AshMap
Overview
The Partagás Serie P No. 2 is a study in controlled violence — a torpedo that begins with a surgeon's precision and ends with a boxer's knockout. From the first cold draw, there's a warning: the tapered head concentrates the Vuelta Abajo leaf into a dense, almost chewy current of dark espresso and raw cocoa, a flavor so immediate it feels like the cigar is speaking before you've even asked a question. This is not a cigar that introduces itself politely; it grabs your palate by the collar and demands you pay attention to the aged cedar and damp loam that ride beneath that first wave of caffeine-like bitterness. The retrohale is where the P No. 2 reveals its San Luis / San Juan y Martínez pedigree — a sharp white pepper that cuts through the earthy mushroom note, a combination that feels less like flavor and more like terroir made tangible.
As the burn line passes the halfway point of the taper, the ring gauge widens and the cigar exhales. The second third is where the P No. 2's architecture becomes apparent — this is a cigar built in layers, not in a straight line. The initial espresso bitterness softens into a dark chocolate that's almost fudgy, while a leather note emerges, not as a harsh saddle hide but as a well-worn jacket, supple and familiar. The real surprise is the dried fruit — prune and dark raisin — which arrives with a sweetness that never tips into cloying, instead balancing the red pepper that lingers on the finish like a slow-burning ember. The body, which was already full, settles into a creamy rhythm that makes the smoke feel heavier than air, coating the mouth with roasted nuts and a faint, almost floral undertone that hints at the leaf's age.
The final third is a descent into the earth from which this tobacco was born. The molasses arrives first, sticky and dark, followed by a bitter espresso that recalls the opening but with a deeper, more resonant bass note. The floral character — that elusive, perfumed quality of well-aged Habano — flickers in and out like a candle in a draft, never fully committing but always present. The finish is long, warming, and unapologetically complex, leaving behind a residue of dark chocolate and cedar that lingers for minutes after the last draw. This is a cigar that doesn't end; it fades, like a memory you're not ready to let go of.
What sets the P No. 2 apart from its Serie D sibling is not just the vitola — though the piramide shape demands a level of rolling skill that the factory reserves for its most experienced torcedores — but the way it rewards patience. The entubado bunching method, where each filler leaf is rolled into a tube before being bound, creates channels that allow the smoke to travel evenly, but it also means the cigar needs to be smoked slowly, deliberately, almost reverently. Rushed, it turns harsh; given time, it unfolds like a novel with no wasted pages. This is the Partagás that connoisseurs argue about in hushed tones, the one that makes you understand why Cuba still matters in a world of boutique blends and limited editions.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo, San Luis / San Juan y Martínez — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Habano long filler — Vuelta Abajo leaves, aged minimum two years in the blend |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — Partagás Factory (Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, now known as Francisco Pérez Germán factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.13 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; varies significantly by market and duty) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two-year leaf aging before rolling; benefits considerably from three to five additional years of post-purchase b |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered head delivers an immediate concentrated burst of dark espresso, roasted cocoa, and aged cedar. Earthy Vuelta Abajo terroir comes through clearly — rich loam and dried tobacco leaf underpin a natural sweetness. Retrohale opens up white pepper and a distinct mushroom earthiness.
Second Third
Complexity escalates with notes of dark chocolate, leather, and a pronounced dried fruit sweetness reminiscent of prune and dark raisin. The full body settles into a creamy, satisfying rhythm as the ring gauge widens. Spice softens but doesn't disappear — red pepper lingers on the finish alongside roasted nuts.
Final Third
The final third deepens into molasses, bitter espresso, and rich earth — classic full-bodied Cuban intensity. A floral note, characteristic of aged Habano leaf, occasionally emerges. The finish is long, warming, and thoroughly complex with lingering dark chocolate and cedar.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary when sourced from a reputable LCDH or authorized vendor — the piramide draws with precision, offering slight resistance that rewards slow, deliberate smoking. Burn can occasionally meander in the first third as the taper heats up, but typically self-corrects; ash is firm and pale grey, holding one to one and a half inches.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban ron — Havana Club 15-Year or RESERVA — ideally; alternatively a well-aged Speyside Scotch (Glenfarclas 21) or a small-batch Kentucky bourbon (Blanton's Single Barrel)
Wine
Rioja Gran Reserva (Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay) or a structured Ribera del Duero — the tannin and dark fruit architecture mirrors the cigar's complexity
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a strong Cuban-style café cortado — avoid milk-heavy preparations that will dull the nuance
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has already climbed the mountain of Cuban cigars — who has smoked a dozen Montecristo No. 2s and found them lovely but predictable, who has chased the ghost of pre-2000 Cohiba and knows the difference between a good cigar and a great one. You are sitting on a quiet Sunday evening, the house finally empty, a glass of Havana Club 15-Year sweating on the side table. You have exactly 90 minutes and no intention of checking your phone. You want a cigar that will not just accompany the silence but fill it with something worth listening to. The P No. 2 will give you that — but it will also punish you if you try to multitask. This is not a cigar for the golf course or the backyard barbecue. It's for the moment when you want to be alone with your thoughts, and you need a companion that can keep up.
Bottom Line
The Partagás Serie P No. 2 is a masterclass in Cuban cigar craftsmanship — a full-bodied, deeply complex torpedo that rewards patience with a sensory journey few vitolas can match. It is not for the faint of heart or the short on time, but for those who give it the attention it demands, it is among the finest piramides Cuba has ever produced.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Partagás Serie D No. 4 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Partagás Serie P No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) on our strength scale. This means the nicotine delivery is pronounced and will be felt physically — expect a warming sensation in the chest and a slight buzz if smoked on an empty stomach. The strength builds progressively, peaking in the final third, so it's best enjoyed after a meal or with a sugary pairing to balance the intensity.
What does Partagás Serie P No. 2 taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct thirds. The first third opens with dark espresso, roasted cocoa, and aged cedar, underpinned by earthy loam and a white pepper retrohale with mushroom notes. The second third introduces dark chocolate, leather, and dried fruit sweetness (prune, dark raisin), with red pepper and roasted nuts on the finish. The final third deepens into molasses, bitter espresso, and rich earth, with occasional floral notes and a long finish of dark chocolate and cedar.
How long does Partagás Serie P No. 2 take to smoke?
Given its Torpedo (Piramide) vitola and 6.13 x 52 size, expect a smoking time of 90 to 100 minutes. The tapered head requires a slower burn initially, and the wider ring gauge in the second half encourages a leisurely pace. Rushing it will result in harshness, so plan for at least an hour and a half of uninterrupted time.
What is the best pairing for Partagás Serie P No. 2?
An aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15-Year or RESERVA is the ideal companion — its oak, vanilla, and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar's dark chocolate and prune sweetness while cutting through the full body. Alternatively, a well-aged Speyside Scotch (e.g., Glenfarclas 21) or a small-batch Kentucky bourbon like Blanton's Single Barrel will complement the earthy and espresso notes without overpowering them.
Is Partagás Serie P No. 2 good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. With a Full strength rating and a price point of $25–$35 per cigar, it is an investment that requires palate experience to fully appreciate. Novice smokers may find the intensity overwhelming and the complexity lost on them. We recommend starting with milder Cuban options like a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 before graduating to the Serie P No. 2.
Where can I buy Partagás Serie P No. 2?
The safest source is a La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise, which guarantees authenticity and proper storage. Authorized vendors in Cuba, Spain, Canada, and other duty-free markets also carry it, but beware of counterfeiters — always check for the Habanos S.A. authenticity seal and purchase from reputable retailers with a proven track record.
What is the price of Partagás Serie P No. 2?
The price ranges from $25 to $35 per cigar at LCDH and authorized retailers, but this varies significantly by market and duty. In high-tax countries like the UK or Australia, expect to pay at the upper end or beyond; in duty-free or Cuban pesos, it may be lower. Always buy from authorized sources to avoid paying premium prices for fakes.
Is Partagás Serie P No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While the tobacco is aged a minimum of two years before rolling, the P No. 2 benefits considerably from three to five additional years of post-purchase aging. This allows the floral notes of the aged Habano wrapper to emerge more frequently, softens the pepper, and integrates the flavors into a more seamless whole. If you have the patience, buy a box and smoke one every year to track its evolution.
What wrapper does Partagás Serie P No. 2 use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Habano leaf grown in the Vuelta Abajo region, specifically from the San Luis and San Juan y Martínez zones. It is shade-classified as Colorado, with a medium-dark chestnut brown color and a silky texture. This wrapper contributes notes of cedar, earth, and a subtle natural sweetness, and its oily sheen is a sign of proper aging.
Where is Partagás Serie P No. 2 made?
It is hand-rolled at the Partagás Factory in Havana, Cuba — officially known as the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, now renamed the Francisco Pérez Germán factory. The cigar is made totalmente a mano (entirely by hand) using the entubado bunching method, where each filler leaf is rolled into a tube, a technique that ensures an even burn and draw but requires exceptional skill from the torcedor.