Description
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the **Partagas 898 Varnished**, a Cuban Lonsdale cigar that embodies the rich heritage and bold flavors synonymous with the Partagas name. This meticulously crafted **full-bodied** Havana offers a captivating journey through layers of **earthy cedar, rich leather, and spicy black pepper**, culminating in a truly unforgettable smoking experience. Presented in a beautifully varnished box, the Partagas 898 is more than just a cigar; it’s a statement of refined taste and appreciation for the finer things in life.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 |
|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Cedar Box (8-9-8 Layout) |
| Ideal For | Collectors, Aficionados, Special Occasions |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (when stored properly) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Lonsdale (Dalia/8-9-8) |
| Length | 170 mm (6.7″ or 6¾”) |
| Ring Gauge | 43 (diameter 17.07 mm) |
| Wrapper | Corojo (Colorado Maduro) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Finest Cuban Long-Filler Tobaccos from Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Rio |
| Strength | Full-Bodied (builds from mild to medium/full) |
| Body | Full |
| Smoking Time | 1-2 hours |
| Factory | Habanos S.A., Cuba (Partagas Factory) |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Founded in 1845 by Jaime Partagás, Partagas stands as one of the oldest and most revered names in the world of Cuban cigars. From its humble beginnings in Havana, the brand quickly established itself as a purveyor of exceptional quality, driven by a relentless pursuit of the finest tobaccos and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Partagas has always been synonymous with bold, full-flavored cigars that leave a lasting impression. The brand’s unwavering commitment to using premium Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, renowned for their rich complexity and intense aroma, has cemented its position as a favorite among seasoned aficionados. The **Partagas 898** is a timeless icon, a testament to the brand’s legacy of balanced richness and uncompromising quality.
From the iconic Lusitanias to the ever-popular Serie D No. 4, Partagas boasts a portfolio of standout vitolas that have captivated smokers for generations. Produced at the historic Partagas factory in Havana, each cigar embodies the authentic Cuban essence that continues to attract aficionados worldwide, solidifying Partagas’ place as a true legend in the cigar industry.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial draw of the **Partagas 898 Varnished** welcomes you with a harmonious blend of **earthy cedar**, complemented by the subtle nuances of **soft coffee** and **refined leather**. The strength is initially mild, allowing you to savor the delicate interplay of flavors, while a snug draw ensures a consistent and pleasurable smoking experience.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into its second third, the **Partagas 898 Varnished** begins to reveal its true character. The body builds to a satisfying medium to full, introducing a delightful **creaminess** that enhances the overall smoothness. Nuances of **baking spice** emerge, adding a touch of warmth and complexity, while hints of **dark chocolate** and **cereal** provide a delightful contrast to the initial earthy notes.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the **Partagas 898 Varnished** marks a bold and refined crescendo. The flavors intensify, with **black pepper** taking center stage, supported by a robust **oak** presence and a medley of **spices** that invigorate the palate. The earthy and woody notes remain, providing a balanced foundation for the amplified flavors, creating a truly captivating and memorable smoking experience.
Finish
The **Partagas 898 Varnished** leaves a long and refined finish, characterized by a lingering **cedary** and **spicy** persistence. The subtle nuances of the flavors continue to dance on the palate, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and complexity.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Leather, Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Chocolate, Black Pepper, Oak |
| Tertiary Notes | Spice, Baking Spice, Toasted Tobacco, Roasted Cacao, Mocha, Fruity Undertones, Cereal |
| Finish | Cedary, Spicy |
| Aroma | Woody, Toasted Tobacco, Cedar |
Aging and Collector Value
The **Partagas 898 Varnished** is renowned as a **great aging cigar**, capable of amplifying its power and balance over time. The varnished version, introduced around 2011, is particularly prized for its enhanced complexity and the development of unique flavor nuances. With proper aging, the cigar’s fruity, roasted cacao, mocha, spicy wood, earthy, and woody notes become even more pronounced, creating a truly exceptional smoking experience.
For optimal aging, it is recommended to store the **Partagas 898 Varnished** for at least two years. However, the cigar will continue to improve indefinitely with proper storage. Maintain a consistent humidor environment of 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) to preserve the silky Corojo wrapper and encourage the development of creaminess. Over time, the cigar will mellow, its flavors will meld together, and its overall complexity will deepen, transforming it into a true masterpiece. This makes the Partagas 898 Varnished a coveted addition to any serious cigar collector’s humidor.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Barrel-Aged Scotch | The rich, smoky notes of barrel-aged scotch complement the cigar’s creaminess and spice, creating a harmonious and luxurious pairing. |
| Aged Rum | The sweetness and complexity of aged rum enhance the cigar’s chocolate and caramel notes, creating a decadent and satisfying combination. |
| Cognac | The smooth, elegant flavors of cognac complement the cigar’s refined profile, creating a sophisticated and memorable experience. |
| Espresso Coffee | The bold, intense flavors of espresso coffee cut through the cigar’s richness, creating a balanced and invigorating pairing. |
| Dark Chocolate | The bitter-sweet notes of dark chocolate complement the cigar’s earthy and spicy flavors, creating a delectable and indulgent combination. |
| Spiced Coffee Liqueur | The spiced notes in the liqueur intensify the baking spice and cedar notes from the cigar. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when purchasing premium Cuban cigars. That’s why we guarantee that every **Partagas 898 Varnished** we offer is 100% genuine, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. To ensure your peace of mind, we encourage you to verify the authenticity of your cigars using the following methods:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of authentic Habanos cigars features a holographic seal on the right side, containing a unique serial number. This seal is virtually impossible to replicate and provides a visual confirmation of authenticity.
- Box Code Verification – Every box of Habanos cigars is marked with a unique box code, which can be verified on the Habanos S.A. website. This code provides information about the origin and production date of the cigars.
- Factory Stamp – Authentic Habanos cigars are stamped with a factory code, indicating the specific factory where they were produced. This stamp provides an additional layer of verification.
- Triple Cap – Cuban cigars are known for their signature triple cap.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strength of Partagas 898 Varnished?
The **Partagas 898 Varnished** is a **full-bodied** cigar that starts with a mild strength and gradually builds to a medium-full profile. This allows you to savor the initial flavors before the cigar’s true power is unleashed.
How long does Partagas 898 take to smoke?
The **Partagas 898 Varnished**, with its Lonsdale vitola, typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to smoke, depending on your smoking pace. This makes it a perfect choice for a leisurely afternoon or evening.
What does Partagas 8-9-8 taste like?
The **Partagas 898 Varnished** offers a complex and rewarding flavor profile, characterized by notes of **earthy cedar, rich leather, aromatic coffee, spicy black pepper, and decadent chocolate**. These flavors evolve throughout the smoking experience, creating a truly captivating and memorable experience.
Is Partagas 898 good for aging?
Yes, the **Partagas 898 Varnished** is an excellent cigar for aging. With proper storage, the cigar’s flavors will meld together, its complexity will deepen, and its overall smoothness will improve, transforming it into a true masterpiece.
