Partagas is a legendary cigar brand with a rich history of over 170 years. The brand was founded in Cuba in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas, who quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the best cigars in the world. The history of Partagas is fascinating, involving political upheaval, nationalization, and the birth of a non-Cuban brand.
The Early Years of Partagas
Don Jaime Partagas was a Spanish immigrant who settled in Cuba in the mid-19th century. He quickly established himself as a master cigar maker and opened his own factory in Havana. Partagas cigars became famous for their rich, complex flavor and exceptional construction, and the brand quickly gained a following among cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
Nationalization of Partagas
In 1960, the Cuban government nationalized the country’s cigar industry, including the Partagas brand. The brand was then made available to the public, and it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best cigars in the world. The Cuban Partagas brand is still owned by the Cuban government and is produced exclusively in Cuba.
Michael Jordan’s Favorite Cigar
Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player, is known to be a fan of Partagas cigars. His favorite cigar is the Cuban Partagas Lusitania, a long, thin cigar with a rich, complex flavor.
Non-Cuban Partagas
In the 1970s, a non-Cuban version of Partagas was created by General Cigar Company in the Dominican Republic. The non-Cuban Partagas brand was made to appeal to the American market, which could not import Cuban cigars due to the embargo. The non-Cuban Partagas brand is now owned by General Cigar Company and is produced in the Dominican Republic.
Cigars Under the Partagas Brand
The Cuban Partagas brand produces several cigars, including the Partagas Serie D No. 4, Partagas Serie P No. 2, and Partagas Serie E No. 2. These cigars are made with the best tobacco available in Cuba. They are known for their exceptional flavor and construction. The non-Cuban Partagas brand produces several cigars, including the Partagas Black Label, Partagas 1845, and Partagas Legend. These cigars are made with tobacco from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua and are known for their rich flavor and complexity.
Comparison of Cuban and Non-Cuban Partagas
While the Cuban and non-Cuban Partagas brands are known for producing high-quality cigars, there are some differences between the two. Cuban Partagas cigars are made with tobacco grown exclusively in Cuba, giving them a unique flavor profile that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Non-Cuban Partagas cigars, on the other hand, are made with tobacco from other countries, which gives them a different flavor profile. Some cigar enthusiasts prefer the flavor of Cuban Partagas cigars, while others prefer the flavor of non-Cuban Partagas cigars.
Another difference between the Cuban and non-Cuban Partagas brands is the availability of the cigars. Cuban Partagas cigars are only available in a few countries due to the United States embargo on Cuban products. Non-Cuban Partagas cigars are widely available and can be purchased in many countries worldwide.
ConclusionÂ
In conclusion, the history of Partagas cigars is fascinating, spanning over 170 years and involving political upheaval and the birth of a non-Cuban brand. Whether you prefer the flavor of Cuban Partagas cigars or non-Cuban Partagas cigars, there is no denying that Partagas is one of the most iconic cigar brands in the world. From the early years of Don Jaime Partagas to Michael Jordan’s love of Cuban Partagas Lusitania, Partagas cigars have a rich history that continues to be celebrated by cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
