Partagas cigars, branded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas, is one of the oldest and most well-known of all Cuban cigar brands. The brand is produced in huge quantities in many varieties; being one of the truly great, old Havana brands, the demand for Partagas cigars continues to outweigh the supply of the cigars. All of the Partagas vitoles are full, rich, with earthy flavors. The Partagas brand is also strong, making it a cigar of choice for more serious smokers. There is nothing quite as relaxing as lighting up a famous Partagas Lusitania after a heavy meal. As the Partagas brand is consistently outstanding, most Partagas cigars are relatively expensive, particularly the most well known and sought after Partagas cigar, the Lusitania. Partagas cigars won gold medals in at least three international expositions held in Paris in the years 1867, 1878 and 1898. Also keep your eye and cutter on the 8-9-8 varnish, another outstanding Partagas creation. In 1998 Partagas cigars were being produced in eleven different Cuban cigar factories.