Dating back to before 1960, the Partagás Aristocrats endures as a classic offering from the legendary brand, reflecting decades of Cuban cigar heritage. This petit corona-sized cigar has undergone several transformations throughout its history, evolving from a machine-made product to a fully handmade cigar while maintaining its place in regular production.
Historical Background
Originally released prior to 1960, the Aristocrats carried the name "Aristocratas" until approximately 1980, when the spelling was standardized. For decades, this cigar was produced as a machine-made vitola, a common practice for smaller format Cuban cigars. Around 2002, production transitioned to entirely handmade construction, elevating the cigar's craftsmanship and appeal to discerning enthusiasts.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Aristocrats |
| Factory Name | Petit Cetros |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Length | 129 mm (5⅛″) |
| Official Weight | 7.75 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Bands | Standard band A, B |
| Status | Current Regular Production |
Packaging Options
The Aristocrats has been offered in various packaging configurations over the years, with several now discontinued:
- Dress box of 25 cigars (current)
- Dress box of 10 cigars in cellophane (current)
- Cardboard pack of 5 cigars (discontinued 2012)
- Dress box of 10 cigars (discontinued circa 2002)
- Dress box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued circa 2002)
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Based on 30 reviews, the Partagás Aristocrats delivers a balanced smoking experience with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5. The cigar scores consistently across all measured categories—elegance, balance, strength, complexity, and aftertaste—each receiving a rating of 3, suggesting a well-rounded but approachable smoke.
The flavor profile reveals a classic Partagás character with the following notes reported by reviewers:
- Primary Notes: Pepper (8 mentions), Leather (7), Spice (6), Earth (5)
- Secondary Notes: Nut (3), Cedar (2), Cream (2), Tobacco (2), Wood (2)
- Subtle Notes: Baking Soda, Bitter Chocolate, Cocoa, Coffee, Creamy, Fruit, Hay, Salt, Sourdough, Toast, and Twang (1 mention each)
The prominence of pepper, leather, and spice notes aligns with the traditional Partagás house style, making the Aristocrats a faithful representation of the brand's heritage in a compact format.