When were Partagás Chicos discontinued and why did Habanos SA stop making them?

Partagás Chicos were discontinued in 2005 as part of Habanos SA's broader strategy to phase out machine-made cigars from their regular production portfolio. The company shifted focus toward handmade vitolas to reinforce the premium positioning of Cuban cigars. These 106mm x 29 ring gauge cigars had been a fixture in the Partagás lineup for decades, offering an affordable entry point to the brand. Today, surviving boxes remain collectible items, particularly among completists seeking full Partagás verticals.

What are the exact dimensions and factory name of Partagás Chicos cigars?

Partagás Chicos measured 106mm in length with a 29 ring gauge, classified as a "Chicos" vitola in Cuban factory terminology. This format was machine-bunched and machine-finished, distinguishing it from handmade alternatives. The compact dimensions delivered approximately 15-20 minutes of smoking time. For comparison, this vitola was notably slimmer than the Partagás Shorts (110mm x 42) and substantially smaller than the iconic Serie D No. 4 (124mm x 50), representing the most accessible size in the brand's historical range.

How do Partagás Chicos compare in flavor to other small Cuban cigars like Cohiba Mini or Montecristo Mini?

Unlike the modern Cohiba Mini or Montecristo Mini—which remain in production as machine-made alternatives—Partagás Chicos offered fuller-bodied smoke characteristic of the brand's signature profile. While contemporary minis use short-filler tobacco and tend toward milder, more homogenized flavors, vintage Chicos reportedly delivered earthier, more peppery notes aligned with Partagás' traditional ligero-forward blending. Collectors note that aged examples (pre-2000) developed pronounced cedar and leather secondary notes unavailable in current machine-made offerings, making discontinued Chicos particularly sought after for their historical authenticity.

When were Partagás Chicos discontinued and why did Habanos SA stop making them?

Partagás Chicos were discontinued in 2005 as part of Habanos SA's broader strategy to phase out machine-made cigars from their regular production portfolio. The company shifted focus toward handmade vitolas to reinforce the premium positioning of Cuban cigars. These 106mm x 29 ring gauge cigars had been a fixture in the Partagás lineup for decades, offering an affordable entry point to the brand. Today, surviving boxes remain collectible items, particularly among completists seeking full Partagás verticals.

What are the exact dimensions and factory name of Partagás Chicos cigars?

Partagás Chicos measured 106mm in length with a 29 ring gauge, classified as a "Chicos" vitola in Cuban factory terminology. This format was machine-bunched and machine-finished, distinguishing it from handmade alternatives. The compact dimensions delivered approximately 15-20 minutes of smoking time. For comparison, this vitola was notably slimmer than the Partagás Shorts (110mm x 42) and substantially smaller than the iconic Serie D No. 4 (124mm x 50), representing the most accessible size in the brand's historical range.

How do Partagás Chicos compare in flavor to other small Cuban cigars like Cohiba Mini or Montecristo Mini?

Unlike the modern Cohiba Mini or Montecristo Mini—which remain in production as machine-made alternatives—Partagás Chicos offered fuller-bodied smoke characteristic of the brand's signature profile. While contemporary minis use short-filler tobacco and tend toward milder, more homogenized flavors, vintage Chicos reportedly delivered earthier, more peppery notes aligned with Partagás' traditional ligero-forward blending. Collectors note that aged examples (pre-2000) developed pronounced cedar and leather secondary notes unavailable in current machine-made offerings, making discontinued Chicos particularly sought after for their historical authenticity.

Cigar Information

Partagás Chicos

The Partagás Chicos represents a chapter in Cuban cigar history that has since closed, yet remains of interest to collectors and enthusiasts of the brand. This machine-made cigar was part of the regular production lineup for decades before being discontinued in 2005. Following its retirement, the Chicos found new life within the ICT Puritos range, continuing its legacy in a different form.

History and Background

The Chicos traces its origins back to the pre-1960 era, making it one of the older entries in the Partagás portfolio. For nearly half a century, this cigar maintained its place in regular production before being removed from the standard lineup in 2005.

Specifications

Attribute	Details
Cigar Name	Chicos
Factory Name	Chicos
Ring Gauge	29
Length	106 mm (4⅛″)
Official Weight	3.00 g
Construction	Machine-made
Band	Standard band A
Status	Discontinued (2005)

Construction and Format

As a machine-made cigar, the Chicos was produced with automated precision rather than hand-rolled craftsmanship. The diminutive dimensions—a slender 29 ring gauge paired with a modest 106 mm length—placed this cigar firmly in the small format category. These compact vitolas were designed for shorter smoking sessions, appealing to those seeking a quick yet authentic Cuban experience.

Packaging Options

Throughout its production run, the Partagás Chicos was available in several packaging configurations:

Cardboard pack of 5 cigars in cellophane (discontinued 2005)
Dress box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued 2005)
Dress box of 50 cigars in cellophane
Dress box of 100 cigars in cellophane

The smaller packaging formats were retired alongside the cigar itself in 2005, though the larger dress boxes had been available during the cigar's active production period.

Current Status

While the original Partagás Chicos is no longer produced as part of the regular Partagás lineup, the cigar transitioned into the ICT Puritos range following its 2005 discontinuation. This allowed the format to continue serving smokers who appreciated its compact size and accessible smoking time.

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