Partagás
CubanExperienced smokersPartagás 8-9-8
The cigar that defined the Lonsdale — an elegant, classic Partagás packed in a varnished cabinet of 8-9-8.
The short answer
The Partagás 8-9-8 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Cuban lonsdale (dalias) with a Cuban wrapper. Expect cedar, leather, and coffee.
The verdict
The Partagás 8-9-8 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Partagás. It's a Cuban lonsdale (dalias) wrapped in Cuban at 6.7 in × 43.
On the palate, expect cedar, leather, and coffee, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 65 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with coffee, aged rum, and dry white wine. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Partagás 8-9-8 takes its name from the way the cigars are stacked in the cabinet: eight on the top row, nine in the middle, eight on the bottom. It's a traditional Lonsdale (Dalias) at 43 ring gauge by 6.7 inches, and it's one of the cigars that made the Lonsdale shape famous.
What it tastes like
The slimmer ring gauge gives this one a more refined, focused delivery than the fat robustos — cedar and leather lead, with coffee, earth and a measured pepper behind them. It's elegant and classically Cuban, sitting around medium to medium-full. The varnished-cabinet presentation and graceful proportions make it feel like an occasion in itself.
Who it's for
This is for the smoker who appreciates a longer, more elegant cigar and isn't chasing the biggest ring gauge. The Lonsdale shape burns a little warmer, so take it slow to keep things smooth — it's lovely with a coffee or a dry white wine. If you usually reach for thicker vitolas, this is a refined change of pace; for the fuller, fatter Partagás experience, see the Serie D No. 4, and read Cuban vs Nicaraguan for context.
Keep your cabinet organized and your notes handy with the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Partagás 8-9-8 — frequently asked
- Is the Partagás 8-9-8 a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the Partagás 8-9-8?
- The Partagás 8-9-8 is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Partagás 8-9-8 taste like?
- Expect cedar, leather, and coffee, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the Partagás 8-9-8?
- It pairs well with coffee, aged rum, and dry white wine. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Partagás 8-9-8?
- Plan on about 65 minutes for the lonsdale (dalias) — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Partagás 8-9-8 head-to-head
See how Partagás 8-9-8 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.