Description
The Robusto That Changed My Mind About Partagas
I’ll be honest: I used to overlook the Partagas line. Too predictable, I thought. Too much of that same earthy punch every time. Then a friend – Carlos, who runs a cigar shop in Tampa – practically forced a D4 into my hand during a poker game back in 2007. “Just shut up and smoke it,” he said. That cigar made me reconsider everything I thought I knew about this brand. The Partagas Serie D No. 4 isn’t just another Robusto in a crowded market – it’s the cigar that countless aficionados reach for when they want reliability without sacrificing character. This is what happens when Cuban tobacco mastery meets a formato that refuses to waste your time.
What Makes This Short Robusto Special
Partagas has been around since 1845, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure things out. The D4 sits in their Serie D line – actually, it pretty much defines it. This is a 4.9-inch Robusto with a 50 ring gauge that delivers full Partagas flavor in about an hour. No marathon commitment required.
What sets this cigar apart from the endless parade of Robustos out there? The tobacco, plain and simple. We’re talking premium Vuelta Abajo leaves from the Pinar del Río region – that’s the Cuban tobacco heartland where the soil and climate create something you just can’t replicate anywhere else. The wrapper has this rich, slightly oily appearance that tells you everything’s been done right from seed to box.
This is a cigar for the smoker who appreciates bold flavors without the rough edges. If you’re the type who finds Cohibas too refined and some Bolivars too aggressive, the D4 might be your sweet spot. It’s got presence without being confrontational. My buddy who’s been smoking for thirty years keeps a box in his humidor at all times – that’s the kind of loyalty this vitola inspires.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
How This Cigar Actually Smokes
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – barnyard notes, cocoa, maybe some dried fruit if you’re paying attention. Not subtle stuff. The pre-light aroma alone is enough to make you want to light up immediately, though I try to savor that anticipation for a moment.
First third hits with that classic Partagas earthiness. It’s like walking into a tobacco barn – that raw, honest flavor that doesn’t apologize for itself. There’s cedar in there too, and a hint of leather that reminds me of my father’s old briefcase. The smoke output is generous right from the start, and the burn line stays remarkably even if you’ve stored these properly. I’ve had D4s that needed zero corrections from light to nub.
Around the second third – and this is where it gets interesting – the profile opens up. The earthiness is still there as a foundation, but now you’re getting chocolate notes, maybe some coffee bean, and this peppery spice on the retrohale that wakes everything up. It’s not aggressive pepper, mind you. More like freshly cracked black pepper than cayenne. The construction really shines here – the ash holds to about an inch and a half before dropping, always a good sign of proper rolling.
Final third is where the D4 shows its full strength. The flavors concentrate, intensify. That earth-and-leather combo deepens, and there’s this almost burnt caramel sweetness that appears if you’ve been smoking at the right pace. I won’t lie – this section can overpower newer smokers. The nicotine kicks in more noticeably here too. I’ve seen people get a bit lightheaded if they haven’t eaten or if they’re smoking too fast. Respect the D4 in its final act, and it rewards you with a finish that lingers long after you’ve put it down.
One thing about construction: these cigars are packed tight. Sometimes almost too tight – I’ve had the occasional D4 that drew like sucking a milkshake through a coffee stirrer. A good cigar poker is your friend here. But when you get a properly rolled one? The draw is firm but manageable, and the flavor delivery is consistent from start to finish.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas D4 | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Bold flavor in short format |
| Bolivar Royal Corona | Full | 60-70 min | More aggressive earth/spice |
| Ramon Allones Specially Selected | Medium-Full | 65-80 min | Sweeter, more refined profile |
What To Drink With It
Coffee works beautifully with the D4, especially in the morning. I’m talking proper espresso or a strong Cuban coffee – something with enough backbone to stand up to those earth-and-leather notes without getting buried. A cappuccino is too creamy for this cigar.
If you’re a rum person – and if you smoke Cubans, you should be – try pairing this with Havana Club 7 Year or something similar. The caramel notes in aged rum complement that burnt sweetness in the final third perfectly. I had a D4 with a glass of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva once, and honestly? That’s a pairing I still think about.
Scotch drinkers, go for something with a bit of peat but not too much – a Highland Park 12 or similar. The smokiness doesn’t compete with the cigar; it harmonizes. Bourbon works too, though I’d lean toward something wheated and smooth rather than high-rye and spicy.
Best time to smoke a D4? Late afternoon, after you’ve accomplished something. This isn’t a morning wake-up cigar for me – it’s too substantial. Evening after dinner works, though it might be too much if you’ve just had a heavy meal. Weekend mid-afternoon with friends and good conversation? That’s the sweet spot.
How long should I age Partagas D4 cigars before smoking?
They’re smokable straight from reputable shops, but honestly? Give them at least six months in your humidor if you can wait. A year or two really smooths out the rough edges and lets the complexity develop. I’ve got some with five years on them that are absolutely singing right now – the harshness that sometimes shows up in young ones is completely gone.
Are Partagas D4 cigars good for beginners?
Depends on the beginner. If someone’s already comfortable with full-flavored cigars and just new to Cubans, sure. But if they’re coming from mild Connecticut-wrapped cigars? This might be too much too soon. The nicotine content alone can knock newer smokers sideways. I’d recommend working up to it rather than starting here.
What’s the best way to cut a Partagas D4?
Straight cut works perfectly fine for me – just don’t cut too much off the cap. Some people swear by V-cuts for Robustos, and I won’t argue against it. The thick ring gauge handles either method well. I’d avoid punch cuts though – these are packed dense enough that you want maximum draw surface area.
How do I know if my Partagas D4 is authentic?
Check the usual suspects: proper Habanos band with hologram, correct box codes, cigars should feel firm but not rock hard. The bigger tell is the shop you’re buying from – stick with authorized retailers. Fakes are unfortunately common with popular vitolas like the D4. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What humidity level is best for storing Partagas D4 cigars?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe 66% tops. Cuban cigars generally prefer slightly lower humidity than New World cigars. Any higher and you risk that tight draw getting even tighter. Temperature matters too – aim for around 65-70°F. These cigars will tell you if storage conditions are wrong – they’ll either burn too hot and harsh, or they won’t stay lit.
Can I smoke a Partagas D4 right out of the box?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you know exactly how they’ve been stored. Even from a good shop, let them rest in your humidor for at least a week to recover from shipping and acclimate to your storage conditions. The difference in smoke quality between a rested cigar and one smoked immediately can be significant.
What makes Partagas Serie D cigars different from other Partagas lines?
The Serie D is generally bolder and more direct than something like the Serie P or Shorts line. Less refinement, more punch – that’s not a criticism, just the character. If the Lusitania is Partagas in a tuxedo, the D4 is Partagas in work boots. Both have their place, and I reach for the D4 when I want that straightforward, unapologetic tobacco flavor without waiting two hours.
Final Thoughts
The Partagas D4 is what I call a desert island cigar – if I could only smoke one vitola for the rest of my life, this would be a serious contender. It delivers authentic Cuban character without demanding hours of your time. The flavor is bold enough to satisfy experienced smokers but structured enough not to be overwhelming if you respect it. Is it perfect? No cigar is. Those occasional tight draws can be frustrating, and young ones sometimes show rough edges that need aging to smooth out.
But when you get a well-aged D4 with perfect construction, paired with the right drink on the right afternoon? That’s about as good as this hobby gets. Shop around for these from reputable sources, store them properly, and give them time if you can. Your patience will be rewarded with one of the most consistently satisfying smokes in the Cuban catalog.
