D No.5
The D No.5 is a factory size, commonly referred to as a Petit Robusto. In the Cuban cigar industry, the vitola de galera dictates the physical dimensions rolled on the factory floor, whereas the vitola de salida is the commercial name printed on the box. This format offers the substantial 50 ring gauge associated with traditional robustos but presents it in a shorter 110mm (4 3/8 inch) length, delivering a concentrated expression for brief smoking windows.
Partagás Serie D No.5, rolled in the D No.5 size
Defining the D No.5
The physical format is defined by a 50 ring gauge (19.84 mm diameter) and a length of 110 mm. Its shape is a straight-sided parejo, which ensures a consistently open, generous draw and dense smoke production. The typical smoking duration falls between 30 and 45 minutes, making it highly practical for modern smoking habits.
Because the cigar is shorter than a standard robusto, the combustion reaches the palate more directly. This structure often makes the blend feel slightly more immediate in its delivery of strength and primary tasting notes.
Prominent examples in production
Habanos S.A. formally introduced the D No.5 as a regular production size in 2011 with the Partagás Serie D No.5. It was initially previewed as a Limited Edition in 2008. The format captures the heavy, earth-driven profile of Partagás in a concentrated timeframe, effectively serving as a shorter counterpart to the iconic Serie D No.4.
In 2017, the size was adopted by Quai d'Orsay for its No.50. This release marked a repositioning of the brand, offering a mild, approachable profile dominated by cedar and light cream. Despite sharing identical physical dimensions, the Quai d'Orsay No.50 provides a starkly different smoking experience to the Partagás, illustrating how the D No.5 format accommodates both intense and delicate tobacco blends.
Specifications and comparisons
The D No.5 sits within a cluster of robusto-adjacent sizes. It is most frequently compared to the standard Robusto (vitola de galera: Robustos), which shares the 50 ring gauge but measures 124 mm in length.
D No.5 — Common Name: Petit Robusto — Ring Gauge: 50 — Length (mm): 110 — Length (in): 4 3/8 — Shape: Parejo — Typical Smoking Time: 30–45 mins
Robustos — Common Name: Robusto — Ring Gauge: 50 — Length (mm): 124 — Length (in): 4 7/8 — Shape: Parejo — Typical Smoking Time: 45–60 mins
Petit Robustos — Common Name: Petit Robusto — Ring Gauge: 50 — Length (mm): 102 — Length (in): 4 — Shape: Parejo — Typical Smoking Time: 25–40 mins
*Note: The 'Petit Robustos' galera size is distinct from the D No.5, being 8mm shorter. It is used for cigars such as the Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills.*
How does the D No.5 age?
Due to its thick ring gauge, the D No.5 ages remarkably well in controlled conditions. The Partagás Serie D No.5, in particular, benefits from three to five years of rest. This period allows the robust blend to settle, smoothing out youthful edges while retaining its core strength. We advise maintaining these cigars in humidor conditions of 65–68% relative humidity to ensure an optimal draw.
When evaluating boxes of D No.5 cigars for ageing, always inspect the box code stamped on the base. This provides the factory and month of production, which is essential data for collectors tracking specific vintage periods. We also recommend verifying all purchases through established authenticity protocols to avoid fake Cuban cigars. Look for the English Market Selection (EMS) stamp as a guarantee that the box has passed strict UK quality controls and has been stored correctly upon import.
At MokaCigar
Our humidor frequently holds both current and vintage examples of this vitola. The Partagas Serie D No.5 provides the quintessential robust experience for which the factory is known. For those seeking a lighter morning or early afternoon option, the Quai D'Orsay No.50 is an exceptional choice. We also occasionally acquire stock of the original Partagas Serie D No.5 Limited Edition 2008 for our house reserve.
Browse our current selection of Partagás and Quai d'Orsay to view availability and specific box dates.