AshMap
Overview
The Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts is a compelling paradox: a cigar that compresses one of Havana’s most revered blends into a format that demands precisely nothing in terms of time, yet delivers everything in terms of intensity. Born from the hallowed rolling tables of the Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás—the Real Fábrica that has operated under various names since Francisco Pérez Germán first set torch to leaf—this petit robusto is not a mere sampler or a concession to the hurried modern palate. It is, in every meaningful sense, a distillation. Where the standard Serie D No. 4 robusto unfolds its narrative over an hour or more, the Shorts condenses that same symphony into a concentrated, 40- to 50-minute performance that rewards focused attention with remarkable depth. The cigar’s lineage is unimpeachable: a Cuban puro built from Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, with a Colorado wrapper—medium-dark chestnut, lightly oily, and finely toothed—that speaks to careful aging and artisanal selection. The binder and filler draw from the full spectrum of Cuban primings—volado for combustibility, seco for aroma, and ligero for strength—all aged according to Habanos S.A. protocols. The result is a smoke that begins with an assertive charge of roasted coffee bean, raw cocoa, and deep earthy loam, punctuated by the white pepper sting that defines the Partagás house profile. As the ash lengthens, the pepper softens into leather and aged cedar; the cocoa evolves into bittersweet chocolate; a roasted walnut nuance emerges, and the smoke texture turns creamy. The final third is where the Shorts reveals its true purpose: strength climbs unabashedly, espresso and dark chocolate dominate, and a mineral, almost ferrous finish lingers long after the last puff. This is a cigar that demands respect, and it rewards those who give it. Originally released as a travel humidor exclusive and later as a regional format, the Shorts is now widely available in packs of six or boxes of ten or twenty-five, depending on market. It occupies a distinct tier in the Partagás Línea Clásica portfolio—premium in price, uncompromising in character, and arguably the finest argument for short-format Cuban cigars in existence. For the smoker who knows exactly what they want and has three-quarters of an hour to pursue it, the Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts is not a compromise; it is a declaration.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban volado and seco leaves — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban — Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban ligero, seco, and volado from Vuelta Abajo — aged per Habanos S.A. standard protocols |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás (Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, formerly Francisco Pérez Germán) |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Robusto |
| Size | 4.0 x 50 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar depending on market and duty region |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Released as part of the Línea Clásica portfolio; Habanos S.A. recommends additional box aging of 2–5 years for peak expr |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is assertive and immediate — roasted coffee bean, raw cocoa, and a deep earthy loam hit the palate within the first few draws. There is a pronounced white pepper spice on the retrohale that defines the Partagás house character. A note of dark dried fruit, fig or raisin, begins to emerge underneath the earthiness.
Second Third
The profile deepens and integrates beautifully — the pepper softens slightly and leather takes over as a structural element alongside aged cedar. The cocoa note transitions into something more like bittersweet chocolate, and a subtle nuttiness, reminiscent of roasted walnut or hazelnut, begins to show. The smoke texture becomes notably creamy at this stage.
Final Third
The final third intensifies as is characteristic of a short-format Cuban — strength climbs noticeably, earthy tobacco and espresso dominate, with lingering dark chocolate and a slightly mineral, ferrous finish. The complexity compresses into a tight, powerful conclusion. Experienced smokers will find this the most rewarding phase; novices should be prepared for the nicotine delivery.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Cuban construction is characteristically artisanal — expect an even burn with a firm, dense ash holding 1.0–1.25 inches before dropping; draw is typically ideal to slightly resistant, which actually concentrates flavor in this shorter vitola. A minor touch-up is not uncommon but rarely needed on well-rested examples.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Añejo rum — Havana Club 7 Años is the canonical pairing and a genuinely synergistic match; alternatively, a lightly peated Scotch such as Oban 14 or a well-aged Cognac like Rémy Martin XO plays beautifully against the cocoa and earth.
Wine
A structured, full-bodied Ribera del Duero Reserva — Vega Sicilia Valbuena or a Pesquera Reserva — holds up to the strength without clashing; avoid delicate Burgundy.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso — no sugar — mirrors the roasted, bitter-chocolate notes in the cigar and provides a textbook complement; alternatively, a dark Assam or Yunnan black tea with body.
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is built for the experienced smoker who has already developed a palate for full-bodied Cuban tobacco and understands that concentration does not mean diminishment. It will appeal most to those who appreciate the classic Partagás profile—earth, cocoa, pepper, leather—but find themselves constrained by time. The busy professional, the parent stealing a quiet midday moment, the traveler who wants a world-class smoke without an hour-long commitment: this is your cigar. Novices should approach with caution; the Shorts delivers a significant nicotine hit in its final third and is best reserved for those who have earned their stripes with smaller ring gauges or milder blends. For the seasoned aficionado, however, this is an essential addition to any rotation.
Bottom Line
The Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts is a masterclass in compression: every element of the legendary D4 blend is amplified, not diminished, by its smaller format. It is the definitive short smoke for the dedicated Habanos enthusiast—powerful, complex, and utterly uncompromising. If you have 45 minutes and a respect for Cuban craftsmanship, this is the cigar to smoke.
Similar Cigars
Explore all PartagáS Serie D No. 4 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts a strong cigar?
Yes, it is a full-strength cigar rated 4 out of 5. The short format concentrates the blend’s ligero content, delivering a pronounced nicotine kick—particularly in the final third. Experienced smokers will appreciate the intensity; novices should be prepared.
What does Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts taste like?
The flavor profile opens with roasted coffee bean, raw cocoa, deep earthy loam, and white pepper on the retrohale. The second third introduces leather, aged cedar, bittersweet chocolate, and roasted walnut. The final third intensifies into espresso, dark chocolate, and a mineral, ferrous finish.
How long does Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 40 to 50 minutes. The petit robusto format (4.0 x 50) is designed for a focused, shorter session without sacrificing complexity.
What is the best pairing for Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts?
An añejo rum such as Havana Club 7 Años is the canonical spirit pairing. A lightly peated Scotch like Oban 14 or a well-aged Cognac such as Rémy Martin XO also complements the cocoa and earth. For wine, a structured Ribera del Duero Reserva (e.g., Vega Sicilia Valbuena) holds up well. Non-alcoholic: a double espresso (no sugar) or a dark Assam black tea.
Is Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength cigar with significant nicotine delivery, especially in the final third. It is best suited for experienced smokers who are familiar with Cuban profiles and can handle the intensity. Beginners should start with milder, smaller-ring formats before attempting the Shorts.
Where can I buy Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts?
As a Habanos S.A. product, it is available through authorized Cuban cigar retailers, duty-free shops in select markets, and licensed online vendors that ship to your region. Availability varies by market; it was originally released as a travel humidor exclusive and later as a regional format. Check with your local Habanos specialist.
What is the price of Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts?
The price ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, depending on market and duty region. It is positioned as a premium offering within the Partagás Línea Clásica portfolio.
Is Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts worth aging?
Yes. Habanos S.A. recommends additional box aging of 2 to 5 years for peak expression. Well-rested examples often show improved integration of flavors, a slightly softer pepper, and enhanced creaminess in the smoke texture. A 3- to 4-year age window is ideal.
What wrapper does Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts use?
The wrapper is made from Cuban volado and seco leaves grown in the Vuelta Abajo region. It is a Colorado shade and color—medium-dark chestnut brown, lightly oily, with a fine tooth. This wrapper is a hallmark of the Partagás house style.
Where is Partagás Serie D No. 4 Shorts made?
It is hand-rolled in Havana, Cuba, at the Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás—also known as the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, historically operated by Francisco Pérez Germán. It is a Cuban puro, meaning all tobacco is sourced from within Cuba.