Description
The Pocket Powerhouse Nobody Talks About
I’ll be blunt: the Partagas Serie D No. 5 doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Maybe it’s because everyone’s obsessed with the No. 4, or maybe people just assume smaller means lesser. But I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and this little robusto has become my go-to when I want that classic Partagas punch without committing to an hour and change. Thing is, the Serie D No. 5 delivers the same complexity as its bigger siblings – just condensed into a 40-minute experience that hits all the right notes. If you’ve overlooked this vitola because of its size, you’re missing out on one of the most underrated cigars in the Partagas lineup.
What Makes This Cigar Stand Out
Partagas has been around since 1845, which means they’ve had nearly two centuries to perfect their blend. The Serie D line represents the brand’s robusto offerings, and while the No. 4 gets all the headlines, the No. 5 is essentially its younger sibling with something to prove. Both use the same tobacco from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region – that rich, volcanic soil that gives Cuban cigars their distinctive character.
This is a cigar for someone who appreciates full-bodied flavor but doesn’t always have 90 minutes to spare. I smoke these on weekday evenings, during lunch breaks at conferences, or when I’m at the golf course and don’t want to rush through a Churchill. The No. 5 respects your time without compromising on the Partagas DNA – that earthy, spicy backbone that makes the brand legendary. And honestly? Sometimes I prefer the more concentrated flavor profile you get from a shorter smoke. The tobacco doesn’t have as much time to mellow out, so everything stays intense from start to finish.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Petit Robusto (Serie D No. 5) |
| Length | 4.3 inches / 110 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 35-45 minutes |
The Experience: From Light to Last Puff
The cold draw on a properly stored No. 5 gives you hints of what’s coming – leather, dark chocolate, maybe a touch of coffee. Not as complex as the cold draw on some cigars, but that’s not what you’re here for anyway. Once you toast the foot and get it going, the first third comes at you fast. There’s an immediate earthiness – and I mean that dark, mineral-rich earth smell after rain – combined with a peppery spice that sits right on the back of your tongue. Some people taste cedar here, and yeah, I get that too, but it’s more like cedar chips mixed with espresso grounds.
What surprises people about the No. 5 is how the flavor doesn’t plateau. You’d think a smaller cigar would be one-dimensional, right? Wrong. The second third shifts – the pepper backs off just enough to let these deeper flavors come through. There’s this nutty quality, almost like roasted almonds, and the leather notes get richer. A buddy of mine swears he tastes dark berries in this section. I don’t always get that, but when I do, it’s usually from boxes with at least two years of age on them. The smoke production is generous for the size – thick, creamy clouds that hang in the air. Construction has been solid in my experience, though I did have one box from 2019 that had some draw issues. Could’ve been storage somewhere in the supply chain. Who knows.
The final third is where this cigar earns its reputation. The strength ramps up – not to the point where you’re dizzy if you’ve eaten lunch, but you definitely know you’re smoking a Partagas. The earth and leather intensify, and there’s this robust, almost chocolatey finish that lingers on the palate. The retrohale – if you’re into that – delivers a concentrated hit of white pepper and toasted bread. It’s bold without being harsh. The ash typically holds for an inch or so before dropping, nice and firm with that characteristic light gray color you want to see. Burn line stays relatively even if you’re not smoking in the wind like an idiot.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Products
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Serie D No. 5 | Medium-Full | 35-45 min | Quick smoke with full flavor |
| Partagas Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Extended evening sessions |
| Bolivar Royal Corona | Full | 45-55 min | When you want more power |
| Ramon Allones Small Club Corona | Medium-Full | 40-50 min | Similar profile, sweeter notes |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired the No. 5 with everything from coffee to rum to Islay scotch, and honestly, it plays well with most bold flavors. My go-to? A Cuban coffee during morning smokes, or a quality aged rum like Havana Club 7 Year in the evening. The rum’s vanilla and caramel notes complement that earthy, spicy profile without overwhelming it. If you’re a whisky person, try something with a bit of peat – Talisker 10 Year works beautifully. The maritime, smoky character of the scotch matches the cigar’s intensity.
Beer drinkers – and I know there are plenty of you – go with something dark and roasty. Imperial stouts, robust porters, or even a good Schwarzbier. The coffee and chocolate notes in dark beers mirror what you’re tasting in the cigar. Skip the IPAs unless you want your palate absolutely destroyed. Timing-wise, this is an afternoon or early evening cigar for me. Too intense for breakfast unless you’re that person, but perfect after a substantial lunch or with dinner.
How does the Serie D No. 5 compare to the more famous No. 4?
They’re siblings from the same blend, but the No. 5 is shorter and slightly thicker. You get the same Partagas DNA – that earthy, spicy character – but in a more concentrated form. The No. 4 gives you more time for the flavors to develop and evolve, while the No. 5 hits you faster and stays intense throughout. I actually prefer the No. 5 when I’m short on time because it doesn’t feel rushed.
Is this too strong for someone new to Cuban cigars?
Depends on what you’ve been smoking. If you’re coming from Connecticut shade wrappers and mild Dominicans, yeah, this might be a shock to your system. But if you’ve handled medium-bodied cigars before, you’ll be fine – just make sure you’ve eaten something first. I wouldn’t hand this to someone who’s never smoked a cigar before, but for someone with a few dozen cigars under their belt? Absolutely.
Do these come in tubos or should I worry about individual packaging?
The No. 5 is typically sold in boxes of 10 without tubos, which I actually prefer for shorter smokes. Tubos are great for travel and extra protection, but they also trap moisture if you’re not careful. These cigars are hardy enough in standard packaging as long as you’re keeping them at proper humidity – 65-68% is my sweet spot for Cuban products.
How much age do these need before smoking?
Honestly? They smoke well fresh, but they really shine with 6-12 months of rest. Fresh boxes can have a slight ammonia note that mellows out with time. I’ve got a box from 2021 that’s smoking phenomenally right now – the edges have rounded off and there’s this honeyed sweetness that wasn’t there initially. But if you’re impatient, you won’t be disappointed smoking them young either.
What’s the best humidity level for storing these?
I keep all my Cuban cigars at 65% relative humidity and around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people go higher, but I find that Cuban tobacco performs better on the drier side – the draw is easier and the flavors are more concentrated. If you’re storing tubos specifically, maybe bump it up to 67%, but for regular boxes, 65% is perfect.
Are these consistently rated well compared to other Partagas vitolas?
The No. 4 gets more attention and higher ratings from the big publications, but the No. 5 holds its own. It’s never going to win “Cigar of the Year” because it’s not flashy enough, but among people who actually smoke regularly rather than collect, the No. 5 has a cult following. Cigar Aficionado rated it in the low 90s, which is solid for a petit robusto format.
Can you smoke this indoors or is it too much?
The smoke output is substantial and the strength means the aroma is pretty robust – think leather shop mixed with a coffee roaster. If you’ve got good ventilation or a dedicated smoking room, fine. Otherwise, your spouse or roommates might have opinions. I save these for the patio or the lounge. Not a subtle cigar by any measure.
Final Take
The Partagas Serie D No. 5 is proof that great things come in small packages – yeah, I know that’s cliché, but it’s true here. This is a cigar that respects your time while delivering the full Partagas experience: earthy, spicy, complex, and unapologetically bold. It’s become my default recommendation for anyone who wants to understand what makes Partagas legendary but doesn’t have all evening to dedicate to smoking. Whether you’re new to the brand or a longtime fan looking for a shorter format, the No. 5 deserves a spot in your humidor. Stock up, let them rest a few months if you can resist, and discover what you’ve been missing.
