I. The Physics of the Pirámides Format: Why the Pointed Head Makes Everything Different

"P" stands for Pirámides -- in the language of Cuban cigar factories, this is a vitola designation referring to an irregular format with a tapered pointed head. Its most fundamental difference from straight-sided Parejo formats such as Robusto or Corona lies in this: its head is not cut flat, but is shaped by the artisan into a natural tapered point through a gradual narrowing technique.

At 156mm, it belongs to the medium-long range among regular Cuban formats -- more than 30mm longer than a Robusto at 124mm, yet not as time-consuming as a Churchill at 178mm. This length, combined with the substantial feel of a 52 ring gauge, makes Serie P No.2 a choice for "an entire afternoon", rather than a quick pre-meal selection.

The tapered channel of a Pirámides brings a special physical effect: the smoke is naturally concentrated at the pointed end, and the flavor concentration entering the mouth with each draw far exceeds that of a straight-sided format with the same ring gauge. The first third is often the purest moment of the entire experience -- before the tapered point has fully opened up, the earthy, woody, and peppery undertones of Partagás present their most taut profile.

II. FPG Factory: Partagás' Cigar-Rolling Sanctuary of 170 Years

The Francisco Pérez Germán factory (FPG) is located at Industria 520 in Old Havana. Its official name is Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, and it is one of the most iconic Cuban factory addresses in the global cigar world.

The origins of FPG can be traced back to 1845 -- Don Jaime Partagás founded the brand here, beginning the legend of Havana's most famous cigar factory. In 1868, Don Jaime was murdered near the factory. The mystery remains unsolved to this day, but the brand's lifeline continued in the hands of successors, and the factory, bearing his name, became permanently engraved in the city's memory.

The torcedores (cigar rollers) of FPG are known for Full-strength blends. The Partagás liga (blend) is built on top-grade Vuelta Abajo tobacco leaves, with a relatively high proportion of Ligero, bringing sustained mid-palate power. Serie P No.2 continues this tradition and represents FPG factory's culmination in the Pirámides format.

In 2005, at the time of the Partagás 160th anniversary (founded in 1845 + 160 years = 2005), Habanos S.A. officially added Serie P No.2 to the regular series, filling the Pirámides-format gap in the lettered family, while also offering Full-strength enthusiasts a lasting and structurally complex option. Serie P No.2 quickly became one of the most popular Cuban Pirámides on the market -- repeatedly receiving ratings above 90 points in the records of Halfwheel and Cigar Aficionado.

III. Flavor Structure: A Three-Stage Appreciation Journey

First third (0-25 minutes after lighting)

The narrowing at the pointed end brings a concentrated and firm opening. The typical earthy character of Partagás -- roasted coffee, dry wood, and a little white pepper -- appears clearly from the very first draw. At this point, the strength is around the Medium-Full boundary. It is suitable alongside a cup of Espresso or whisky without ice, allowing the palate to gradually unlock in a warm environment.

The ash is usually quite firm at this stage. The rolling density of FPG factory keeps the burn rate even. For cutting the tapered cap, a straight cut (Guillotine) is recommended, with an opening of about 2-3mm. It should not be too large, so as not to undermine the concentrating effect of the tapered structure.

Middle third (25-55 minutes)

This is the most captivating golden section of Serie P No.2. The ring gauge reaches its widest point in the middle section, the smoke volume increases significantly, and the flavor shifts from firm to abundant -- dark chocolate, leather, and a touch of cedar aroma -- while the strength rises to a true Full. At this moment, if paired with Oloroso Sherry or vintage Port, the dialogue between sweetness and bitter-sweetness is quite refined. Some Serie P No.2 cigars aged for 3-5 years will show an unexpected turn toward honey and citrus in this section, one of the most anticipated surprises of long-term aging.

Final third (after 55 minutes)

The accumulation of temperature in the final section raises the strength again. The Ligero component of the Partagás blend is most evident here -- a hot, complex finish with a touch of spice. This is not an ending that lets one relax and drift away easily, but rather a dialogue that requires the gentleman's full attention. The pace should be slowed, one draw every 2-3 minutes, so that the burn temperature does not accumulate excessively.

IV. Positioning Within the Partagás Alphabetical Series

If the Partagás alphabetical series is viewed as a complete strength spectrum:

• Serie C No.3 (Corona Grande, 42 × 142mm): entry-level Full, slender and clear
• Serie D No.4 (Robusto, 50 × 124mm): the world's best-selling Robusto, balanced Full
• Serie E No.2 (Robusto Extra, 54 × 150mm): 2011 Festival flagship, a large-ring-gauge work of strength
• Serie P No.2 (Pirámides, 52 × 156mm): the only irregular format, a tapered flagship with concentrated explosive power

Within this series, the uniqueness of Serie P No.2 lies in this: it is the only Figurado irregular format, and it demands the highest level of rolling skill from the artisan. The tapered structure of a Pirámides requires the torcedor to narrow it section by section with extremely precise technique. This technical threshold makes the production volume of Serie P No.2 slightly more limited than that of the other lettered series. For a veteran or aficionado with a certain foundation in appreciation, it is often the most unforgettable cigar in the Partagás alphabetical series.

V. Collection and Aging Suggestions

Serie P No.2 is already excellent when fresh (within one year of leaving the factory), but if given proper aging, it often displays deeper layers after 3-5 years. The tapered structure of a Pirámides allows the internal tobacco leaves to receive a relatively even humidity distribution during storage, avoiding the central dryness issue that may occur in large-ring-gauge Parejo cigars.

Recommended storage conditions:

• Temperature: 16-18°C
• Humidity: 65-68% (the Partagás Full-strength blend is firmer at slightly lower humidity, avoiding overly heavy smoke caused by excessive moisture)
• Store boxes flat, and do not store them in the same box with brands of significantly different strength, so as to avoid cross-contamination of flavors
• Wooden box storage is preferred over glass tube packaging, allowing Spanish cedar to perform its natural humidity-regulating function

In the collection records of W Cigar Bar, Serie P No.2 produced in 2018-2019 showed the roundest appreciation results during 2023-2024: the pepper in the opening softened, chocolate and leather merged deeply, and the overall arc became much smoother. It is a classic case confirming that it is "worth waiting five years".

Conclusion: The Tapered Concentration of a 170-Year Full-Strength Tradition

From 1845 to today, Partagás has run an uncompromising Full-strength philosophy through the entire history of the brand. For its 160th anniversary in 2005, they chose a Pirámides requiring the highest cigar-rolling skill as the commemorative cigar -- Serie P No.2 is now one of the flagships in which FPG factory takes pride, and also an indispensable item on the collection shelf of every gentleman who takes Cuban Full strength seriously.

Members trying Serie P No.2 for the first time, please remember: prepare at least 90 minutes for it, and do not light it in haste. Every tapered millimeter of a Pirámides deserves to be treated with composure.

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Source of procurement: Cuban cigars from four major official channels (PCC authorized dealers, Cuban official state-run stores, Swiss sole agent, Spanish sole agent).

LUBINSKI accessories official website: https://cigarclub.tw/

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W Cigar Bar Gentlemen's Cigar Lounge, written and planned by Cigar Prince Wilson Tsai.