After two years of being restricted to domestic travel, and at parts not even that, the thought of packing for a trip abroad was one of the unusually daunting tasks to complete. And that’s not to mention the additional green pass paperwork due to Covid restrictions. It was time to brush the dust off the travel check list and ensure all the necessities were packed securely in your luggage, as we finally ventured outwards once again.
The Partagàs Shorts Cuban Cigar
For short sojourns abroad, there are certain accessories (read: vices) that one should always keep close by. From the designer sunglasses, luxury watches and appropriate choice of footwear, to cigar cases, paraphernalia and of course, the Cuban cigars themselves. There are a few things to consider when deciding which cigars to pick: the length of your stay, the places you’ll be visiting, the company, and the cigar packaging and cases at your disposal. For the sake of keeping it succinct, we’re highlighting a selection of cigars for a midweek city break. Short and sweet trips require short and flavourful cigars.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto
The Partagàs Shorts cigar is a Habanos which is sure to impress aficionados and friends that desire full flavour profiles. The phrase it does what it says on the tin applies here as the aptly-named Shorts is just that, a short cigar made using a Minutos vitola which measures at 110mm by a 42 ring gauge. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. The cigar is full-bodied and provides deep and earthy flavours right within the Partagàs repertoire. We’d suggest smoking this during a lunch break, or a short post-dinner treat. A favourite brand of mine, Hoyo de Monterrey have a delectable Petit Robusto cigar, which has become a fan’s favourite since its release back in 2005. This, however, is a completely different cigar to the Partagàs Shorts, in as much as it is significantly lighter-bodied, delivering a savoury profile of nuts and woody notes.
The Saint Luis Rey Pura Vida Cigar (ex. Costa Rica 2021)
Last but certainly not least, the Saint Luis Rey Pura Vida is a bit of a dark horse in the popular cigar world. Chosen by Habanos SA as the regional edition cigar for Costa Rica last year, only 6,000 were produced. Limited in edition, and available to purchase here, the wrapper colour is worth particularly inspection, as it seems to range from Claro to Colorado-Claro. All of the boxes inspected noted that the cigars have a beautifully oily sheen — an ideal smoke for a getaway. The cigar features a Magnum 54 vitola, with a 120mm length, making this offering from Saint Luis Rey a mighty cigar, full-bodied and full strength. As they say, go big or go home.