Partagas Mille Fleurs Review: A Cuban Companion for Everyday Enjoyment

Brand: Partagas

Line: Mille Fleurs

Size: 5 1/8" x 42 (Petit Corona)

Wrapper: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Filler: Cuban

Strength: Medium

Price: £4.50 per stick

The Partagas Mille Fleurs has been my faithful companion through writer's block, celebratory moments, and even mundane weekday evenings. Let's dive into this smoky adventure, shall we?

Look & Feel: 18/20

Picking up the Mille Fleurs, I'm reminded of a ruggedly handsome cowboy from old Western films - not perfectly polished, but full of character. The wrapper has a rich brown color that's visually appealing, with a slightly bumpy texture that adds to its charm.

The 5 1/8" x 42 size fits comfortably in hand, making it perfect for a medium-length smoke. It's well-constructed, with just the right amount of give when squeezed.

Pre-Light: 13/20

Cutting the cap, I'm transported back to my first Cuban cigar experience. The cold draw is perfect - not too tight, not too loose. The aroma reminds me of fresh earth after rain, with a hint of something sweet. Notes of cocoa and light cedar tease the palate, promising good things to come.

Burn: 15/20

Upon lighting, the burn starts even but can become erratic. I've found myself needing to touch up about once per third, which is more frequent than ideal. These touch-ups, while not overly difficult to manage, do interrupt the smoking experience and require attention.

The ash holds for about an inch before falling, but it tends to flake throughout. This flaking can be a nuisance, often leaving ash on clothing or surrounding surfaces. To mitigate this, I've found smoking outdoors or using a large ashtray helps. Additionally, gently rolling the ash off more frequently can reduce flaking.

Flavor: 15/20

The Mille Fleurs offers a dynamic flavor journey:

• First Third (0-20 minutes):

The cigar opens with a creamy nuttiness, predominantly Brazil nut and a touch of almond. There's a subtle spice reminiscent of nutmeg that tingles on the tongue. The smoke is smooth and medium-bodied, coating the palate pleasantly. Retrohaling reveals additional notes of fresh hay and a hint of white pepper, adding complexity to the profile.

• Second Third (20-40 minutes):

As we progress, the nutty flavors give way to more robust notes of oak and leather. The pepper becomes more pronounced, both on the palate and through the retrohale. A new flavor emerges - a subtle earthiness that adds depth to the experience. The smoke takes on a slightly oilier texture, clinging to the palate more persistently. The strength builds gradually, moving from medium to medium-full.

• Final Third (40-60 minutes):

The last stretch introduces a delightful sweetness reminiscent of dried figs or dates. This sweetness balances beautifully with the now-prominent leather and pepper notes. A touch of dark cocoa emerges, especially noticeable on the finish. 

The retrohale at this point is spicy and complex, with layers of pepper, wood, and a hint of that fig-like sweetness.

Throughout the smoke, the aroma is pleasantly toasty with hints of nuts and sweet tobacco, often drawing appreciative comments from those nearby.

Overall Experience: 20/20

The Partagas Mille Fleurs delivers an impressive performance for its price point. At £4.50 per stick, it offers a genuine Cuban experience at a fraction of the cost of more premium options.

To put this in perspective, the Mille Fleurs is about half the price of a Montecristo No. 4 (typically around £9) and nearly a third the price of a Cohiba Siglo II (often £13 or more). While these more expensive cigars do offer additional complexity and refinement, the question is whether they justify the significant price jump.

In my experience, and echoed by reviews on sites like Cigar Aficionado and Friends of Habanos, the Mille Fleurs holds its own against many cigars in the £7-£10 range. It offers a taste of Cuban craftsmanship and flavor complexity that punches above its weight class.

However, it's important to note that more premium cigars often offer better construction, more consistent burns, and greater depth of flavor. The Mille Fleurs, while excellent for its price, doesn't quite reach the heights of a well-aged Cohiba or limited edition release.

Comparative Analysis

While we've explored the merits of the Partagas Mille Fleurs, it's important to understand how it stacks up against its peers. Let's take a look at how this cigar compares to others in a similar price range.

Overall, the Partagas Mille Fleurs stands out in this group for its balance of quality, complexity, and value. While it may have occasional construction issues, its flavor profile and brand reputation make it a top contender in this price range.

Pairings

Through much delicious experimentation, I've found these pairings to work wonderfully:

• Dark chocolate: Enhances the earthy notes beautifully.
• Espresso: Complements and cuts through the cigar's subtle flavors.
• Aged rum: Matches nicely with the sweetness in the final third.

Final Thoughts

The Partagas Mille Fleurs scores a solid 81/100 in my book. Its complex flavor profile and excellent value proposition make it a standout in its price range. However, the burn issues and ash flaking do detract from the overall experience.

For those new to Cuban cigars or seasoned smokers looking for an everyday Cuban, the Mille Fleurs is an excellent choice. It offers a genuine taste of Cuba without breaking the bank, making it perfect for those times when you want to enjoy a quality smoke without the guilt of lighting up a more expensive cigar.

Remember to bring a reliable lighter for touch-ups and maybe wear a dark shirt to hide any ash mishaps. With these minor precautions, the Partagas Mille Fleurs promises a flavorful journey through the world of Cuban tobacco.

James Peasley

James started out in the cigar industry in 2009, working for the leading cigar specialist in the UK for nearly a decade, slowly crafting his deep knowledge of cigars and developing a very refined palate. There's not many Cuban cigars he hasn't tasted, including Limited Edition Habanos and pre-embargo Davidoffs, as well as a large section of the New World offerings. When away from his desk he's usually found out walking in the countryside, or following other hot pursuits.