate voice—one that speaks of time, place, and the quiet confidence of a master craftsman.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Volado/Seco — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban — Vuelta Abajo Seco leaf |
| Filler | Cuban — blend of Vuelta Abajo Seco, Ligero, and Volado leaves, aged per Habanos S.A. standards |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — La Corona factory (Fábrica de Tabacos La Corona) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Pirámide) |
| Size | 6.125 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $25–$40 per cigar (LCDH and international retail; price varies by market and duty) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Typically benefits from 2–5 years of post-purchase aging; factory aging per Habanos S.A. protocol before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered head delivers an immediate rush of roasted espresso, raw cocoa, and a sharp black pepper bite on the retrohale. Cedar and dried hay provide structural backbone as the cigar settles, with a pronounced earthy, barnyard quality that is quintessentially Cuban Partagás.
Second Third
The pepper integrates and the profile deepens into dark leather, dried fruit — notably raisin and fig — and a rich, creamy tobacco note. A hint of toasted nuts and bitter chocolate emerge as the ring gauge opens toward the pirámide's body, and the smoke becomes denser and more aromatic.
Final Third
The final third intensifies significantly — full-bodied, with espresso grounds, charred oak, and a pronounced molasses sweetness that balances the lingering pepper and leather. The draw remains generous and the finish is long, complex, and slightly tannic with a persistent spice on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally exemplary for a Havanas-grade release — the pirámide taper can occasionally cause minor draw resistance if cut too shallow, but when clipped correctly at the shoulder the draw is open and even. Burn is typically razor-sharp with a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds well through the first two-thirds.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban ron (Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo) is the canonical pairing; alternatively, a peated Scotch single malt such as Lagavulin 16 or Laphroaig 10 cuts through the cigar's full-bodied intensity beautifully
Wine
A Ribera del Duero Reserva (Vega Sicilia Alion or Pesquera Reserva) — the tannic structure and dark fruit of Tempranillo matches the leather and dried fruit complexity; avoid delicate Burgundies entirely
Non-Alcoholic
A double ristretto or cold-brew concentrate served black — the bitterness and roast echo the cigar's espresso and cocoa notes without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of Serie D No. 4s and wonders if the blend has more to say. You are a smoker with at least five years of Cuban cigars behind you, someone who has learned to read a burn line and appreciates the difference between strength and power. It is a Tuesday evening, or perhaps a Sunday after a long lunch, and you have carved out 90 minutes with no interruptions. You pour a glass of Havana Club 15-Year, clip the torpedo just above the shoulder, and settle into a leather chair. You are not looking for a casual smoke; you are looking for a conversation. This cigar will not give you small talk. It will demand your attention, reward your patience, and leave you with the quiet satisfaction of having understood something complex.
Bottom Line
The Partagás Serie E No. 2 is the thinking smoker’s Cuban—a pirámide that outshines its more famous robusto sibling through sheer focus and depth. It is a full-strength, 90-minute commitment that delivers a masterclass in balance, from its peppery opening to its molasses-laced finale. Buy it, age it for two years, and smoke it when you are ready to pay attention.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Partagás Serie D No. 4 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Partagás Serie E No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) on our strength scale. This is not a nicotine bomb, but it is a physically present smoke. The strength builds progressively, with the first third offering a sharp pepper bite that settles into a deep, full-bodied intensity by the final third. Novices will feel it; experienced smokers will appreciate its power as a structural element, not a flaw.
What does Partagás Serie E No. 2 taste like?
The flavor arc moves from roasted espresso, raw cocoa, cedar, and black pepper in the first third, to dark leather, raisin, fig, and creamy tobacco in the second. The finale brings espresso grounds, charred oak, and a pronounced molasses sweetness that balances the lingering pepper and tannic finish.
How long does Partagás Serie E No. 2 take to smoke?
Plan for a 90-minute session. The Torpedo (Pirámide) vitola at 6.125 x 52 has a substantial body, and the tapered head requires a slow, deliberate burn to fully develop its flavor. Rushing it will result in a harsh, hot smoke. This is a cigar for unhurried contemplation.
What is the best pairing for Partagás Serie E No. 2?
An aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva is the canonical choice; its oak and vanilla sweetness mirrors the cigar's molasses notes while its proof cuts through the full-bodied intensity. For a non-alcoholic option, a double ristretto served black echoes the espresso and cocoa notes without competing.
Is Partagás Serie E No. 2 good for beginners?
No. This is a Full-strength cigar priced at $25–$40 per stick, and its flavor profile is demanding. A beginner will likely be overwhelmed by the pepper and intensity, and the price point makes it a poor choice for learning. Start with milder Cuban options like a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 before approaching this.
Where can I buy Partagás Serie E No. 2?
Your best bet is a La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise, which is the only authorized retailer for Habanos S.A. products. You can also find them at trusted international online retailers that ship to your region. Be wary of fakes; always verify the seller's reputation and look for the authentic Habanos S.A. seals.
What is the price of Partagás Serie E No. 2?
Expect to pay between $25 and $40 per cigar, depending on your local market and applicable duties. LCDH stores in Spain or Andorra often offer the most competitive pricing, while markets with heavy tobacco taxes, like the UK or Australia, will see prices at the higher end or beyond.
Is Partagás Serie E No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While it is enjoyable fresh, this cigar typically benefits from 2–5 years of post-purchase aging. The Colorado wrapper, a Cuban Volado/Seco leaf, will mellow its sharp edges, allowing the dried fruit and molasses notes to deepen and integrate further. Patience will be rewarded with a more seamless, complex smoke.
What wrapper does Partagás Serie E No. 2 use?
It uses a Cuban Volado/Seco leaf grown in Vuelta Abajo, Cuba, finished in a Colorado shade. This medium-dark chestnut wrapper has a subtle oily sheen and fine tooth, contributing notes of cedar, earth, and a slight sweetness that underpins the blend's fuller-bodied filler.
Where is Partagás Serie E No. 2 made?
It is hand-rolled in Havana, Cuba, at the Fábrica de Tabacos La Corona. This is a totalement à la main (totally by hand) production using long-filler (tripa larga) and the entubado bunching method, where filler leaves are rolled into tubes to ensure an even draw and complex flavor delivery.