Padron 1926:Robusto:Natural

So with all cigar blogs, if One has the Padron 1964, one must have the 26'. The 26 is usually mostly preferred of the 2. I can't agree with this statement. In my opinion The 64' is slightly better than its $20 counter-part.



SPECS-
Size: Robusto 5 x 50
Wrapper:Nicaraguan
Binder:Nicaraguan
Filler:Nicaraguan

Smoke Time: 50 mins
Drink: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Price:$18.80
Cut:Punch/Guillotine



FIRST IMPRESSIONS-Padron's rollsmenship is always consistent. They always make the best sticks. Nicely packed, robust for their size, smooth to the touch with tiny veins. And a stiffness that can only be challenged by a lead pipe, this 26's is no exception. The wrapper was a touch spicy with a sweet straw aroma. The foot smelt of slight earth intertwined with the wrappers scent. The draw was spectacular. This will be a long ash cigar, no doubt.

FIRST THIRD-The first inch of this cigar is powerful. I will even go out to say this stick is stronger than the Opus X,to me anyways. The first initial spice is good though, its very similar to Andy Capp's Hot Fries. This spice makes you pay attention to the cigar. But once that spice subdues some, you get introduced to sweet mocha notes that remain nicely on the palate.

SECOND THIRD-My favorite part. The mocha us joined with a different chocolate taste, one of slightly bitter chocolate which is a pleasure, this flavored is easily contrasted by the slight nuttiness that is being introduced. The nut flavor is nice and crisp, almost like almonds. The spice is still a reminder of how full flavored this smoke is. but its delightful and smooth on that palate.

LAST THIRD- The ash is holding on just amazingly. This is a long ash cigar through and through. The spice starts to pick up a little more here bring along more of a leather overtone as the tar builds up sum, but it doesn't effect at all the burnline or the pleasure of the smoke. The rum is complementing this cigar quite well. It brings small hints of vanilla wafer to a cigar, a taste I did not expiriece when I smoke this cigar by itself. Along with the spice the vanilla is adjoined with cedar and anise, giving the smoke a nice crisp taste. As the burn gets down to the band the cigar is loosing its steam. It's flavor slowly starting to descend to more of a natural tobacco taste. I soon let go of the cigar,it was good while it lasted.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS- This is a good cigar, but not an outstanding smoke. For the $18 dollars asked you can get much finner smokes that give more pleasure like its sibling the 64' usually a whole $8 dollars cheaper. There's a trend with super-premium cigars being spawned from their high range counterparts. For example the Ashton VSG vs. the ESG. But that's another 2 reviews.

Rating-87
Buy It Again? Yes, but not anytime soon
Recommended? Yes, but not this ring gauge, there's smaller and cheaper sizes of the 26's that offer a similar taste for $8-$3 cheaper.

Padron 1964: Anniversary: Natural

So here's my first entry into Cigar Reviewing. So big question here. How do you start your first review? Or better yet which cigar will you start off with? Do you go all out and review a superb and rare stogie? Or do you start small with a common day smoke. I choose neither. I choose one of my favs. A Padron 1964. So come on in, into cigar reviewing amateurism.

SPECS:
Size: Exclusivo 5.5 x 50
Wrapper:Nicaragua
Binder:Nicaragua
Filler:Nicaragua
Smoke Time: 40 mins.

Drink:Starbucks Mocha Iced Coffee.
Cost-$11.50

Cut: Punch/Guillotine
Touch-Up: Minimal 2-3 Times.

FIRST IMPRESSION-This stogie is gorgeous up close. Very minimal veins, oily wrapper with a impressive cap, Padron never disappoints. This isn't a very heavy stick at all for its size, yet its firm to the touch with no soft spots or lumps. The double band looks very classy and its interesting to see how all of the stick are individually numbered. The wrapper and foot smelt of a light barnyard smell, with hints of cereal grains, with wheat being the most prevalent one. The cap was punched evenly and flawlessly with no cracks on such a small punching space. The pre-light draw tasted like cereal, with such a nice and airy draw it reminded me of corn flakes. Enjoyable non-the-less.

First Third-The Stick took to the flame very well, Lots of thick and creamy smoke. The cigar is shaping up to be an incredible and joyous smoke. Hints of a floral accent and sweet nuts keep you interested in the cigar, the smoke isn't overwhelming at all. The ash is very tight and semi wavy, This is deff going to be a long ash cigar.

Second Third-The flavor profile is picking up some. The floral tastes, are accompanied now by sweet leather, hints of mocha, and grain. Smoke still bellows from the stick,very slight pepper when retro haled, not much of a punch with this one and I like that. Flavors are smooth and well blended with no flavor being more prevalent than the other one. Ash is still strong except now its getting a bit spotted. Construction once again is Flawless.

Final Third-It's a shame to see this cigar getting into its last stretch. It's been such an enjoyable experience. Especially now in its final third. All the hints of flowers have now fallen letting the Creaminess of Buttermilk and mocha that laces the tongue in velvet. The sweetness and strenght of the cigar have amped up a bit, which makes the cigar so hard to put down. The ash fell about half inch before reaching the band when I was reaching for my phone to take a picture. But the ash that remains is still strong and not one bit cloudy, just a few cracks.
Putting it down was difficult but I was impressed on how little of the cigar was left and yet it burnt strong, no harsh flavors, or any ash defect. This Cigar is a winner every time, with less than a inch left I had to say my goodbyes.


Final Impressions-This one was my third sampling into the Padron 1964 series and the best. Even though its price keeps it from being an everyday smoke, its magnificent. I'm glad this cigar isn't cheaper. Such a smooth and high-grade product should truly be enjoyed in a special occasion to make the evening truly memorable. I smoked this in an ordinary day, and the cigar it self highlighted the whole day. Strong ash, great flavor, and a reasonable price point for such an incredible smoke. Some people prefer the Padron 1926, but so far, no 26' has knocked my socks off more than this particular stogie. Deff pay a visit to your local B&M and give these a try in case you haven't so already.

Rating-95
Buy It Again? Deff!
Recommended? Highly