Stogie Reviews: Partagas Serie D No. 4 (Cuban)

16 Aug 2007

I have to admit I didn’t know much about this cigar until recently. As it turns out, my knowledge of Cubans is lacking – but I’m looking forward to changing that.

So I turned to the web to do a little background research on the Partagas Serie D No. 4 before diving into a couple that have been gracing my humidor. What I found was a heap of praise making the stogie out to be the greatest robusto ever created. Several reviewers claimed it was the best smoke they’ve ever had.

Needless to say, I was anxious to try the Serie D, one of the top-selling Havanas in the world. It’s reputation as a full-flavored, “New School Habano” with rich notes of wood and spice meant that I couldn’t wait any longer to give the 4.9 inch by 50 ring gauge No. 4 a try.

The golden wrapper is extremely smooth with only a few minor imperfections. With a new-age appearance, the band doesn’t look anything like what you’d expect from a company that has been rolling tobacco since 1827.

After toasting the foot and establishing an even burn with just a few wooden matches, I was underway. The Cuban leaves quickly produce a big taste of cedar and black pepper – very similar to the flavors that are advertised. While the immediate impression is milder than I expected, the strong spice really kicks in during the aftertaste.

After the first third is completed, the $13 to $23 cigar’s true colors begin to shine through. That’s when a buttery almond flavor enters the equation and the stick is at its best.

Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by the physical properties of the two No. 4s I tried before writing this review. While the draw was clear and each puff produced a ton of smoke, the burn required constant surveillance and several touch-ups to remain even and lit. Even though I took all the appropriate measures, I couldn’t prevent canoes from forming. What’s more, the ash is flakey and unstable.

As you can imagine, these construction shortcomings are quite distracting, and they completely interfere with the smoking experience. Notwithstanding the excellent flavor, I found this Cuban to be somewhat of a disappointment – especially considering all the wonderful reviews I had read.

When you get right down to it, I would not feel comfortable paying in excess of $10 for one of these again, let alone the cigar’s commanding price. For terrific flavor and unfortunate construction, I give the Partagas Serie D No. 4 three out of five stogies.