Partagas Serie D No. 4

Size: 50 X 124 (4.9")

Shape: Robusto

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking time: 1 hour

I purchased this legendary Robusto from an online cigar company and it didn’t even make it to my humidor before I made the decision to smoke it at our local cigar hangout.  We recently made the decision to sample more of the Partagas line after having great experiences with the Serie P No. 2 and the Lusitanias.  One of the oldest Cuban brands, Partagas cigars are known for their strong and intense flavors and, based on the reputation of this smoke, I was eagerly anticipating a cacophony of Cuban flavors as I carefully cut the cap and brought it up to my nose.

The initial scent of the cigar was quite pleasurable to my nose and I noticed an earthy, woody aroma.  The pre-light draw was perfect, which I was especially pleased with considering I had recently had a very negative experience with the draw of another famous Partagas – the 8-9-8.  After toasting the foot with a wooden match (and touching it up with my Xikar lighter) I was duly rewarded with an immense amount of smoke.  My initial impression of the No. 4 was that is was fairly mild and creamy, with some hints of earth, pepper, and cedar.  I was a bit disappointed as I had read that this smoke was supposed to be medium bodied and spicy, but as with many cigars I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and allowed it to burn down at least an inch before offering too much judgment. 

The stick continued to burn great through the first half and only required intermittent touch ups; however, I found that the ash of this cigar to be flakey and not as dense as other Cubans I have smoked.  After smoking the cigar past the half-way point it really seemed to open up beautifully releasing strong notes of nuts, grass, and herbs.  Although the flavors of the cigar intensified, I would still consider this cigar to be mild to medium boded as I struggled to find much strength throughout the smoke. 

Although the Serie D No. 4. was an enjoyable smoke, I prefer a bit stronger cigar and doubt I would choose this Cuban over the R & J Short Churchill or the Monticristo Petit Edmundo (two of my favorite medium sized smokes). For me, it scores three Castros out of five.