Partagas cigars started out in Cuba, but relocated to the Dominican Republic. This is a lively cigar with depth as well as the sweetness I associate with DR cigars. This is from a twelve cigar sampler from Iwan Ries I decided to smoke at the first of each month. I followed Brad's advice and took off the band for starters and taped it to my paper calendar. Happy Lunar and Chinese New Year to Everyone.