Description
The amber evening light filtered through the windows of that little tobacco shop in Havana, casting long shadows across rows of cedar boxes. I remember the shopkeeper’s weathered hands sliding open a particular varnished box, revealing twenty-five perfectly arranged cigars in their distinctive 8-9-8 formation. The glossy Colorado Maduro wrappers caught the light like polished leather, each Partagas 898 Varnished displaying that unmistakable dark beauty that only comes from the finest Cuban tobacco.
That first encounter left an impression that’s stayed with me through countless smoking sessions since. This isn’t just another cigar – it’s a genuinely Cuban experience wrapped in tradition and crafted with the precision that makes Partagas one of the most respected names in the industry.
Specifications
| Format | Lonsdale |
| Length | 170 mm (6.7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 43 (17.07 mm diameter) |
| Strength | Full strength (builds from mild to full) |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
| Wrapper | Colorado Maduro |
Construction and Appearance
The moment you lift a 898 from its varnished cedar box, you’ll notice the exceptional craftsmanship. The wrapper is a beautiful dark Colorado Maduro leaf that feels silky and supple between your fingers. It’s got that perfect oily sheen that tells you the tobacco has been properly aged and selected.
What really impresses me is the perfectly applied triple cap. The construction feels solid without being overly firm – there’s just the right amount of give when you gently squeeze the cigar. At 11.86 grams, it has a substantial weight that speaks to the quality of the long-filler tobaccos from Vuelta Abajo packed inside.
The Dalias factory consistently produces cigars with impeccable visual appeal, and this one’s no exception. The wrapper leaf is applied seamlessly, with minimal veins and a consistent color throughout the length of this Lonsdale format smoke.
Flavor Profile Journey
First Third: Cedar and Leather Opening
Before lighting, you’ll catch those classic toasted tobacco and cedar aromas that immediately transport you to a Cuban tobacco warehouse. Once lit, the draw starts somewhat snug – don’t worry, this opens up beautifully as the cigar warms.
The opening flavors hit you with earthy, cedary notes complemented by rich leather undertones. There’s a pleasant black pepper spice dancing on your palate, along with subtle coffee hints. The strength begins mild, making it accessible even if you’re not typically a full-strength smoker.
Middle Third: Building Complexity
This is where the 898 really starts to show its personality. The strength builds to a solid medium, and you’ll notice a beautiful creaminess developing that wasn’t present in the opening third. Baking spice notes emerge, accompanied by hints of dark chocolate and cereal grains.
The oak influence becomes more pronounced here, creating a wonderful woody backbone that supports the developing complexity. The body increases noticeably, and the draw opens up to provide that perfect resistance that makes every puff satisfying.
Final Third: Bold and Refined Finish
The final stretch delivers everything you’d expect from a very good Partagas. It’s a bold strong very flavourful cigar that maintains elegance even as it reaches full intensity. Leather notes return stronger than before, joined by an interesting sourdough character that adds depth to the profile.
Coffee, pepper, and earth dominate the flavor landscape, with forest floor and nut undertones providing richness. Sweet spice lingers on the finish, and those woody, earthy notes persist right to the nub. It’s genuinely Cuban in every puff – complex, refined, and thoroughly satisfying.
Perfect Pairings
In my experience, this delicious cigar pairs exceptionally well with barrel-aged scotch, especially after dinner when you want something substantial to wind down the evening. The transitions and complexity of the 898 complement the depth of a well-aged single malt beautifully.
I’ve also found that a rich Cuban coffee works wonderfully during the first third, while a full-bodied rum – perhaps a aged Havana Club or Ron Zacapa – matches the intensity of the final third perfectly. For wine lovers, consider a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or an aged Rioja that won’t be overpowered by the cigar’s bold character.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
This isn’t a beginner’s cigar, and that’s perfectly fine. The Partagas 898 Varnished is crafted for experienced smokers who appreciate the pleasant dance between strength and sophistication. If you typically enjoy full-bodied cigars and have developed your palate enough to pick out complex flavor transitions, you’ll absolutely love this smoke.
It’s an excellent choice for special occasions – the kind of cigar you break out for celebrations, quiet evenings of contemplation, or when you want to share something truly exceptional with fellow aficionados. The 90-120 minute smoking time makes it perfect for leisurely weekend afternoons or extended conversations at your favorite lounge.
If you’re looking to explore what makes Cuban cigars legendary, this represents finestcigars craftsmanship at its finest. Just be prepared for a commitment – both in terms of time and the full-strength journey you’re embarking on.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
Given the perfectly applied triple cap, I recommend using a sharp guillotine cutter to make a clean cut about 2mm from the head. The construction is solid enough that you don’t need to worry about the wrapper unraveling, but respect the craftsmanship with a precise cut.
For lighting, take your time with this one. The varnished presentation deserves a proper toast with a butane torch or cedar spills. The initially snug draw means you’ll want to warm the foot evenly without rushing the process. Proper lighting technique is crucial for experiencing the full evolution this cigar offers.
Once lit, don’t puff too aggressively during the first few minutes. Let the tobacco warm naturally and the draw will open to provide that perfect resistance you’re looking for.
Storage and Aging
Store your Partagas 898 Varnished at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) to preserve that beautiful oily Colorado Maduro wrapper. These conditions are critical for maintaining the cigar’s integrity and allowing it to continue developing.
This is a full-bodied ageing cigar that actually improves over time when stored properly. I’ve found that boxes stored for 2-3 years develop even more complexity, with the harsh edges mellowing while the core flavors intensify. The proper storage techniques you use will directly impact how these cigars evolve.
Consider investing in a quality humidor if you plan to age these long-term. Setting up proper humidor conditions ensures your investment continues paying dividends as the tobaccos marry and develop greater sophistication.
Authenticity Guide
When you order Partagas 898 Varnished cigars, authentication is crucial given the prevalence of counterfeits. Authentic cigars come with the standard Habanos band A and are packaged in a distinctive varnished cedar box containing exactly 25 cigars in the traditional 8-9-8 layout.
The genuine wrapper should feel silky and supple – never dry or brittle. Each cigar should weigh approximately 11.86 grams and display consistent construction throughout. The factory name “Dalias” should be clearly marked, and all cigars should show evidence of handmade construction rather than machine-rolled uniformity.
Be cautious of unvarnished versions claiming to be the same product – they’re typically smaller and not true Lonsdale format. Poor draw, inconsistent burn, or off-flavors are immediate red flags. Always purchase from authorized dealers who can provide verification through Habanos authentication systems.
At reputable retailers, you’ll find proper documentation and storage conditions that ensure you’re getting authentic products that have been properly maintained from factory to your humidor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Partagas 898 Varnished take to smoke?
Plan on 90-120 minutes for a complete smoking session. The Lonsdale format and full-bodied strength mean this isn’t a quick smoke – it’s designed for leisurely enjoyment and contemplation.
What’s the difference between the varnished and regular 898?
The varnished version comes in a glossy cedar box and maintains true Lonsdale dimensions (170mm x 43 ring gauge), while unvarnished versions are typically smaller. The varnished presentation also indicates premium selection and packaging.
Is this suitable for newer cigar smokers?
Honestly, I’d recommend building up to this one. It starts mild but builds to full strength, and the complexity really benefits from an experienced palate. Try some milder Partagas offerings first to develop your appreciation for the brand’s character.
How should I store these long-term?
Maintain exactly 70% humidity and 70°F temperature in a quality humidor. These cigars improve with age, so proper storage isn’t just about preservation – it’s about allowing the tobacco to continue developing complexity over years.
What makes this a genuinely Cuban experience?
Everything from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco cultivation to the hand-rolling at the Dalias factory represents traditional Cuban craftsmanship. The flavor profile, construction quality, and aging potential all reflect the standards that have made Cuban cigars legendary worldwide.
