PARTAGÁS LÍNEA MAESTRA: shelf sitting dogs or the new Behike?

[El Presidente]

I was asked to put this poll up. 

 

• Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro (5 1/5, 132m, x 56)
• Partagás Línea Maestra Origen (6 1/12, 154mm, x 46)
• Partagás Línea Maestra Rito (6 3/5, 168mm, x 52)

According to Maori Tabacs S.A.—the distributor for Andorra—the suggested retail prices in the principality are as follows:

• Partagás Línea Maestra Maestro (5 1/5, 132m, x 56) — €66 ($70.80)
• Partagás Línea Maestra Origen (6 1/12, 154mm, x 46) — €58 ($62.20)
• Partagás Línea Maestra Rito (6 3/5, 168mm, x 52) — €73 ($78.30)

 

[Lt4-396]

I would be all over the Origen and maybe the Rito but not at $60+. I think these will sell out for the first few years then just sit on the shelf similar to the RyJ Linea line. Or they will adjust production to keep it an "exclusive" low volume release. Personally, no cigar is worth $60+, especially ones that still need to be aged and good construction is a coin toss.

These releases are depressing given they can't even roll enough of the staples to keep up, but sure let's keep pumping out new releases with shinier and shinier boxes with more and more bands.

[Odessa]

If we are talking about smoking, then I don't see a value for myself. If we are talking about investment, I might give it some thought (need more info about).

[Ford2112]

The prices on Lineas are already taking a dive from what I've seen and I see them in stock from various sources. I look at these likely following suit. I would pass seeing how their is enough excellent Partagas regular production at half the price. Even Lusitanias beat these in price. 

Also the bands really bother me for some reason. They have no connection to tradition to a marque with such history. 

[JohnS]

For me, if they're like the Romeo y Julieta Linea de Oro cigars, then it's not a question of price or investment. I found the RyJ Linea de Oro cigars I sampled were nice, but had a different blend than your standard RyJ cigars. I would guess the Partagas Linea Maestra cigars would be the same, and for me, I simply am adoring the standard Partagas DNA I'm finding in a number of Partagas cigars I'm currently smoking. I'm not that motivated to move away from that.

[wjs]

I like Partagas and I have a proclivity to make poor choices. Wouldn’t buy a box blind but would absolutely buy a few singles to try

[Marco_011t556]

I like Partagas red…this blue band looks not that bad actually, a bit blue blood lol 

Agree with @JohnS, it’s like de Oro...

Not bad to give a try for one or two sticks, but not regular rotation…more importantly, they are not LE or RE, they are regular! Over priced for regular Partagas.

[ha_banos]

Not even interested in trying one.

[99call]

11 hours ago, JohnS said:

I simply am adoring the standard Partagas DNA I'm finding in a number of Partagas cigars I'm currently smoking. I'm not that motivated to move away from that.

LIke opening up a red can of Coke and Sprite being inside,  I think we all underestimate how powerful advertising and product packaging is. We may like Coke, we may like Sprite, but we don't like Sprite in a red can, or the jarring effect itself causes a displeasing reaction. 

I remember seeing a programme on sommelier training, and they were making them east pink coloured banana yogurt, and yellow coloured strawberry yogurt. It was interesting to see how many people actually found the test quite difficult, but when they were blindfolded, had no problem getting it right. 

We attach so much terroir, heritage and character in our heads and hearts on that cadmium red and gold on a D4 band, or the slightly smug face of Simón Bolivar. I would say the majority don't like these things being messed with. 

In conclusion, I think Partagas Blue will be the TabClear of the CC portfolio. 

[Adisaputra]

Tried the Origen and not a big fan. Classic Partagas is more appealing to me. 

[teamrandr]

At that price, no thanks! 

[MagicalBikeRide]

Can’t get excited myself. Feels like same (similar?) tobacco, shinier box, more bands and less value. 

[BoliDan]

No desire to have a box of these. I agree with @JohnS,  would rather just have a new format of red label blend than deviate from it. That said, I doubt they'll stay on shelves. People love conspicuously consuming. 

[Sandman]

I’d buy a couple to try for sure. 

[vvvendo1969]

I like Partagas brand among all the cuban cigar brands. So, of course I am interested in the PARTAGÁS LÍNEA MAESTRA and I may try at least single cigar.

However, I would like to say very loudly to Cuban government and Habanos S.A. to please re-produce Partagas Lonsdales and/or Coronas if you have time to produce such luxury cigars with extremely expensive pricing as MAESTRA.  

[Li Bai]

On 4/14/2024 at 10:38 PM, BoliDan said:

That said, I doubt they'll stay on shelves. People love conspicuously consuming.

I can't tell for the rest of the World but in France the Linea de Oro doesn't sell, you can easily order any box from any shop. 

[gormag38]

1 hour ago, Li Bai said:

I can't tell for the rest of the World but in France the Linea de Oro doesn't sell

Even grey market vendors have them in stock pretty regularly (some at discounted prices even). 

I suspect the MAESTRA to do slightly better than the RyJ counterpart, but I could see them following suit of linea as well. Personally I have no desire to try a box, if someone gave me one to try I'd gladly take it but that's about as far as my interest goes. Much more interested in the Aliados. 

 

[Li Bai]

On 4/16/2024 at 10:04 PM, gormag38 said:

Much more interested in the Aliados. 

 

Agreed. 

I was lucky to grab a box of those a few months ago and they're absolutely gorgeous 😍😍

Haven't had one yet, I'll post a review when they're ready.

[JoeCuban1]

No bueno, too much dinero! I am el cheapo.  

[Greenhorn2]

I'm still pissed at HSA for giving me the finger with their ridiculous pricing structure. So I'm shooting them one back by buying NC's and Nudie cigars. They can rot on the shelves.

[RichUK]

I was able to try a Maestra Maestro last week and it was outstanding. Typical Partagas flavours and profile.


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[NSXCIGAR]

Tried the Rito today. I would have to say they remind me very much of the RyJ LdO in approach. Very high quality, pleasant flavors I couldn't quite place and zero Partagas DNA I could tell. It was just under medium with that creamy kind of texture you get from that "high-end" leaf in BHK and the LdO. 

Good cigar that was totally forgettable. I get far more enjoyment from a Salomones or even a good E2. 

[MrBirdman]

On 4/16/2024 at 10:29 PM, Li Bai said:

Agreed. 

I was lucky to grab a box of those a few months ago and they're absolutely gorgeous 😍😍

Haven't had one yet, I'll post a review when they're ready.

Would love to see some reviews of these and even an FOH review. I “accidentally” picked up a box and have no idea whether to keep it.

[JohnS]

The latest press release in regards to the Partagas Linea Maestro...

PARTAGAS LINEA MAESTRA SELECTION

June 11, 2024 - Press Release

The Gala evening at the 23rd Festival del Habano paid tribute to the Partagás brand with the presentation of its Maestra line, which includes three new vitolas: Rito (Ø52 x 168 mm), Origen (Ø46 x 154 mm) and Maestro (Ø56 x 132 mm). 

This new line is the first in the history of Habanos S.A. to be made with 100% San Luis tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo plantations in Pinar del Río, giving it a complex aroma while preserving the brand’s unique character. 

The Partagás brand portfolio boasts a wide variety of formats and is constantly developing and innovating. The Maestra line is characterised by the fact that it honours the unique origin (Origen) of what is considered the best cigar in the world, to the learning and tradition that make tasting a Habano a ritual (Rito), and to the masters (Maestro) who make it possible for Habano lovers to create a ‘master stroke’.

The Partagas Linea Maestra selection comes in a wooden case with a cigar of each of the three new vitolas and will be available in Switzerland from 18.06.2024 in La Casa del Habano shops and from 25.06.2024 at Habanos Specialist stores. 

The RSP for the Partagas Linea Maestra Selection, containing 3 cigars, is 450.- Swiss Francs.

Source: https://www.cigarjournal.com/partagas-linea-maestra-selection/

 

[Li Bai]

3 minutes ago, JohnS said:

The RSP for the Partagas Linea Maestra Selection, containing 3 cigars, is 450.- Swiss Francs.

So much money just for sampling 😩...