Description
The Partagás Serie D No. 2 Edición Limitada is not merely a cigar; it is a time capsule of Cuban excellence, a super robusto of legendary proportions that has transitioned from a limited release to a holy grail for the global aficionado. Originally debuted in 2003 as part of the prestigious Edición Limitada program, this rare masterpiece embodies the uncompromising, full-bodied spirit of the Partagás factory. Hand-rolled in Havana using exclusively selected leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, the Serie D No. 2 offers a profound sensory journey defined by robust cedar, intense leather, and a sophisticated peppery zest. Measuring a commanding 156 mm with a 50 ring gauge, this vitola—known factory-side as the Robustos No. 2—provides an expansive canvas for the evolving complexity of aged Cuban tobacco. For the discerning collector, this discontinued treasure represents the pinnacle of the “Alphabet Series,” delivering a potent nicotine kick balanced by two decades of potential refinement, making it one of the most sought-after rare Partagás limited edition cigars in existence.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 hand-rolled Habanos | 10 hand-rolled Habanos (Selection) |
| Packaging Type | Semi Boite Nature (SBN) Cedar Box | Luxury Cardboard or Cedar Slide-Lid |
| Ideal For | Long-term investment and cellar aging | Short-term sampling and gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Boveda-ready cedar lining for stability | Travel-ready compact protection |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Robustos No. 2 (Super Robusto / Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 156 mm (6 1/8″) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Aged Cuban (Edición Limitada dark shade) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Full |
| Body | Bold and Complex |
| Smoking Time | 90–120 Minutes |
| Factory | Partagás Factory, Havana, Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Partagás is the story of Havana’s golden age of tobacco. Founded in 1845 by Jaime Partagás y Ravelo, the brand has operated out of its iconic factory at No. 520 Industria Street for nearly two centuries. Partagás is legendary for producing the most “masculine” and full-flavored cigars in the Habanos portfolio. While other brands may lean toward floral or creamy profiles, Partagás is synonymous with earthy power and spicy intensity, a reputation cemented by its use of the finest tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo, the world’s premier growing region located in the Pinar del Río province.
The Serie D No. 2 arrived in 2003 as a landmark entry in the Edición Limitada series. This program, which began in 2000, utilizes wrappers that have been aged for at least two years, resulting in a darker, oilier, and more fermented leaf. By applying this limited-edition treatment to the “Alphabet Series”—the range that includes the world-famous Serie D No. 4—Partagás created a cigar that was both a nod to tradition and a leap into modern luxury. Today, the D No. 2 is a ghost of the past, a discontinued icon that continues to command respect at international auctions and among elite private collectors who value the historical weight of the 2003 vintage.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial draws of the Partagás Serie D No. 2 are nothing short of an awakening. The cigar opens with a dense, voluminous smoke that immediately coats the palate in rich cedar and cracked black pepper. There is an unmistakable “Partagás twang”—a unique combination of damp earth and savory spice that characterizes the brand’s heritage. Early notes of roasted nuts and bitter cocoa emerge, providing a structured foundation for the full-bodied strength that asserts itself within the first ten minutes of the ritual.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn line progresses into the middle section, the profile transitions from raw power to sophisticated layering. The black pepper mellows slightly, allowing creamy espresso and dark chocolate to take center stage. Aficionados will notice a subtle sweetness emerging, reminiscent of honey or nougat, which provides a beautiful counterpoint to the dominant leather and oak flavors. The construction of the Super Robusto vitola ensures a cool draw, allowing the citrus bursts and hazelnut undertones to be fully appreciated without the interference of heat.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Serie D No. 2 is where the cigar truly earns its Edición Limitada status. The strength returns to a potent full, with the earthiness becoming more pronounced and resinous. Notes of heavy leather, toasted tobacco, and intense spice dominate the finale. Despite the increase in intensity, the cigar remains balanced, avoiding bitterness thanks to the high-quality, aged Vuelta Abajo filler. The smoke remains thick and aromatic, leaving a lasting impression of bold earth and charred cedar.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and satisfying. It leaves a lingering aftertaste of espresso bean, dry pepper, and a touch of citrus zest on the tongue. This is a cigar that demands reflection long after it has been laid to rest in the ashtray, providing a balanced, earthy linger that rewards the patient smoker.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Black Pepper, Rich Earth |
| Secondary Notes | Dark Cocoa, Espresso, Leather |
| Tertiary Notes | Hazelnut, Honey, Citrus Peel |
| Finish | Long, spicy, and profoundly earthy |
| Aroma | Oak wood, Sweet Spice, Cumin |
Aging and Collector Value
The Partagás Serie D No. 2 is a prime candidate for long-term cellaring. As a full-strength cigar, it possesses the necessary “bones”—the high nicotine and oil content—to withstand and thrive over decades of aging. For the 2003 release, the aging process has already worked its magic, rounding off the aggressive edges of the youth and replacing them with a velvety creaminess and deep, mellow complexity. Sources and connoisseurs suggest that this vitola excels between 5 and 15+ years of age, though well-maintained boxes from the original 2003 production are currently in their peak “sweet spot.”
To preserve the integrity of the oily wrapper and the delicate 14.67g structure, we recommend storage at a consistent 65-70% Relative Humidity (RH) and 65-70°F. Using a cedar-lined humidor is essential, as the Spanish cedar complements the cigar’s natural wood notes and protects it from the humidity swings that can cause the wrapper to crack. Given its discontinued status, every surviving box represents a diminishing resource, steadily increasing its collector value and making it a cornerstone for any serious Cuban cigar portfolio.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Islay Single Malt Scotch | The smoky, peaty notes of the whiskey mirror the cigar’s earthy and peppery profile. |
| Aged Cuban Dark Rum | The molasses sweetness of the rum balances the full-bodied spice and enhances the cocoa notes. |
| Double Espresso | The intensity of the coffee matches the cigar’s strength, highlighting the roasted nut and espresso flavors. |
| Napoleon Cognac | The dried fruit and oak characteristics of a fine Cognac elevate the citrus and honey undertones. |
| Vintage Port | The rich, dark berry sweetness provides a luxurious contrast to the heavy leather and cedar. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Habanos, authenticity is the only currency. We ensure that every Partagás Serie D No. 2 we offer meets the rigorous standards of Cuban production. Collectors can rest assured that their investment is protected by multiple layers of verification.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official holographic seal with a unique barcode and hidden security elements that react under UV light.
- Box Code Verification – The “GKI JUN 03” or equivalent factory stamps are checked against Habanos records to ensure the production date and factory match the release.
- Factory Stamp – The bottom of each box features the “Hecho en Cuba” and “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) heat-stamped branding.
- Triple Cap – Each cigar is inspected for the traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of master torcedores that ensures a perfect finish and draw.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. We have been the trusted source for rare Cuban cigars and elite collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Partagás Serie D No. 2 and the Serie P No. 2?
While both share the “No. 2” designation and the same 156mm length, they are very different vitolas. The Serie D No. 2 is a Super Robusto (Robusto Extra) with a straight 50 ring gauge, focusing on a more concentrated, bold robusto experience. The Serie P No. 2 is a Pirámide (torpedo) with a tapered head and a 52 ring gauge. The D No. 2 is generally considered more robust and earthy, while the P No. 2 offers a more evolving, smooth transition due to its shape.
How does the strength of the Serie D No. 2 compare to the Serie D No. 4?
The Serie D No. 2 carries the same DNA as the legendary D No. 4 but offers a more “stretched” experience. Because of the longer 156mm length, the full strength of the D No. 2 builds more gradually, allowing for more complex middle-third transitions. However, the D No. 2 is often perceived as slightly more refined due to the Edición Limitada aging of the wrapper, whereas the D No. 4 is known for its immediate, raw nicotine punch.
Is the Partagás Serie D No. 2 stronger than the Montecristo No. 2?
Yes, in terms of body and spice, the Partagás Serie D No. 2 is typically considered stronger. While the Montecristo No. 2 is famous for its rich, chocolatey, and creamy profile, the Partagás D No. 2 delivers the peppery zest and intense earthiness characteristic of the Partagás brand. If you prefer a “powerhouse” smoke, the Partagás is the superior choice.
What is the factory vitola name for this cigar?
The factory name (vitola de galera) for the Partagás Serie D No. 2 is Robustos No. 2. In common parlance, it is often referred to as a Robusto Extra or Super Robusto. This specific format was chosen for the 2003 Edición Limitada to provide a longer, more indulgent smoking time compared to the standard 124mm Robusto.
Why is the 2003 Edición Limitada release so special?
The 2003 release is special because it was one of the early years of the Edición Limitada program, featuring exceptionally high-quality Vuelta Abajo tobacco that had been aged for two years before rolling. Because it was a limited run and has since been discontinued, the remaining stock has benefited from nearly two decades of aging, making it a “vintage” smoking experience that cannot be replicated by modern regular production cigars.
