54 x 6 (box-pressed toro)
Filler – Nicaragua
Binder – Nicaragua
Wrapper – Nicaragua Sun-Grown
Price - $13
Introduced to the market in 1994 to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary, the line consists in 10 vitolas both in sun-grown and maduro wrappers. The cigars are all box-pressed in Cuban fashion, and are rolled with 4 year aged tobacco. The band is actually made from 2 bands, overwrapped, the inner one stamped with an individual numbered guarantee in order to prevent counterfeiting.
http://www.padron.com/
As I inspect this cigar, I appreciate a rough looking, yet oily and beautifully colored wrapper. The wrapper leaf smells of earth, cocoa and cinnamon; while the foot gives much stronger hints of cocoa, as well others of vanilla and coffee. Once cut, the cigar gave a looser draw than I’d like to; while the pre-light draw gives notes of cocoa, vanilla and white pepper.
Once lit, the cigar gave a fantastic, rich, thick, white smoke. The first notes were of nuts. A mild cigar mostly, at this point. Yet after a few puffs, it went for the medium/full body, giving strong notes of coffee as well as pepper notes with a creamy aftertaste. Suddenly the profile changed to give notes of sweet vanilla and roasted nuts; though after a few more puffs (halfway into the first 3rd) it blends with the returning notes of coffee and pepper. A complex, yet satisfying beginning.
The cigar showed a gorgeous, white, solid ash, with a few minor burn issues which corrected on their own, thankfully. Soon after this, the ash fell. At 2” into the cigar. The second 3rd gave a much smoother smoke, with notes of roasted nuts and molasses; along with vanilla and white pepper. The ash fell at 2 ¼” the second time. The final 3rd gave notes of roasted nuts, earth and vanilla, with a cocoa aftertaste.
Appearance – 4 stars due to a rough looking wrapper (even though the band’s gorgeous)
Construction – 3 ½ stars due to loose draw and minor burn issues
Flavor – 5 stars
Overall – 4 stars. Fantastic cigar with a marvelous taste profile, yet lacking in construction (though still above average). Gorgeous looking band. If ye can get yer hands in one, don’t hesitate. They’re worth the bread.[FONT="][/FONT]
