About the Partagas Series D No. 4 Reserve L. E. 2005
Partagas has anchored Havana’s tobacco tradition since 1845, and its Serie D No. 4 robusto stands among the most celebrated formats the brand produces. The Reserva 2005 took that benchmark and elevated it. Unveiled in March 2005 during Havana’s annual cigar festival, this special edition was filled with leaves matured for a minimum of three years and dressed with a hand-selected wrapper. It arrived in numbered black lacquered boxes of 20, marked by a distinctive second band in black and silver, and Cigar Aficionado placed it at number five on its Top 25 of the year with a score of 92.
Flavor profile by thirds
From the first inch this robusto announces itself with a peppery jolt softened by rich Cuban sweetness, the kind of creamy, earthy character that defines a good Partagas. Through the middle the spice settles into a balanced core of oak and cedar, joined by roasted nut tones and a faint cocoa undercurrent. The final third brings the leathery, decadent depth that reviewers compared to the storied Serie Ds of the late 1980s and early 1990s, finishing long, warm, and unmistakably powerful.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak sweetness echoes the cigar’s nutty core.
- A peaty single malt Scotch that stands up to the full body and amplifies the leather and earth.
- A dark, full roast espresso to mirror the cocoa and spice without overwhelming the palate.
Aging and storage
Although the Reserva 2005 was already built on well-rested tobacco, full-bodied Partagas blends reward patience. Keep it at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature near 18 to 20 degrees Celsius inside a seasoned humidor. Time tends to round the sharper edges of the pepper and let the cedar and sweetness integrate, so a cigar like this only grows more refined the longer it rests undisturbed.
Who it is for
This is a smoke for the seasoned aficionado who craves intensity and a piece of Habanos history in equal measure. Newcomers may find the strength demanding, so it suits a palate already comfortable with full-bodied Cuban tobacco. Collectors will value the limited numbered presentation, while anyone who appreciates the classic Partagas backbone will recognise an exceptional example of the marca at its peak.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Partagas Series D No. 4 Reserve L. E. 2005?
It is a robusto measuring 4 7/8 inches, about 124 millimetres, with a 50 ring gauge.
How strong is this cigar?
It is full-bodied, with a powerful, spicy, leathery character that is best suited to experienced smokers.
What makes the Reserva 2005 different from the standard Serie D No. 4?
The Reserva was a limited edition built on tobacco aged a minimum of three years, presented in numbered black lacquered boxes of 20 with a special black and silver second band, and it earned a place on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 for 2005.
Explore more
Browse all Partagas cigars, see our Partagas price guide, or try the Partagas Serie P 2 and Partagas Serie D No. 4. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from its Cigar Aficionado rating, Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.