Partagas Serie D No. 4 Habana (Cuban)

This week’s review is one Daniel has been ever-so patient about me writing. The Partagas Serie D No. 4.

I got a few of these in a package that Daniel sent down from the great white north. This is my last out of the handful that he sent over. Each of the cigars that I smoked from that bundle had identical characteristics and flaws. Either way, this cigar is one of the most popular Cuban cigars on the market and for good reason. Let’s find out what makes this cigar so special.

The Good Stuff: As stated earlier the Partagas Serie D No.4 is rated one of the best, if not the best robusto in the world. This cigar is produced in the Partagas factory, the most famous cigar factory in all of Cuba. The Partagas factory was opened in 1845 by Don Jamie Partagas. The Partagas Serie D was originally supposed to be part of a 16-cigar series labled A, B, C and D. The series was introduced into the British market in the early 1930’s but discontinued in 1960. After 15 years of hiding the Serie D No.4 was reintroduced to the market in 1975 and has remained one of the highest ranking cigars ever since.

Prelight: The Partagas Serie D No. 4 is a delicately Cuban wrapped robusto. The wrapper is silky, oily and consistently light brown in color with a few orangish spots.  It seems a bit delicate and I am a bit scared to rough house too much with cigar for fear of tearing the wrapper.  The cigar is then topped off with a round Cuban style triple cap that I state again, I wish more cigar manufacturers would do.  The body of the cigar has just a few smaller veins with one larger one running through the body of the cigar.  The Serie D is extremely firm to the touch and gives almost no response when pressed tightly. The cigar seems packed very tightly. I really hope that doesn’t affect the draw. I have learned that the draw is always very inconsistent when it comes to Cuban cigars. The quality control just doesn’t always seem to be there in comparison to the strict control most Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Dominican cigar manufactures establish. Anyhow, the wrapper gives off just the slightest hint of cedar and spice, where the foot produces a very sweet, raw tobacco smell. The Serie D clipped clean and easy using my double bladed cutter. The cold draw was very interesting. It tasted much like a graham cracker or even a German gingerbread pastry. Really smooth and natural with spice and a ton of sweetness.

First Smoke: The Serie D lit up with extreme ease using my single flame butane touch. I was greeted with the saltiness on the cap that I seem to pick up on almost every Cuban cigar that I have had. It used to bother me at first but I have since grown to get used to it. The flavors I picked up on during the first third were nothing like the cold draw. Although there was a touch of sweetness the main flavors were a strong cedar, a bit of a spice, a ton of white pepper, and a dash of nut. The Serie D does give off a nice amount of very nicely scented cedar smoke. As with most Cubans I’ve smoked, the burn line is very thick and all over the place. It seems to be a stable in Cuban cigar smoking.  That, and the choppy, flaky, dark grey ash that this cigar is producing as well.  The ash only lasted about an inch before giving way.

Halfway There: The pepper has diminished completely from this smoke and what I am left with is a ton of very sweet, creamy tobacco mixed with an awesome cedar taste and a very oaty aftertaste. I am assuming this is what smoking a cigar box would taste like. The retrohale tells much of the same story only the cedar is much more sharp. I have been retro haling the hell of out this cigar. The burnline is still a bit wild, but for the sake of the review I am refraining from touching it up. I haven’t felt any nicotine at all.

Finish: The body of the Serie D showed a significant increase into the final third, but nothing that I would classify above medium. There wasn’t much of a flavor change-up but due to the wonderful cedar flavor this cigar is kicking out, its not a bad thing at all.  The only other flavors making way through the cedar are a very subtle spice and a bit of natural tobacco. The burnline really started to correct itself into the start of the final third and the cigar started to produce the solid zebra styled ash I am used to.  There was only a light bit of harshness that built up towards the end of this Serie D but I am sure I am a lot to blame for that. I was smoking this thing pretty fast as I was really enjoying it. All in all it only took about an hour to take it down.

Overview: I have always been really partial when it comes to Cuban cigars. I have liked a few, and disliked a lot. I honestly think a lot of the hype is solely based on the fact that they are illegal here in the states. The Partagas Serie D No. 4 has definitely made the cut though. Perfectly balanced with a hellishly good cedar taste, mild, and consistent. This Cuban is top grade and would definitely be a great addition to my Cuban rotation. Perfect for the average cigar smoker and the most experienced. The burn was the only issue and after taking in consideration that almost all Cuban cigars produce a similar burn it cancels itself out.

Pairing: I decided to pair this Partagas Serie D with some Fonseca Bin 27 Port. Fonseca bin 27 is produced primarily from wines from Fonseca’s own quintas in the Cima Corgo. Blended from reserve wines selected for their intense fruit character and depth of color, Fonseca Bin No. 27 spends four years in large wood vats prior to bottling. The Fonseca Bin 27 produces intense black cherry, tart grape, and sweet plum flavors  mixed in with some wonderful spice and cinnamon making for an awesome balance with the smooth, cedar flavors produced by the Partagas  Serie D.