A box of Partagas Cigars

Partagas, with its deep-rooted history dating back to 1845 in Cuba, stands as a paragon of traditional cigar craftsmanship. Renowned for its rich flavors and robust character, Partagas has cultivated a devoted following among cigar aficionados worldwide. 

However, its fame also makes it a prime target for counterfeiters. The ability to distinguish an original cigar from a counterfeit is essential for ensuring a proper smoking experience. 

Knowing how to identify genuine Partagas cigars will no longer be an issue, as we have prepared the ultimate checklist to help you enjoy authentic Cuban cigars. 

Partagas Cigars - Complete Real vs. Fake Overview 

Check the following criteria to make sure your Partagas cigar is not a fake.

 

Authentic Partagas

Counterfeit Partagas

Band Complexity

Intricate design, crisp printing

Simplistic, often blurred

Cap Construction

Evenly applied, multi-layered

Uneven, poorly constructed

Wrapper Texture & Color

Consistent, without major flaws

Patchy, significant discoloration

Box Quality & Markings

High-quality, accurate imprints

Subpar materials, incorrect logos

Serial Number & Tax Stamp

Legible, verifiable

Missing, unverifiable

Filler Tobacco Quality

Long-filler, uniform

Mixed, short-filler

Aroma

Rich, distinct

Lacks complexity, off-putting

Burn & Ash Quality

Even burn, firm ash

Irregular burn, flaky ash

Flavor Profile

Balanced, nuanced

Harsh, inconsistent

Price Point

$10 to $50 per cigar

$2 to $15 per cigar

Band Complexity

A genuine Partagas cigar showcases an intricate band design with crisp, clear printing. The artwork's complexity and color precision speak volumes about its authenticity, embodying the brand's rich heritage.

Counterfeits often present oversimplified or blurred band designs, lacking the intricate details and vibrant colors that characterize real Partagas cigars, serving as a red flag for aficionados.

Cap Construction

The cap on an authentic cigar is applied with precision, featuring a traditional multi-layered construction that underscores the skilled craftsmanship behind the cigar.

Fake Partagas cigars typically have caps that are unevenly applied or poorly constructed, betraying the inferior craftsmanship and indicating a counterfeit product.

Wrapper Texture & Color

The wrapper of a genuine cigar is notable for its uniform texture and color, indicative of the high-quality tobacco leaves selected, ensuring a flawless smoking experience.

The wrapper on non-original packages may exhibit patchiness or significant discoloration, along with a rough texture, signaling the use of substandard tobacco.

Box Quality & Markings

Authentic cigars come in boxes made of high-quality materials, featuring accurate and precise imprints, logos, and markings that reflect the brand's legacy.

Counterfeit versions often use inferior materials for the box, and the logos and imprints may be incorrectly placed or spelled, indicating a lack of authenticity.

Serial Number & Tax Stamp

Original cigar boxes include a legible serial number and tax stamp that can be verified through official channels, adding an extra layer of security and assurance for the consumer.

Fake cigars may lack a serial number and tax stamp entirely, or if present, they typically cannot be verified, signaling the product's counterfeit nature.

Filler Tobacco Quality

Inside an original cigar, you'll find uniform, long-filler tobacco, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and providing a smooth, consistent burn.

Counterfeits may be packed with mixed, short-filler tobacco, compromising the burn and flavor, a clear deviation from Partagas's standards.

Aroma

The aroma of a genuine Partagas cigar is rich and inviting, offering a prelude to the complex flavors that define the smoking experience.

Non-original cigars often have an off-putting or overly simplistic aroma, lacking the depth and richness associated with authentic cigars.

Burn & Ash Quality

Real cigars are known for their even burn and the formation of firm, white ash, indicators of the quality of tobacco and construction.

Fake cigars may exhibit an irregular burn and produce flaky, dark ash, evidencing poor tobacco quality and craftsmanship.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of a real Partagas cigar is nuanced and balanced, with a richness and complexity that evolves throughout the smoke.

Fake cigars often feature a harsh, inconsistent flavor profile, lacking the subtlety and depth of original cigars.

Price Point

For genuine cigars, the price range typically spans from approximately $10 to $50 per cigar. This variation accounts for different series within the Partagas brand, regional taxes, and retail markups.

Counterfeit cigars, on the other hand, might be offered at significantly lower prices, often ranging from $2 to $15 per cigar. This is a clear indicator of their dubious authenticity and potentially compromised quality.

Performing the Cigar Test

To further authenticate a Partagas cigar, especially when its origin is in question, the cigar test is a crucial step. This involves dissecting the cigar to examine its internal composition. Here's what to look for during this detailed examination:

Real Partagas cigars are distinguished by their use of long-filler tobacco, which is uniform in appearance. This high-quality tobacco ensures a consistent burn and a complex, satisfying flavor profile.

  • Uniform Appearance: The long-fillers in genuine Partagas cigars display a consistent color and texture throughout, indicative of the brand's meticulous selection process.
  • Consistent Burn: The presence of long fillers contributes to an even and slow burn, a hallmark of premium cigars.

The discovery of non-tobacco materials is a clear indication of a forged product.

  • Foreign Objects: Any presence of materials other than tobacco, such as paper or plastic fragments, points directly to a counterfeit cigar.
  • Mixed Fillers: Fake Partagas cigars might contain a mix of short and long-fillers, leading to an uneven burn and an inferior smoking experience. This mix often includes scraps and lower-quality tobacco, significantly affecting the cigar's flavor and aroma.

The cigar test is a definitive method to assess the authenticity of a Partagas cigar, providing insight into the craftsmanship and quality that should be expected from one of the most revered names in the cigar industry.

The Heritage of Partagas Cigars

The Partagas brand, with its storied inception in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas y Ravelo, has woven itself into the fabric of cigar history, embodying more than just the act of smoking—it encapsulates an enduring legacy of unparalleled tradition and mastery in cigar craftsmanship. 

Known for their deep, rich flavors and complex blends, these cigars have stood the test of time, continually evolving while staying true to their roots.

The meticulous attention to detail in the selection of leaves, rolling, and aging processes ensures that each cigar is a piece of art, offering a unique smoking experience.At Online Cigars, we guarantee the authenticity of each cigar within our collection. Choose a perfect authentic cigar and cherish the craftsmanship and heritage that have made Partagas a cornerstone of the cigar aficionado's world.