Are you curious about the history and art of cigar making? Then join us for a tour of Partagas Cigar with VC Tour! We will take you through the process from start to finish, as well as provide information on the different types of cigars produced by this iconic company. Experience a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of cigars and have an opportunity to savor some of their most exquisite creations! Plus, learn more about Partagas’ legendary story: from its humble beginnings in Cuba to its current success around the world. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that is sure to ignite your passion for cigars!
The beginning of Partagas cigar success
Born on December 7, 1816, in Arenys de Mar, Barcelona as Jaume Buenaventura Ambrós Partagas y Ravell – a name that was too cumbersome for most people, so everyone referred to him simply as Jaime Partagas. At the age of fourteen, he set sail from his hometown and came to the coast of Cuba with a dream of finding fortune! Little did he know then how successful this journey would be: through sheer determination and hard work, Jaime established an empire in tobacco production that has lasted until today.
From the moment he arrived in Cuba, Juan Conill y Pi took him under his wing. Juan’s reputation as one of the most prosperous tobacco merchants of the 19th century was unrivaled. He passed on his vision for storing and making cigars to Partagas.
After seven years of settling on the island, Jaime Partagas was confident enough to start making cigars without Conill’s help. He and his wife then pooled their money together in 1845 to open a cigar factory at No.1 Barcelona Street in Havana – thus commencing the La Pureza de Partagas brand! Since their inception, these cigars have been known for quality craftsmanship and exquisite flavor.
Within a few years, the Partagas cigar had become world-famous for its quality and perfection. He wisely invested the profits of this company in creating one of the most powerful tobacco empires in the world. His enterprising mind saw what others could not; it was this that allowed him to create such an incredible legacy!
A tragic death
His accomplishments brought about animosity among stockists and manufacturers, many of whom felt the brunt of his competitive edge. For almost all his life, he encountered legal battles and physical attacks. Finally, on June 18th, 1868, while he was at one of his haciendas in Pinar del Río, he was shot while sitting on a horse, which caused him to lose his balance and fall.
He quickly received medical treatment, but decided to go against the doctor’s advice and went to Havana to oversee his business. Sadly, his body could not withstand the long journey, and he passed away before leaving Pinar del Rio on his way to Cuba’s capital.
A free black man named Pedro Diaz was charged. Although Havana society pointed to the owners of Cabañas, their biggest competitors, as the real culprits.
After the death of Partagas
With tremendous dedication, José Bances singlehandedly transformed the Partagas cigar after his acquisition of it. As a result of his tireless efforts, he won a gold medal at the 1879 Exposition Universelle in Paris. When he retired, he passed the property to Ramón Cifuentes and José Fernández. For 60 years following this transition until the 1959’s revolution, all control remained with the Cifuentes family.
Later years
In 1961, after the Cuban Revolution, Ramón Cifuentes chose to leave Cuba and left behind an iconic cigar factory – Francisco Pérez Germán. This facility housed an impressive 200 cigar rollers who could make up to 8 million cigars each year, representing half of Havana’s total hand-rolled cigar production. Thanks to this immense capacity, Partagas is one of the largest producers in all of Cuba. The other half of the cigars are produced in five additional factories: Bolívar, Ramón Allones, La Gloria Cubana, Cohiba and H. Upmann.
Exploring Havana is an absolute must for aficionados of cigars, as that’s where you’ll find some truly remarkable blends at Partagas factory! The Presidentes Series D No 3 Limited Edition (relaunched 2006), 8-9-8 Varnished, Series D No 4 Robust and 8-9-8 Dalias smokes are all well-known selections here; with each one providing a bold yet delightful flavor experience. Pick up a few today to get your Cuban tobacco fix on!
Beyond the Cuban coasts
In 1974, Ramón Cifuentes sold the rights to Partagas cigar to General Cigar Company and started producing non-Cuban cigars in Jamaica. However, this operation was moved to the Dominican Republic in 1979. To make sure the Cuban and Dominican versions of the Partagas brand are easily distinguishable, “Habana” is printed on their ring gauges for Cubans whereas it says “Partagas 1845” for Dominicans.
Partagas cigar in the new century
In 2000, Ramón Cifuentes left a memorable legacy to tobacco fans with his death. In 2002, there were some modifications in the manufacture of Cuban cigars as part of its strategy for economic success. These changes included converting existing brands into lines of machine-made varieties and reducing redundancies between sizes and types due to limited sales on certain vitolas. This resulted in numerous vitolas vanishing from shelves or becoming exceedingly difficult to find.
The factory of the Partagas cigar brand in Cuba
Proudly resting at the heart of Havana, just steps away from its majestic Capitol building, is the Partagas cigar factory. For over 175 years this prestigious Habanos brand has been producing premium cigars in Calle Industria 520 and continues to do so today – a remarkable achievement that testifies to Cuba’s strong heritage!
Achieving world-renowned prestige, Cuban Partagas tobacco has earned its title through a combination of perfect soil and temperature conditions as well as experienced growers. These Cuban tobaccos, widely known for their excellent quality, make them some of the best handmade cigars out there!
Cigars and vitolas from Partagas
Partagas stands above all other Habanos brands with its diverse and comprehensive array of cigars, offering more than forty options for your enjoyment. Of these offerings, only twenty are truly top-notch selections such as Lusitanias (7 3/4 inches) or Shorts (4 inches). The ultimate showstopper is the iconic Culebras: three expertly woven cigars produced exclusively by Partagas and H. Upmann. With a selection this extensive at your disposal, you can easily find the perfect cigar for any special occasion!
Enter a dream world with Partagas, the iconic cigar brand famous for its Havana-based factory and unparalleled selection of over forty unique cigars. Experience an unforgettable tasting trip like no other! It is located behind the Capitol building and stands as an emblem for the production of Cuban cigars.
To take your appreciation to the next level, join us on one of our cigar tours with VC Tours. Our knowledgeable guides will show you around some of Cuba’s renowned tobacco factories – including that of Partagas – offering an unforgettable view into the world-renowned craftsmanship behind each Habano. So don’t hesitate; to come experience firsthand the significance and culture surrounding Cuban tobacco production now by booking your tour with us today!