Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva 2015 Review: A Cigar for Connoisseurs

Brand: Partagas

Line: Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva

Size: 5.5 inches (140 mm), Ring gauge 54

Wrapper: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Filler: Cuban

Strength: Full

Price: £4,449 (Box of 15 cigars)

The Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva 2015 is my top choice when I want something bold and unforgettable. Let’s dive into this luxurious cigar together!

Look & Feel: 19/20

This cigar offers an exceptional visual appeal with its rich, dark brown wrapper and glossy, oily finish. The construction is impeccable, with no visible veins or soft spots. It feels firm in hand, adding a sense of luxury. 

The double band enhances its elegance, clearly marking it as a Gran Reserva. The cap is well-applied, signaling expert craftsmanship. Overall, its appearance signals that you're about to smoke something special.

Pre-Light: 18/20

Upon removing the cigar from the box, a symphony of pre-light aromas greets you—earthy, leathery, and slightly sweet, with faint notes of cedar and aged tobacco. The cold draw is perfect, offering just the right amount of resistance. 

The initial flavors, even before lighting, tease an incredible complexity. It promises a well-balanced smoke that combines depth with subtlety. Lighting the cigar feels like the beginning of an indulgent journey.

Burn: 19/20

The Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva generally burns well but can require a touch-up or two. The draw remains consistent, offering a medium resistance that produces a thick, creamy smoke. 

The ash is firm and white, holding well to about an inch before falling. Minor corrections might be needed as the cigar transitions through its second third, but the overall burn remains smooth and satisfying, adding to the enjoyment.

Flavor: 18/20

The Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015 impresses with a sophisticated flavor journey that captures depth and elegance.

First Third (0-25 minutes):
The opening is bold yet balanced, featuring deep earth and leather notes with a subtle roastiness, reminiscent of hazelnuts. There's a delightful backdrop of pepper, adding a mild spice that elevates the blend without overwhelming it. Retrohaling at this stage reveals layers of dark cocoa and an earthy richness, rounding out a full-bodied start that lingers smoothly on the palate.

Second Third (25-45 minutes):
As you transition into the heart of the cigar, the initial spice softens, allowing sweeter notes to emerge. A creamy caramel sweetness becomes more pronounced, paired with hints of toasted oak and a whisper of citrus zest. This section introduces a velvety texture that envelops the mouth, creating a harmonious balance between the lingering warmth of spice and a gentle creaminess.

Final Third (45-70 minutes):
In the final stretch, the Serie E No. 2 deepens in complexity. A rich sweetness develops, reminiscent of dried fruit, particularly figs or dates, which complements the robust leather and dark chocolate notes beautifully. The pepper resurges, especially noticeable through retro haling, providing a warm, spicy finish with layers of wood and subtle sweetness that leave a memorable and satisfying impression.

Overall Experience: 20/20

Smoking the Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva 2015 feels like a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship. From the beautiful presentation to the rich, evolving flavor profile, it delivers on every promise of being a premium, limited-edition cigar. 

Its full-bodied strength is balanced by complexity, making it an experience for the discerning smoker. Though it's not for everyday use due to its intensity and price, it’s a memorable, indulgent treat when you want something truly special.

Comparative Analysis

I want to compare how the Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015 stands out for its full-bodied strength and luxurious construction, making it a premium option. 

While other cigars offer great value and premium experiences, I find the Gran Reserva stands apart with its rich flavor and exclusivity. It's perfect for when I want something truly special, though there are more affordable options for those seeking premium quality at a lower price.

Pairings

After trying a few pairings, I've found these to perfectly complement the Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015:

• Dark chocolate: Enhances the rich earthy and leathery notes, creating a deeper flavor experience.
• Single malt whisky: Its smoky sweetness balances the boldness of the cigar, especially in the middle third.
• Aged rum: The subtle sweetness of rum beautifully complements the cigar’s spice and creaminess in the final third.

Summing It Up

The Partagas Serie E No. 2 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2015 easily scores 94/100 in my book. Its bold, complex flavors and impeccable construction make it an exceptional luxury cigar. While the price may be steep, the rich, evolving flavor profile and smooth draw justify the investment for special occasions.

For seasoned smokers seeking an indulgent experience, this cigar offers unmatched depth. Just be sure to savor each puff—it’s a cigar worth taking your time with. Perfect for those rare moments when only the best will do.

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.