Initial Thoughts:
Surely you have heard of Padron cigars. The Padron family is one of the premier families in the industry, having a reputation for producing consistently high-quality cigars. One of the benefits Padron has is having their own farms in addition to the factory, so they are able to oversee the whole process from “seed to smoke”. They grow the crops, age the tobacco, and then construct the cigars all under “one roof” so to speak.
The 1926 series was introduced in 2002, the same year Jose Padron, the founder of the company, turned 75. Prior to that, they had the x000 series and the 1964 anniversary line. The 1964 line certainly cemented the company name in the premium cigar market and the 1926 line takes it a step further. The tobacco used in the 1926 cigars is aged for a minimum of 5 years.
There are five vitolas in the 1926 line: #1, #2, #6, #9, and #35. You can get any of them in either natural or maduro wrapper. There are also 40th and 80th year Anniversary cigars that fall under the 1926 umbrella, also available in natural or maduro wrappers.
Siz sent this particular sample to me. He bought it himself. With his money. From his pocket.
Looks:
The Padron 1926 #9 Maduro is a good-looking cigar, akin to a dark chocolate bar. The wrapper is dark (obviously) with one prominent vein and visible seams. There is a bumpy tooth across the surface. It is a box press cigar, with soft, rounded edges. It appears to be well packed.
The band is similar to the 1964 but with a different color scheme. The band is primarily cream with a deep red oval that has the Padron name in gold. There are other designs and text in red, white and gold on the band. Underneath the top band is the standard white and greenish Padron “ID band” that has the cigar serial number on it.
Function:
With the highly visible tooth I am expecting a bumpy feel to the wrapper. As always, I was right! Despite the bumps, there is a silky smoothness that coats the fingers as well. Also, there is really no give when squeezing the barrel. She’s a solid lass!
There are some nice aromas on the Padron 1926 #9 Maduro. I get sweet cocoa and earth off the foot. The same holds true for the barrel.
After clipping the cap, I see the draw is going to be good. I only pick up on earth notes, not the sweet cocoa I was expecting. I guess I am NOT always right after all!
Smoking:
Thankfully, the Padron 1926 #9 Maduro lights up easily and evenly. Shortly thereafter, the burn line gets a bit wavy, but it is back to even by the final third without any touchups. However, this cigar does burn a bit fast for my liking. I already smoke on the fast side so this is not ideal for me. I would not go as far to say that the draw is too open, but is close.
The ash is gray and toothy, just like the wrapper. It is solid and lasts a good 1” at a time.
Flavor:
This is not the first Padron 1926 Maduro I have smoked. Based on prior experience, I am expecting great things. I am ready to see if this #9 can match up to my expectations!
We start off with a spicy mix of black and cayenne pepper, giving a substantial blast out of the gate.
Soon, I can pick up on cocoa, earth and coffee. The finish is sweet and spicy as is the retrohale. As I near the next phase, the coffee notes begin to shine.
In the second-third, I see the coffee notes really hit their stride. They mix well with the earth and cocoa. Some salt decides to join the party, which is full on rockin at this point. The retrohale has shifted to more of a white and red pepper spice, which is a bit fragrant. Nearing the next third, some graham notes enter and the spice from the beginning starts to pick back up.
The final third continues along those lines, finishing sweet and spicy. A wood note develops and builds toward the end. The last inch or so is primarily coffee and wood, with both the sweetness and spice dying down to an afterthought.
The Padron 1926 #9 Maduro is medium-full in both strength and flavor. It has tasty array of flavors that fluctuate enough to be quite interesting throughout the smoke. My only complaint is that is did burn a little fast, lasting right at 1 hour.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes, but prefer that Siz buy it for me!
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
Not for that price.
Would I Buy a Box?
No, but only because of the price.
Conclusion
The Padron 1926 #9 Maduro is certainly a great choice for those who love rich, spicy flavor and have deep pockets. It would also be a great choice as a celebratory cigar. For those, like me, who don’t break the bank buying high-end cigars, I highly recommend something in the 1964 series.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Padron!
