Partagás 898 Varnished: The Cabinet Selection Classic
There is a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from opening a varnished cabinet of Partagás 898 — the lacquered finish catching the light just so, revealing three neat rows of eight cigars arranged with the precision a marque like this deserves. The Partagás 898 Varnished is not simply another vitola in the catalogue; it is a study in restraint and tradition, a cigar that distills everything the brand represents into a slender 170mm × 43 ring gauge frame. For the experienced smoker who appreciates a longer, cooler draw and a blend that unfolds gradually rather than announcing itself immediately, the 898 remains one of the most rewarding choices in Habanos' regular production lineup.
The "898" designation refers to the arrangement inside the cabinet — eight cigars across, nine if you count the divider, eight deep — though most enthusiasts know it more for the extended smoking time it offers than for the arithmetic. This is a cigar built around patience.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
The opening third sets the Partagás signature clearly within reach: dry earth and cedar dominate, with a peppery prickle on the lips and the tip of the tongue that signals the blend's vigour without overwhelming the palate. Within the first centimetre of ash, a subtle sweetness emerges beneath the spice — something close to toasted almond or cocoa husk — that tempers the sharper edges and gives the smoke a rounded, savoury quality. The draw on a well-stored 898 is characteristically open for a 43 ring gauge, producing voluminous smoke that carries flavour efficiently along the length of the cigar.
As the second half develops, the blend deepens. Black pepper returns more insistently, joined by espresso bitterness and a leathery undertone that recalls aged tobacco leaf stored properly over several years. The finish is long and dry, leaving a residual warmth in the nose and a faint mineral quality on the palate. Slowing down here pays dividends — the 898 rewards a relaxed pace with increasing complexity rather than heat.
Construction
Hand-rolled in the Partagás factory in Havana, the 898 Varnished benefits from the long filler tradition that defines Cuba's premier marcas. The wrapper is typically colorado to colorado-maduro, slightly oily to the touch, with fine veins running along a cap trimmed to Laguito No. 1 specifications. Burn performance is generally even, though as with all hand-made Cubans, a touch-up is occasionally warranted. The ash holds firmly for the first inch or two, tapering to a grey-white column that reflects proper fermentation.
Pairing Suggestions
The 898's medium-full profile and extended duration make it an excellent companion to a single malt whisky with some age — think a Speyside 18-year or a gently peated Highland pour. Alternatively, a dark aged rum complements the cigar's sweeter mid-palate without clashing with the earth-and-leather core. Coffee enthusiasts should consider a double espresso taken midway through, when the blend's bitterness peaks.
Value Proposition
As a regular production vitola presented in a varnished cabinet, the 898 occupies a particular niche: accessible enough for the committed enthusiast, yet distinctive enough to merit cellaring. No specific pricing is provided here, but the cigar's longevity — both in smoking duration and aging potential — positions it among the more considered purchases in the Partagás portfolio. Boxes laid down for three to five years typically show noticeable integration.
About the Brand
Founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagás y Ravell, Partagás is one of the oldest continuously operating cigar brands in the world. The factory, located in Havana, has produced some of Cuba's most iconic blends. The brand is distributed internationally through Habanos S.A. and sources its tobacco primarily from the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río. Read more about the marque's history on Wikipedia's Partagás article.
Storage Recommendations
Store the 898 Varnished at 65–70% relative humidity and 18–20°C. The varnished cabinet should be opened periodically during seasoning to allow moisture exchange. Avoid fluctuations above 75% RH, which risk swelling the wrapper at the head. For long-term aging, a stable environment is more valuable than a precise one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Partagás 898 suitable for a newer smoker?
The 898's longer format provides a cooler, more forgiving smoke than shorter robustos, but its medium-full strength may challenge those accustomed to milder cigars. Approach with readiness rather than caution.
What distinguishes the varnished cabinet from standard dress boxes?
The varnished finish seals the wood more thoroughly, reducing moisture exchange between the cigars and the external environment. This suits the 898's aging-oriented presentation but means the cabinet benefits from opening every few weeks.
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