Partagas Mille Fleurs Cuban Cigar Review

For those who have access to Cuban cigars, the Partagas Mille Fleurs is often regarded as a pleasantly affordable option when on a low budget.

In this article, you will discover the Partagas Mille Fleurs as we review it according to the following considerations:

Cigar Formula
Cigar Overview
Look & Feel
Flavours & Burn
Ideal Pairings
Overall Experience

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Overview

Brand: Partagas, Habanos S.A.
Range: Mille Fleurs
Reviewed Vitolas: 5⅛ x 42 Panatella
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Factory: Havana, Cuba
Handmade: Yes
Body: Medium
Estimated Smoking Time: 30 Minutes
Pricing: $7 / Single

Although it existed well before the revolution, the Mille Fleurs was a machine-made blend assembled from short filler until as recently as 2002. Since then, it has become a handmade cigar using only long filler.

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Partagas Mille Fleurs Look & Feel

Wrapper Hue: Cinnamon
Rolling Consistency: Somewhat Wonky
Spring: Firm
Aromas: Nutmeg, Barnyard, Clay

Indeed, the Mille Fleurs can appear a bit on the rustic side. I have some with some blemishes as well as some cigars where the wrapper is coming off. Generally, they’re quite fragile and occasionally the construction may not be brilliant. Then again, this is a very affordable cigar at about $5. So the quality control may vary.

In this case, it has a nice, relatively straight roll with a few soft spot. Overall the spring is quite firm to the touch. It has a cinnamon stick hue and its sheen does just about reflect the light.

In terms of veins, expect a few every now and then. As I mentioned, it can appear somewhat rustic. As for its aromas, we’re looking at basically nutmeg, barnyard, dried clay.

It hasn’t the most complex aroma off the foot. Instead, it’s quite mild.

Partagas Mille Fleurs Review

While we typically use a large Boveda acrylic humidor with 69% packs for most cigars, these were stored in a smaller at 65% RH. Since Cuban cigars are better suited to the lower relative humidity, they are prepared separately. Nevertheless, we follow the same three-week procedure to make sure that they’re properly acclimated for a review.

Pre-Lighting Experience

Draw: Slightly Tight
Aromas: Cinnamon, Coffee Beans, Labdanum

The draw might be a touch on the tight side, but the resistance isn’t too much. If it’s too uncomfortable, it’s easy enough to massage it until the roll loosens a touch. And then when it comes to the flavour, it’s a little bit richer than on the nose. Here we’re looking at aromas again of cinnamon, coffee beans, and a hint of musky labdanum.

1st Third Smoking Experience

Notes: Nutmeg, Brazil Nut, Rosewood

It’s likely that you’ll get some quite aggressive runners soon after lighting the cigar. These merit correcting early as they can quickly get out of control. The ash is also quite flaky so it’s best keeping a short amount just to insulate the cherry.

Overall, in terms of the mouthfeel, it’s a little bit on the coarse side. As for the flavour, it tends to deliver a generic nuttiness. At a push, I would liken it mostly to brazil nut because it has a slightly bitter quality. It’s also spicy in a way that’s reminiscent of nutmeg more than anything else. However, you could easily say allspice.

Finally, it does have some woodiness, too. In this case, I would lean towards rosewood as it’s quite fragrant, but it does have some weight.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

Notes: Nutmeg, Pepper, Oak

The second third is consistent with the first. However, there wasn’t a particularly overt change. We’re looking at a continuation of the nutmeg that’s persisted. The Rosewood has become a little bit oakier, bolder, and less fragrant than before.

Meanwhile, the nuttiness is now peppery instead. The burn seems to be behaving relatively well, but outside of that, there’s no huge change in flavour or body.

Final Third Smoking Experience

Notes: Dried Fig, Pepper, Oak

The burn may become quite wild during the final third. The wrapper may also start to crack as it’s very fragile.

In terms of flavour, it’s very intense. Its got, again, a relatively coarse mouthfeel. You’re looking at a combination of some dried fig, pepper and the oak from the second third that has persisted all the way through.

As for its complexity, you’re looking at a very simple arrangement of notes. It’s not overly complex, but it’s pleasant, don’t get me wrong. The mouthfeel can be a little bit rough, a little bit on the coarse side. It’s very heavy, but it is perfectly acceptable with the right pairing, which I explore later on. Overall, it’s balanced but you may experience some salivation.

Meanwhile, the life cycle can be linear in some places but you will see some evolution in flavour. The finish disappears after a relatively short period of time and you’ll soon be left with a generic tobacco taste.

Overall Burn

Ash Backbone: Quite Flaky
Burn Angle: Quite Wavy
Temperature: Warm
Draw: Ideal
Final Smoking Time: 35 Minutes

After a quick massage down the cigar’s body, the draw was ideal all the way through. However, it can easily get hot as it’s got a very small ring gauge. Therefore, it’s worth taking your time and smoking it slowly to avoid this from happening.

When it comes to the burn angle, it’s being wavy all the way through. They do have a tendency to be a little bit unpredictable in that sense. Otherwise, the backbone is quite flaky and tends to easily drop off. It’s good to keep a relatively short stack on here so you don’t have any accidents!

Overall Experience

The cigar features a classic Partagas band, which does look pretty nice. Similarly, it is sold in a classic Partagas box. It’s basically a cardboard box that has been decorated with various stickers.

While not particularly sophisticated, it can be taken to formal occasions simply thanks to the fact that it’s a renowned Cuban cigar. While it’s not as elegant as other blends, it’s a solid option if you’re on a budget.

Generally speaking, though, it’s better for casual smoking with friends as a daily cigar, even when you’re doing other activities such as walking the dog. Indeed, I’d recommend it as a post-lunch cigar to enjoy as a digestive with espresso.

Then when it comes to the value, you’re looking at between $5 and $7 per stick. They’re relatively cheap in Europe. If you’re in the USA, buying Cuban cigars online is a grey area but retailers like Bellhop and iHavanas are supposedly legal and deliver them.

Partagas Mille Fleurs Pairing Recommendations

As mentioned earlier, the Partagas Mille Fleurs is best enjoyed as a post-lunch digestif. Therefore, it tends to go well with coffee after a small meal. Consider salad dishes. One that comes to mind is avocado and bacon.

Meanwhile, it can also be smoked as an apéritif. If that’s the case, opt for an IPA with a nut mix. Otherwise, dark chocolate or hot chocolate are both excellent choices as they’ll take the edge off the coarse mouthfeel by lending the cigar some creaminess.

Closing Thoughts

By Cuban standards, the Mille Fleurs is a pleasantly cheap cigar that’s great for casual moments. Although it isn’t particularly sophisticated or luxurious, it’s perfect for a quick post-dinner smoke. However, better value may be found in New World territories, especially if you’re in the USA.