Partagas Serie D No 2

Description

We have all been there: you light up a standard robusto, and right when the flavor profile hits its absolute peak, the ember is already burning your fingertips. You want that concentrated intensity of the Serie D No. 4, but you need it to last long enough to actually settle into a conversation or a second drink. The Partagas Serie D No 2 solves this dilemma perfectly by taking that familiar, beloved power and stretching it out into a slightly longer, thicker format that allows the heavy ligero leaves to breathe and develop without rushing you out the door.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The cold draw offers a preview of damp hay and barnyard funk, but once you put a flame to the foot, the experience changes instantly. The first few puffs deliver a substantial punch of black pepper and raw earth that wakes up the palate immediately. It is aggressive in the best way possible, coating the mouth with a thick, heavy smoke that feels almost chewy. Unlike lighter Havanas that tease you with floral notes, this stick leads with leather and a distinct mineral saltiness. The draw on this 52 ring gauge is open and generous, producing voluminous clouds of gray smoke that hang heavy in the air. You get a strong sense of toasted cedar right away, providing a dry, woody backbone that supports the heavier spice notes.

Mid-Section: As the burn line progresses past the first inch, the initial pepper bomb begins to mellow out, revealing the complexity hiding underneath. The smoke texture becomes significantly creamier, coating the tongue with oils that taste of roasted hazelnuts and dark mocha. This is where the cigar really finds its footing. The strength is still very much present, but the harshness fades, replaced by a savory, meaty character that reminds you of char-grilled steak or rich gravy. You might catch fleeting hints of dried fruit or honey sweetness trying to peek through the earthiness, but the dominant profile remains deeply rooted in wood and roasted coffee beans. The construction usually holds up well here, with the ash holding on in solid, dark gray chunks.

Final Third: Entering the last phase, the Partagas Serie D No 2 stops playing nice and ramps up the intensity to full capacity. The creaminess recedes, allowing the dark chocolate bitterness and heavy leather tones to take center stage. The smoke warms up, intensifying the cedar notes until they taste almost like oak barrel char. You will feel the nicotine now; it settles in the chest with a weight that lets you know you are smoking premium, full-bodied Cuban tobacco. The finish is long and spicy, leaving a tingle on the lips and a retrohale that is sharp with white pepper and old wood. It does not turn sour at the nub, but it definitely demands you put it down before it overpowers your senses.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Partagas

Don Jaime Partagas founded this brand in 1827 with a singular obsession for understanding the soil of the Vuelta Abajo region. He was one of the first cigar makers to really study fermentation techniques to increase production intensity, a tradition that keeps the factory in Havana busy to this day. The “Serie D” line specifically was revived to capture the classic, full-strength profile that made the brand famous in the classic era. While other brands chased milder trends to appeal to a wider audience, Partagas stuck to their guns, producing cigars for people who actually like the taste of strong tobacco.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Flor de Caña 18 – The dry oak and vanilla notes in this aged rum cut right through the heavy earthiness of the cigar without making the pairing too sweet.
• Whiskey: Glenfiddich 21 – The rum cask finish on this scotch provides a necessary sweetness that bridges the gap between the cigar’s spicy leather and the drink’s malt.
• Coffee: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over – The floral acidity and citrus notes in this coffee provide a bright contrast that lifts the heavy, dark flavors of the smoke.

Ideal For

This is absolutely not a morning cigar, nor is it a good choice for someone just starting their cigar hobby. The Partagas Serie D No 2 is for the veteran smoker who enjoys a heavy meal and wants a cigar that can stand up to a steak or a glass of peaty whisky. It fits best late in the evening when you have an hour to dedicate solely to smoking, as the nicotine kick requires you to sit back and take your time.