Description
The Partagas 898 Varnished stands as a towering monument to the art of Cuban cigar manufacturing, a vitola that commands respect from even the most seasoned aficionados. Known in the factory as the Dalia, this elegant Lonsdale format is celebrated for its sophisticated progression and unapologetic full-bodied strength. From the moment the lid of its iconic varnished cedar box is lifted, the 898 reveals its pedigree through a stunning, silky Corojo wrapper and an aroma that balances toasted tobacco with deep cedar wood. This is not merely a smoke; it is a 1.5 to 2-hour odyssey through the heart of Havana’s finest tobacco traditions. With a flavor profile defined by earthy cedar, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a crescendo of black pepper, the Partagas 898 Varnished is designed for the connoisseur who seeks a complex, evolving experience that rewards patience and contemplative relaxation.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Cigars | 10 Cigars (When Available) |
| Packaging Type | Luxurious Varnished Cedar 8-9-8 Layout | Standard Habanos S.L.B. or Cardboard Pack |
| Ideal For | Long-term Aging and Investment | Sampling and Short-term Enjoyment |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (Varnished wood retains oils) | Standard (Requires immediate humidor transfer) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Dalia (Lonsdale) |
| Length | 170 mm (6.7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 43 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Corojo (Colorado Maduro) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo Long-Filler) |
| Strength | Full-Bodied |
| Body | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 90 – 120 Minutes |
| Factory | Partagas Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The history of Partagas is inextricably linked to the history of Havana itself. Founded in 1845 by Jaime Partagás, the brand is one of the oldest and most prestigious names in the Habanos portfolio. The legendary Partagas factory, located just behind the Capitolio building in the heart of Old Havana, became a symbol of excellence where the “Lector” would read to the torcedores as they hand-rolled some of the world’s most sought-after cigars. Jaime Partagás was a pioneer in tobacco fermentation and aging techniques, and his legacy lives on in the bold, spicy, and deeply complex blends that define the brand today.
The Partagas 8-9-8 earns its unique name from the way the cigars are arranged inside the box: a bottom row of eight, a middle row of nine, and a top row of eight. This specific presentation was originally designed to prevent the cigars from becoming “box-pressed,” maintaining their perfectly round, elegant Dalia shape. Over the decades, the 898 has become a cult classic, often compared to the legendary Partagas Lusitanias for its power and the Serie D No. 4 for its spice, yet it occupies a space of its own due to its refined length and the specific micro-climate of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco used in its construction.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a sophisticated and controlled introduction. Upon lighting, the Partagas 898 Varnished offers a snug, deliberate draw that allows the palate to adjust to its richness. The initial notes are dominated by earthy cedar and soft coffee, underscored by a subtle leather aroma. While the strength starts at a manageable medium, the complexity is immediate. A faint sweetness, reminiscent of toasted tobacco and dried fruit, provides a beautiful counterpoint to the underlying woodiness, setting the stage for the intensity to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the second third, the body amplifies significantly toward a medium-to-full profile. The texture of the smoke becomes noticeably creamier, coating the mouth with flavors of roasted cacao and mocha. This is where the signature Partagas “baking spice” emerges—notes of cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with a distinct cereal quality. The construction of the Dalia vitola shines here, as the long filler tobaccos from Pinar del Rio provide a cool, rhythmic burn that allows these delicate mid-tones to flourish without being overwhelmed by heat.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the 898 sheds all restraint. The strength reaches its full-bodied peak, delivering a bold and refined finish. Black pepper becomes more prominent on the retrohale, accompanied by heavy notes of oak and dark chocolate. The “Varnished” nature of the box aging often lends a certain fruity undertone to this stage, preventing the spice from becoming harsh. It is a powerful, resonant conclusion that demands the smoker’s full attention, showcasing the raw, unadulterated essence of premium Cuban leaf.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and persistent. Even after the cigar is rested, the palate is left with a lingering cedary and spicy aftertaste that remains clean and refined. It is a testament to the high-quality fermentation process that there is no bitterness, only a deep, satisfying resonance of aged tobacco and espresso.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Earthy Cedar, Black Pepper, Toasted Tobacco |
| Secondary Notes | Roasted Coffee, Leather, Dark Cacao |
| Tertiary Notes | Baking Spices (Cinnamon), Cereal, Oak |
| Finish | Long, Spicy, and Woody |
| Aroma | Intense Cedar with Roasted Mocha undertones |
Aging and Collector Value
The Partagas 898 Varnished is widely regarded as one of the greatest aging cigars in the Habanos catalog. Because of its full-bodied nature and high oil content, it requires time to harmonize its potent flavors. While it is enjoyable after six months of stabilization, it truly enters its “sweet spot” after 2 to 5 years of proper storage. During this time, the aggressive pepper notes mellow into a sophisticated spice, and the creaminess of the middle third becomes more pronounced.
For the serious collector, the varnished cedar box is a significant advantage. The varnish acts as a secondary seal, slowing the respiration of the tobacco and allowing the cigars to age in a more stable, oil-rich environment. To maximize potential, store these at a consistent 70% RH and 21°C (70°F). Over a decade, these cigars can develop extraordinary notes of truffle, musk, and sweet cream, making them a blue-chip addition to any humidor.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Barrel-Aged Scotch | The peat and oak notes of a fine Islay or Speyside scotch enhance the 898’s creaminess and inherent spice. |
| Aged Cuban Rum | The natural molasses sweetness of an 11 or 15-year-old rum perfectly balances the earthy, peppery finish of the cigar. |
| XO Cognac | The dried fruit and floral notes of a premium Cognac highlight the subtle fruity undertones in the final third. |
| Double Espresso | A concentrated coffee cut through the cigar’s heavy body, amplifying the mocha and roasted cacao notes. |
| Vintage Port | The richness and dark fruit profile of a Tawny Port provide a luxurious contrast to the dry cedar and leather flavors. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We ensure that every box of Partagas 898 Varnished meets the rigorous standards set by Habanos S.A. to guarantee you are receiving a genuine masterpiece of Cuban craftsmanship.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official green and white warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic strip that reacts to light.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the date of packaging (e.g., BRE MAY 23), which can be cross-referenced for authenticity.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, signifying traditional construction.
- Triple Cap – Each cigar is finished with a flawless Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert torcedores that ensures a clean cut and perfect draw.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our strict quality control standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strength of the Partagas 898 Varnished?
The Partagas 898 is a full-bodied cigar. While it begins with a deceptive mildness and a creamy texture, the strength builds progressively. By the halfway point, it reaches a solid medium-full, and the final third is a powerful, full-bodied experience characterized by intense spice and deep tobacco flavors.
How long does a Partagas 898 take to smoke?
Due to its 170mm length and 43 ring gauge, this is a long-format smoke. Depending on your smoking pace, you should set aside between 90 minutes and 2 hours. It is a cigar designed for slow, rhythmic puffing to prevent the narrow ring gauge from overheating.
What makes the “Varnished” version different from the unvarnished?
The “Varnished” 898 (often referred to as the “8-9-8 Varnished”) features slightly larger Lonsdale dimensions and a more premium presentation than the discontinued unvarnished versions. The varnished box not only looks more luxurious but also aids in a slower, more refined aging process by better-preserving the tobacco’s natural oils.
Is the Partagas 898 suitable for beginners?
Generally, the 898 is recommended for experienced smokers. Its length requires good draw management, and its full-bodied strength can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to potent Cuban tobacco. However, for a beginner looking to experience the “pinnacle” of the Partagas flavor profile, it serves as an excellent benchmark for what a high-end Cuban cigar should be.
