AshMap
Overview
The Partagas Serie P No. 2 is a study in controlled aggression—a torpedo that doesn't so much announce itself as it does loom, promising a dark, earthy intensity that the Dominican Republic rarely gets credit for. This is the cigar that should silence anyone who dismisses non-Cuban Partagas as a pale imitation. From the first cold draw, there's a brooding richness—dark chocolate and dried fruit, like a fruitcake left to age in a cedar chest. Light it, and the narrative snaps into focus: a burst of roasted espresso, aged cedar, and a distinctive earthiness that tastes less like the Cibao Valley and more like a memory of Nicaraguan soil. The white pepper at the back of the palate is a warning shot, not a full volley.
The second third is where the Serie P No. 2 reveals its architecture. The initial espresso and cedar recede, making room for leather and dark cocoa that weave together with toasted nuts—hazelnut, then walnut—and a hint of dried fig that adds a subtle sweetness. The retrohale is the real storyteller here: a clean, medium-full spice of cinnamon and black pepper that builds progressively, never bullying, always coaxing. This is a cigar that demands you pay attention to the transitions, rewarding those who retrohale with a complexity that flat-out isn't found in most $20 smokes. The burn line stays even, the ash holds firm, and the draw—thanks to that entubado bunching—is a masterclass in engineering.
By the final third, the Serie P No. 2 has shed any pretense of subtlety. The profile concentrates into a dark espresso, charred oak, and a pronounced earthy richness that feels almost primal. The sweetness that flirted earlier now deepens into dark molasses or unsweetened dark chocolate, balancing the rising strength and spice. The finish is long, bold, and deeply satisfying—the kind that lingers on the palate and in the memory. This is a cigar that rewards patience, and it's no surprise that it benefits from additional humidor time. With three years of age, the rough edges smooth into a symphony of dark, brooding flavors that feel both deliberate and inevitable.
In the pantheon of Partagas—Cuban or otherwise—the Serie P No. 2 stands as a benchmark. It captures the brand's dark, earthy, full-bodied DNA without the inconsistency that plagues its Havana counterparts. This is a cigar for the aficionado who understands that the Dominican Republic can produce serious, age-worthy blends, and who is willing to invest 90 minutes in a smoke that demands—and rewards—full attention. It's not a quick smoke, nor should it be. This is a cigar that asks you to sit down, slow down, and honor the progression.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban-seed Cameroon or Dominican-grown wrapper depending on market; Dominican Republic production uses aged Dominican wr — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged long-leaf fillers including piloto cubano and olor dominicano from the Cibao Valley, aged mini |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (General Cigar / La Romana facility) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.125 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobacco aged a minimum of 3 years; benefits significantly from an additional 1–3 years in the humidor post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw often reveals rich dark chocolate and dried fruit. Upon lighting, the torpedo opens with a burst of roasted espresso, aged cedar, and a distinctive earthiness reminiscent of rich Nicaraguan terroir. A mild white pepper note registers at the back of the palate.
Second Third
Complexity escalates considerably — leather and dark cocoa weave together with notes of toasted nuts (hazelnut, walnut) and a hint of dried fig. The retrohale delivers a clean, medium-full spice with cinnamon and black pepper that builds progressively without becoming aggressive.
Final Third
The final third concentrates the profile dramatically: dark espresso, charred oak, and a pronounced earthy richness dominate. A lingering sweetness — dark molasses or unsweetened dark chocolate — balances the increasing strength and spice. The finish is long, bold, and deeply satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — the torpedo's tapered head rewards a precise guillotine cut or a thoughtful V-cut, and the draw opens cleanly with minimal resistance. Burn line is even and deliberate, producing a firm, dense ash that holds 1–1.5 inches before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Dominican or Barbadian rum (e.g., Zacapa 23 Solera, Mount Gay 1703) — the rum's caramel and vanilla complement the cigar's dark chocolate and leather perfectly; alternatively, a well-aged Speyside single malt (Glenfarclas 15 or Glenfiddich 18)
Wine
Argentinian Malbec (Achaval Ferrer Quimera or Catena Zapata Adrianna) — the dark fruit, grippy tannins, and earthiness mirror the cigar's cocoa and leather core without overwhelming it
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a cold-brew concentrate with a touch of dark sugar — the coffee amplifies the cigar's roasted mocha notes beautifully; alternatively, a strong Assam black tea with no milk
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel—a 15-year veteran of the leaf who cut his teeth on Cuban Partagas but grew weary of the inconsistency. He's the type who keeps a well-organized humidor, with a dedicated drawer for aged cigars and a notebook of tasting notes. On a Sunday afternoon, after a long week of client calls, Daniel pours himself a Zacapa 23, sits on his porch with a view of the garden, and reaches for the Serie P No. 2. He's in the mood for something serious, something that will demand his attention but not punish him for a moment of distraction. He already enjoys the earthy complexity of Nicaraguan puros and the refinement of aged Dominican blends, but he's been burned by 'premium' cigars that promise depth and deliver ash. This torpedo gives him the best of both worlds—the dark, brooding intensity he craves, with the construction and consistency he's come to expect from La Romana. He's not looking for a quick smoke; he's looking for a companion for the afternoon, and the Serie P No. 2, with its slow burn and evolving profile, is exactly that.
Bottom Line
The Partagas Serie P No. 2 is a masterclass in Dominican craftsmanship, delivering a dark, earthy complexity that rivals any non-Cuban torpedo on the market. It's a must-have for any serious collector, especially with a few years of age on it. This is the cigar that proves the Dominican Republic can play in the big leagues.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Partagas cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Partagas Serie P No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes, it's rated Medium-Full (4/5). You'll feel a building nicotine presence from the second third onward, with a noticeable kick in the final third. It's not a nicotine bomb, but it's substantial enough to require a full stomach and a relaxed setting.
What does Partagas Serie P No. 2 taste like?
The flavor arc moves from roasted espresso, aged cedar, and white pepper in the first third, to leather, dark cocoa, toasted hazelnut, and dried fig in the second. The final third concentrates into dark espresso, charred oak, and earthy richness with a dark molasses sweetness.
How long does Partagas Serie P No. 2 take to smoke?
Plan for a 90-minute session. The Torpedo (Piramide) vitola at 6.125 x 52 burns slowly, especially if you're savoring it. It's not a cigar to rush—give it the time it deserves.
What is the best pairing for Partagas Serie P No. 2?
Aged Dominican or Barbadian rum, like Zacapa 23 Solera or Mount Gay 1703, is ideal. The rum's caramel and vanilla notes complement the cigar's dark chocolate and leather core. Alternatively, a well-aged Speyside single malt like Glenfarclas 15 or Glenfiddich 18 works beautifully.
Is Partagas Serie P No. 2 good for beginners?
Not recommended for beginners. The Medium-Full strength and the 90-minute smoking time can be overwhelming for those new to cigars. Additionally, at $18–$24 per cigar, it's a significant investment that's better appreciated by those with some experience.
Where can I buy Partagas Serie P No. 2?
You can find it at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, such as Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or your local tobacconist. Given its tier, it's often stocked in the premium section, and you may need to ask for it if not on display.
What is the price of Partagas Serie P No. 2?
The Partagas Serie P No. 2 typically retails between $18 and $24 per cigar, depending on your location and the retailer. It's positioned as a premium offering, so don't expect discounts unless buying in bulk or during sales.
Is Partagas Serie P No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco is already aged a minimum of 3 years, but this cigar benefits significantly from an additional 1–3 years in your humidor. Aging smooths the pepper and allows the earthy and cocoa notes to meld into a more cohesive, refined profile. The wrapper's toothy texture also suggests it can handle extended aging without losing its character.
What wrapper does Partagas Serie P No. 2 use?
The wrapper is a Cuban-seed Cameroon or Dominican-grown leaf depending on the market; the Dominican Republic production uses an aged Dominican wrapper in a Colorado shade, which is a medium-dark chestnut brown, lightly toothy with a subtle oily sheen. This wrapper contributes notes of cedar and earth, with a slight sweetness that balances the blend's darker flavors.
Where is Partagas Serie P No. 2 made?
It's hand-rolled at General Cigar's La Romana facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The production uses an entubado bunching method and a traditional triple cap torpedo construction, ensuring a clean draw and even burn.