Padron 1926 Series Staff Review
Say what? You need an uber-premium, high-end, award-winning cigar for that big celebration but you also want it to fit into your cigar rotation for the “backyard relaxation” that you enjoy so much. Look no further… Today’s review of Padron 1926 Series will check off both of those boxes.
Not many brands in the world can stand toe to toe with Padron in terms of honors and accolades, and not just from cigar publications but from consumers and other cigar-makers alike. The Padron 1926 Series was crowned Cigar Aficionado’s prestigious ‘#1 Cigar of the Year’ in 2007. Therefore, when you light up any Padron Cigar, you should know that you are smoking something exceptional. The amount of passion and dedication to produce this product has been a long, tedious effort from the entire family and all of their devoted staff. Everything that the Padron family produces from their farm and factory in Esteli, Nicaragua is top-notch and thoughtfully cared for. The exceptional tobacco used in every cigar is slowly aged to perfection for 5-10 years, something that is noticeable while you enjoy any cigar in their lineup.
Before I begin to smoke my Padron 1926 Series No. 9 – a “chunky” Robusto measuring in at 5 ¼ x 56, but feels perfectly balanced in the hand – I think to myself just how satisfying smoking a cigar can be, not just to me but also to the people who have spent lifetimes building their brands from scratch. The dark, Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper is nearly flawless, with a clean cap, small vein structure and tight seems. With a clean cut of the cap and a half-dozen cold draws, you will instantly know you are in for a true treat. You can quickly detect full notes of leather, cocoa and nuts with a hint of turmeric. As I light up, the easy draw lets me fill the room with thick clouds of smoke accompanied by an enjoyable aroma. Through the first third of smoking, you can begin to sense a tart, almost cherry-like undertone that mixes well with the full-bodied Nicaraguan blend. All things are status quo for my 1926 at the mid-way point, in terms of burn, ash and temperature; this always seems to be the case when you have a Padron in hand… Once my cigar rounds into the final third things really start to evolve with some coffee and ginger flavors that comingle with the nuttiness and tart cherry mentioned earlier. This has to be one of the most complex cigars available.
As I nearly smoke this down to a nub, I take a moment to think about Jose Orlando Padron who passed away only a few months ago. Being around the cigar industry for nearly 15 years, I had the chance to meet him on more than a handful of occasions, and let me tell you, he had a handshake that portrayed loyalty, a smile that was welcoming, and a laugh that was contagious. As cigar smokers, we should all be thankful that Mr. Padron – a legend in the industry for well over 50 years – dedicated his life to producing premium cigars for all of us to enjoy. Even more importantly is that fact he did it while sharing those handshakes, smiles and laughs with whom he loved most: his family and friends.
