Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro: A Testament to Mastery

The Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro, introduced at the Festival del Habano XXIII in 2023, represents the peak of craftsmanship within the iconic Partagás portfolio. This new range offers an exciting development for aficionados, bringing a level of refinement and modernity to the historically bold brand.

The Línea Maestra series comprises three vitolas, each made entirely from tobacco sourced from the San Luis region of the Vuelta Abajo zone in Cuba, known for producing some of the finest leaves in the world.

The Star of the Show: Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro

The Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro is the flagship of the new Línea Maestra series, and it certainly lives up to its name. Standing as the largest vitola in the series, the Maestro's ring gauge of 56 and length of 132 mm (5 1/4 inches) offers a powerful yet balanced smoking experience. The moment you light this cigar, you're met with a rush of bold flavours that slowly evolve as you progress through the smoke. The Maestro is designed to captivate from start to finish, with its construction, draw, and complexity making it a true centrepiece in the world of premium Cuban cigars.

What sets the Maestro apart is its 109-style "Cabeza Tumbada" head, a nod to traditional Cuban craftsmanship. This unique head shape allows for a cooler, more concentrated draw, enhancing the delivery of flavours as you smoke. The body of the cigar is thick and sturdy, providing an ideal balance between strength and smoothness. Smokers can expect a full-bodied experience that gradually unveils layers of black pepper, dark cocoa, cedar, and earth, which are hallmarks of the Partagás brand.

The Maestro's use of 100% San Luis tobacco adds an aromatic richness that you can smell even before lighting the cigar. As the largest vitola in the series, it offers a longer smoking time, allowing aficionados to savour every nuanced transition in flavour, from the initial peppery notes to the creamier, leathery finish in the final third. This size provides the perfect opportunity for a relaxed, slow burn, giving each layer of flavour time to develop fully.

Flavour Profile

The Maestro delivers a rich, full-bodied smoking experience. Upon lighting, you are greeted with bold notes of earth, dark chocolate, and black pepper, followed by a soft cedar undertone and hints of sweetness. As the cigar burns, it develops into a more complex blend, revealing leather, espresso, and a satisfying spiciness that rounds out the profile. The finish is long, with a rich, lingering spice that remains on the palate, making it a well-rounded cigar suited for seasoned smokers.

Vitola Details

The Partagás Línea Maestra line consists of three meticulously crafted vitolas, each offering a unique smoking experience:

Maestro

• Factory Name: Deleites

• Dimensions: Ring gauge 56 x Length 132 mm (5 1/4 inches)

• Construction: Handmade with a 109-style "Cabeza Tumbada" head

• Bands: Distinctive blue and gold band

• Packaging: Presented in 20-count blue lacquered boxes

  
  

Origen

• Factory Name: Deleites

• Dimensions: Ring gauge 52 x Length 120 mm (4 3/4 inches)

• Construction: Handmade with a 109-style head

• Bands: Blue and gold, continuing the series' luxurious theme

• Packaging: Presented in 20-count boxes

  
  

Rito

• Factory Name: Deleites

• Dimensions: Ring gauge 50 x Length 137 mm (5 3/8 inches)

• Construction: Handmade with a rounded 109-style head

• Bands: Blue and gold band

• Packaging: Presented in 20-count boxes

  
  

Inspiration Behind the Línea Maestra

The Línea Maestra series is a tribute to the craftsmanship that defines the Partagás brand. Each vitola’s name—Maestro, Origen, and Rito—represents a different aspect of the cigar-making process:

• Maestro: Symbolises the mastery of the torcedor, the artisan who rolls the cigar with precision and expertise.

• Origen: Pays homage to the tobacco's origin, particularly the San Luis region of Vuelta Abajo, where the finest Cuban tobacco is grown.

• Rito: Represents the ritual of smoking a fine cigar, the enjoyment and reverence that comes with each puff.

  
  

The tobacco used in the Línea Maestra series is 100% sourced from the San Luis region, known for its strong, aromatic leaves. This exclusive use of San Luis-grown tobacco sets this line apart, creating a rich, aromatic smoke that offers both strength and complexity.

Official Release in Sofia, Bulgaria

The Partagás Línea Maestra series was officially launched in Sofia, Bulgaria, during an exclusive event organised by Kaliman Caribe, the official distributor of Habanos in the region. This event was a celebration of the rich heritage of Partagás and the innovation behind the new line. The atmosphere was electric as attendees, including myself, had the honour of experiencing the full range of the Línea Maestra series firsthand. The launch was marked by an unveiling of the cigars’ unique features, along with a demonstration of the craftsmanship that makes this series stand out among modern Cuban cigars.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The construction of the Maestro is exemplary, featuring a 109-style "Cabeza Tumbada" head, a traditional Cuban finish that provides both a visual and functional element to the cigar. The firm construction ensures an even burn, while the smooth draw delivers an impressive amount of thick, flavorful smoke. The San Luis tobacco blend enriches the aroma, adding complexity without overpowering the palate. From start to finish, the Maestro offers a luxurious smoking experience with a well-maintained structure and rich aroma.

Perfect Pairings

To complement the full-bodied flavours of the Maestro, pair it with a premium Cognac, single malt Scotch whisky, or an aged Dark Rum. The spicy and earthy tones of the cigar are beautifully balanced by the sweetness and complexity of rum, while the smoky finish of a fine whisky enhances the peppery notes in the cigar.

For coffee lovers, a double espresso or a strong americano is an excellent pairing to bring out the Maestro’s cocoa and leather undertones. During my review of the Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro, I paired it with Hine Cognac, and the result was exceptional. The Cognac’s inherent sweetness harmonised perfectly with the cigar’s complex flavours, enhancing both the subtle sweetness and robust, spicy notes of the Maestro. The combination elevated the experience, providing a smooth yet richly flavoured pairing that complemented the cigar’s strength without overpowering it.

Rating for Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro

• Appearance: 9/10 – The cigar’s sleek blue and gold band stands out, while the 109-style head adds a touch of tradition.

• Aroma: 8/10 – Earthy and aromatic, with notes of cedar and sweetness.

• Flavour: 19/20 – Rich, full-bodied, and complex, with layers of pepper, cocoa, and leather.

• Draw: 9/10 – Effortless draw, producing rich, dense smoke.

• Burn: 9/10 – Even burn with a firm ash that holds throughout the smoke.

• Construction: 10/10 – Perfectly rolled with impeccable craftsmanship.

• Strength: 9/10 – Bold and balanced, offering a strong yet refined smoke.

• Finish: 8/10 – Long and satisfying, with a lingering spice on the palate.

• Overall Experience: 9/10 – A masterfully crafted cigar that showcases the expertise of Partagás.

  
  

Total Score: 90/100

Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro: Full Video Review

For a closer look at the Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro, you can watch my full video review, where I go into depth on its flavour profile, construction, and overall smoking experience.

In the video, I discuss each stage of the cigar, providing insights into how the Maestro evolves from the initial light to the final third. I also highlight my personal thoughts on its draw, burn, and pairings to enhance the experience. Be sure to check it out to see this remarkable cigar in action!

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