Description
The Pocket Rocket from Partagas That Changed My Mind About Short Smokes
Look, I’ll be honest with you – I used to be one of those guys who thought anything under five inches wasn’t a “real” cigar. Then I lit up a Partagas Serie D No. 5 during a forty-minute lunch break in Miami, and it completely changed how I think about short format cigars. This little powerhouse delivers the full Partagas experience in a compact package that doesn’t compromise on complexity or flavor. If you’ve been sleeping on the Serie D No. 5 because of its size, you’re missing out on one of the most flavorful petit robustos coming out of Cuba right now.
What you’re about to read isn’t marketing fluff. This is what I’ve learned from smoking these regularly over the past few years, from that first revelation to the box I keep in my humidor specifically for those times when I want something substantial but don’t have ninety minutes to spare.
What Makes the Serie D No. 5 Stand Out
Partagas has been around since 1845, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure out what works. The Serie D line was introduced to give smokers that classic Partagas punch in various sizes, and the No. 5 – well, it’s the baby of the family, but it packs the same genetic code as its bigger siblings. Thing is, cramming all that Partagas character into a smaller vitola takes skill. You can’t just use less tobacco and call it a day.
The Serie D No. 5 uses tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region – and if you know anything about Cuban cigars, you know that’s where the magic happens. Rich, volcanic soil. Generations of farming expertise. The kind of terroir that wine people get all worked up about, except this actually matters for cigars too. The wrapper is that classic Cuban leaf with a bit of tooth to it, usually a nice colorado shade that tells you it’s been properly aged before rolling.
Here’s the thing – this isn’t a beginner’s cigar, even though the size might suggest otherwise. It’s medium to full in strength, with enough complexity to keep experienced smokers interested. I recommend it to people who already know they enjoy that earthy, robust Partagas profile but need something that fits into a shorter timeframe. New smokers? Maybe work your way up to this one. Start with something milder and come back when you’re ready for the full Cuban experience.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Petit Robusto |
| Length | 3.9 inches / 100 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 40-50 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Okay, so you’ve got one in your hand. First thing you’ll notice is the construction – these are typically rolled tight but not too tight. The cold draw should give you a preview of what’s coming: earth, hay, maybe a hint of that barnyard funk that good Cuban tobacco has. Not everyone loves that smell on the cold draw, but I do. It tells me the tobacco hasn’t been over-processed or stripped of character.
Light it up properly – and I mean take your time, get an even burn going – and the first third hits you almost immediately. No joke, there’s very little warm-up period with this cigar. You get pepper right away, that classic Partagas spice that some people describe as “peppery” and others call “spicy” but really it’s both. There’s cedar in the background, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll catch some leather notes too. The smoke is creamy despite the strength, which is a neat trick. I think it was 2019 when I first noticed how smooth the draw was on fresh boxes – maybe they changed something in production? Or maybe I just got lucky with aging. Doesn’t matter.
Second third is where things get interesting. The pepper calms down just a touch – not gone, mind you, just not dominating every puff. The earthy notes come forward. There’s this woody character that reminds me of… hmm, how do I explain this… you know that smell in a properly maintained humidor? Spanish cedar mixed with aged tobacco? That’s what starts coming through. Some people pick up coffee notes here. I get more cocoa myself, but palates vary. The retrohale – if you’re brave enough to do it with a Partagas – gives you the full spicy experience. Burns the nostrils in the best possible way.
And the wrapper – oh man – it’s contributing more than people realize. That Cuban wrapper isn’t just there to look pretty. It’s adding a subtle sweetness that balances out the strength of the filler. Without it, this would just be a pepper bomb. With it? It’s a complex smoke.
Final third is where full-bodied cigars either shine or fall apart, and the Serie D No. 5 usually delivers. The strength kicks up a notch – this is where it earns that “full” designation. The flavors concentrate: more earth, more spice, and this rich tobacco taste that’s hard to describe but unmistakably Cuban. Some sticks get a bit bitter here if you’re not careful with your pacing. Slow down. Let it rest between puffs. The construction typically holds up well – I’ve had very few go wonky on me in the final stretch. Ash is dense, holds for about an inch before dropping, which tells you the tobacco was rolled properly.
Burn line? Usually pretty straight if you’ve stored them correctly. I keep mine at 65-67% humidity and they smoke beautifully. Too dry and they’ll burn hot and harsh. Too wet and you’ll be relighting constantly.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partagas Serie D No. 5 | Medium-Full | 40-50 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting full flavor in less time |
| Partagas Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | When you have more time for the same flavor profile |
| Bolivar Royal Corona | Full | 50-60 minutes | Those who want even more strength and earth |
| Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas | Medium-Full | 35-45 minutes | Similar timeframe with a slightly sweeter profile |
Real talk: the Serie D No. 4 is probably the more famous vitola in the line, and for good reason – it’s fantastic. But the No. 5 gives you maybe 80% of that experience in 60% of the time. That’s not a criticism. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
What to Drink With It
Between you and me, I’ve tried pairing this with everything from espresso to bourbon, and here’s what works best: you want something that can stand up to the strength without fighting it. A good aged rum is my go-to – specifically something like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The sweetness of the rum plays nicely with that earthy Partagas profile.
Coffee works too, especially a strong Cuban espresso. The bitterness complements rather than competes. I had one with a cortadito at a lounge in Tampa once and – yeah, that’s the combination right there.
Scotch? Go for something with peat. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is bold enough to match the cigar’s intensity. But honestly, if you’re going the whisky route, I’d lean toward a higher-proof bourbon. Something in the 100-proof range.
As for when to smoke it – this is a midday to evening cigar for me. Too much punch for first thing in the morning unless you’ve got the constitution for it. Perfect for a lunch break, an afternoon on the golf course, or that window between dinner and whatever you’re doing later in the evening. Not a limited edition situation where you need to save it for special occasions – these are meant to be smoked and enjoyed regularly.
Common Questions About the Partagas Serie D No. 5
Is the Partagas Serie D No. 5 too strong for newer cigar smokers?
Look, I’m going to be straight with you – probably yes. This isn’t where you want to start your Cuban cigar journey. The strength builds to full-bodied by the final third, and if you’re not used to that, you might find yourself feeling lightheaded. Work your way up with some milder Habanos first, then come back to this. Your palate will thank you for having the patience to build up to it.
How long should I age a box of Serie D No. 5 before smoking?
Here’s the thing – they’re usually smokable right from the vendor if they’ve been stored properly, but they really shine with at least six months of rest in your own humidor. I’ve got a box from 2021 that’s still getting better, but the sweet spot seems to be around one to three years of aging. The pepper mellows out a bit, the cedar notes become more pronounced, and everything just integrates better. That said, I’m not always patient enough to wait, and they’re still excellent fresh.
What’s the difference between the Serie D No. 4 and No. 5?
Mainly length and smoking time. The No. 4 is a robusto at 4.9 inches, while the No. 5 is a petit robusto at 3.9 inches. Both share the same 50 ring gauge and similar flavor profiles – that classic Partagas earth, spice, and leather combination. The No. 4 gives you more time to explore the flavor transitions, while the No. 5 delivers the essence of the experience in a more compact package. I keep both in my humidor because sometimes I have an hour and sometimes I have forty minutes.
Why does my Serie D No. 5 taste different from the last one I smoked?
Cuban cigars can vary between boxes and even within the same box – it’s just the nature of working with agricultural products. The tobacco comes from different farms, different harvests, and gets rolled by different torcedores. Plus, how you’ve stored them matters enormously. A cigar at 72% humidity will smoke differently than one at 65%. Your palate changes day to day too, depending on what you’ve eaten or drunk. This variability is part of the charm of Habanos, though I know it frustrates people who want consistency. If you’re getting wildly different experiences, check your humidor conditions first.
Should I remove the band before or during smoking?
Wait until you’ve smoked about a third of the cigar and the heat has loosened the glue. Then gently twist and slide it off. Trying to remove it cold can tear the wrapper – and I’ve seen it happen more than once with these particular cigars because the wrapper can be a bit delicate. Some people leave the band on the entire time, which is fine too. There’s no etiquette police coming to arrest you. Just don’t rip the wrapper and you’re golden.
Can I smoke a Partagas Serie D No. 5 right after a meal?
Absolutely, and actually that’s when I prefer it. The strength and full flavor profile make it an excellent after-dinner cigar. It’s got enough body to hold up after a heavy meal without getting lost. Just make sure you’ve actually eaten – smoking this on an empty stomach is asking for trouble. The nicotine content is no joke. Pair it with a strong coffee or a digestif and you’ve got yourself a proper end to a good meal.
What humidity level is best for storing Serie D No. 5 cigars?
I keep mine between 65-67% relative humidity at around 65-68°F. Some people go higher, but I find Cuban cigars in general – and Partagas specifically – smoke better when they’re not overly humidified. Too wet and they become difficult to draw, the burn gets wonky, and the flavors get muted. Too dry and they burn hot and harsh. Get yourself a reliable hygrometer, dial in that 65-67% range, and be patient. It takes time for cigars to acclimate when you first get them, so don’t judge them on day one.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Smoked Way Too Many of These
The Partagas Serie D No. 5 isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s not a limited edition collector’s item. It’s not the most complex cigar you’ll ever smoke. What it is – and what it does remarkably well – is deliver that authentic Partagas experience in a format that respects your time. Forty-five minutes of earth, spice, cedar, and that unmistakable Cuban tobacco character that you either get or you don’t.
I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t keep these in their regular rotation. Maybe it’s the size – people still have this bias that bigger automatically means better. But here’s what gets me: this little cigar is perfectly proportioned. The blend works at this ring gauge and length. The flavors are concentrated, not diluted. And you can actually smoke it down to a nub without needing an entire afternoon.
If you’ve been curious about the Serie D line, this is a smart entry point. Less commitment than the No. 4, but all the flavor you’d expect from the Partagas name. Store them properly, give them some rest if you can manage the patience, and light one up when you want something substantial but don’t have all day. Your only regret will be not buying more when you had the chance.
And if you’re already a fan of full-bodied Habanos – what are you waiting for? Add a box to your humidor and thank me later.
