Partagás Fancy Tales of Smoke

A Discontinued Classic from Partagás

The Partagás Fancy Tales of Smoke represents a fascinating chapter in the storied history of one of Cuba's most celebrated cigar brands. This regular production cigar, now long discontinued, was part of the extensive Partagás portfolio during a golden era of Cuban cigar manufacturing. As a pre-1960 release, this vitola emerged during a period when Partagás was establishing itself as a benchmark for full-flavored Havana cigars.

Historical Significance

The Fancy Tales of Smoke entered the market sometime before 1960, positioning it among the classic Cuban cigar releases of the mid-20th century. Production continued through the 1960s before the cigar was eventually discontinued during the 1970s. This timeline places the Fancy Tales of Smoke firmly within an important transitional period in Cuban cigar history, spanning both pre- and post-revolutionary eras.

While the factory name for this particular vitola remains unrecorded in available documentation, its existence speaks to the extensive and sometimes experimental nature of historic Partagás lineups. Many such discontinued vitolas have become sought-after curiosities among serious cigar historians and collectors.

Technical Specifications

Format and Presentation

The Fancy Tales of Smoke was crafted in a slender format with a 39 ring gauge, reflecting the dimensional preferences common to cigars of its era. At 171 millimeters (approximately 6¾ inches) in length, this vitola offered an extended smoking experience typical of longer, thinner cigar styles that were popular among connoisseurs of the period.

The cigar featured the classic Partagás Standard Band A, the recognizable emblem that has adorned countless Partagás cigars throughout the brand's history. Each dress box contained 25 cigars, presented in the traditional packaging style that Partagás has long been known for.

Construction and Craftsmanship

As with all legitimate Partagás offerings, the Fancy Tales of Smoke was entirely handmade, reflecting the dedication to artisanal cigar production that has defined the brand since its founding in 1845. The handmade construction ensured that each cigar benefited from the skill and attention of experienced torcedores, the rollers who transform tobacco leaves into finished cigars.

Collectibility and Legacy

Today, the Partagás Fancy Tales of Smoke exists only as a historical reference point and occasional discovery in aged cigar collections. Its discontinuation in the 1970s means that surviving examples, if any exist, would represent genuine artifacts of Cuban cigar history. The mysterious name "Fancy Tales of Smoke" adds an element of intrigue to this discontinued vitola, leaving modern enthusiasts to wonder about the marketing story behind such an evocative title.

For those interested in exploring the broader Partagás portfolio, numerous current production vitolas continue to represent the brand's commitment to rich, full-bodied smoking experiences that have defined Partagás for well over a century and a half.