In early 2023, the Partagás Línea Maestra was introduced at the annual Habanos Festival in Cuba. This new line is a super-premium extension of the Partagás brand, akin to Cohiba Behike, Romeo y Julieta Línea de Oro, and Montecristo Línea 1935. However, despite its unveiling over a year ago, the cigars are only now appearing in the market, with availability still pending in some regions.
Unique Features and Blend
According to Habanos S.A., the Línea Maestra’s tobacco comes exclusively from the San Luís region of Pinar del Río, Cuba’s renowned tobacco-growing province. This level of specificity is a first for the company. Additionally, the cigars feature distinctive blue bands and uniquely shaped, belicoso-style heads. Known as No. 109, campana, or cabeza tumbada, these conical heads are a nod to Partagás’ history, originally seen on Regional Edition cigars and special humidors.
Sizes and Pricing
The Partagás Línea Maestra is available in three sizes:
- Origen: 6 1/8 inches by 46 ring gauge
- Rito: 6 5/8 inches by 52 ring gauge
- Maestro: 5 1/4 inches by 56 ring gauge
In Hong Kong, all three sizes are available. The Origen is priced at HK$660 ($84.50), the Rito at HK$830 ($106), and the Maestro at HK$756 ($97).
Swiss retailers offer the Línea Maestra in three-count sampler packs. These are priced at 450 Swiss francs (about $500), which equates to approximately 150 Swiss francs per cigar, or $168 each. Germany also sells the same sampler sets for 450 euros (about $490). The country expects the full 20-count boxes soon.
In Santiago, Chile, only the Maestro size is available. It retails for 88,000 Chilean pesos (about $95). In Lebanon, the Beirut Duty-Free shop offers all sizes. Prices are as follows: Rito ($104), Maestro ($94), and Origen ($87.40).
Availability Challenges
Major Cuban cigar markets such as Spain, France, and the United Kingdom have not yet received any sizes of the Línea Maestra. Spain’s distributor, Tabacalera, anticipates a full release in September. Smaller markets like Canada and Portugal are also waiting. Regional distributors have yet to supply any of the new Partagás cigars.
The Partagás Línea Maestra represents a significant and premium addition to the cigar world. It offers aficionados a unique blend and smoking experience. Despite the slow and staggered release, these cigars promise to be a noteworthy tribute to the Partagás legacy.
