Okay, bear with me guys as this is my first cigar review and I'm still refining my palette. Sorry, no pictures as I lit this up at 9pm tonight and smoked it on my back deck in the dark.
Backstory: This is my first Padron. I don't know if its normal for this brand, or if this store just didn't move too many of these (it was on the very bottom shelf), but the cello was a yellowish-brown. Many people have said these are only good with some age on them. That said, particular one has sat in my humidor for exactly 4 months until I lit it up tonight.
First third: Cut and light was easy with my Wolff v-cutter and executive lighter. The draw was what I would describe as 'perfect' - just the right amount of resistance. As soon as I got into the first third of this cigar, the predominant flavors were a slightly sweet woodsy and a really present cocoa flavor. I could tell this thing was going to be good. The cocoa flavors were pulling at my taste buds so hard that I put the cigar down, ran inside, and rummaged through my cupboard for a Caramilk bar. I don't usually start eating chocolate bars with my cigars, but after a couple of squares, it really brought out the flavors in this thing.
Second third: I ashed the first third which had a solid burn. Into the second third the strength developed into a solid medium in my opinion. The same woodsy and cocoa flavors were there, but with a slightly more tannic aftertaste.
Last third: I made the mistake of rushing the last third a little but as the wind was picking up and the temperatures were falling. As a result, I wasn't getting the same notes from the cigar and it was burning a little too hot, thus affecting the flavors and getting slightly bitter.
Overall for my first Padron, I loved it! I can't wait to start exploring the other lines and eventually getting into the 1926 and 1964 series, but probably after I pick up a 5-pack of these. IMO, this is the 'quintessential' classic cigar and the reason I enjoy this hobby of ours so much. I'm glad I picked this out of my humidor and I suggest if you haven't had one in awhile, you re-visit it. If you haven't tried one, I suggest it highly, especially for the reasonable price.
Regards,
Randy
Backstory: This is my first Padron. I don't know if its normal for this brand, or if this store just didn't move too many of these (it was on the very bottom shelf), but the cello was a yellowish-brown. Many people have said these are only good with some age on them. That said, particular one has sat in my humidor for exactly 4 months until I lit it up tonight.
First third: Cut and light was easy with my Wolff v-cutter and executive lighter. The draw was what I would describe as 'perfect' - just the right amount of resistance. As soon as I got into the first third of this cigar, the predominant flavors were a slightly sweet woodsy and a really present cocoa flavor. I could tell this thing was going to be good. The cocoa flavors were pulling at my taste buds so hard that I put the cigar down, ran inside, and rummaged through my cupboard for a Caramilk bar. I don't usually start eating chocolate bars with my cigars, but after a couple of squares, it really brought out the flavors in this thing.
Second third: I ashed the first third which had a solid burn. Into the second third the strength developed into a solid medium in my opinion. The same woodsy and cocoa flavors were there, but with a slightly more tannic aftertaste.
Last third: I made the mistake of rushing the last third a little but as the wind was picking up and the temperatures were falling. As a result, I wasn't getting the same notes from the cigar and it was burning a little too hot, thus affecting the flavors and getting slightly bitter.
Overall for my first Padron, I loved it! I can't wait to start exploring the other lines and eventually getting into the 1926 and 1964 series, but probably after I pick up a 5-pack of these. IMO, this is the 'quintessential' classic cigar and the reason I enjoy this hobby of ours so much. I'm glad I picked this out of my humidor and I suggest if you haven't had one in awhile, you re-visit it. If you haven't tried one, I suggest it highly, especially for the reasonable price.
Regards,
Randy
