In the case of the maduro Padron Serie 1926 80th Anniversary Perfecto, Cigar Aficionado gave it a “95″, one of their highest ratings.  They were spot on, if not a little conservative!

This cigar is the first ever perfecto shape from Padron, created to commemorate the 80th birthday of the patriarch and founder in 1964 of Padron cigars, Jose Padron.  I strongly recommend you go to the Padron website and read the story of “the hammer” by Jose Orlando Padron.  It will give you a feel for the drive of this family, and their quest to do the right thing.  This is reflected beautifully in the Padron Serie 1926 80th Anniversary Perfecto.

I had the chance to smoke a couple of these while I was traveling in Florida.  I can’t say I expected much to be different than the normal maduro 1926 line.  The look was similar, the bands were similar, and the hype was, well similar. Frankly, I thought this was something from the Padron family created just to keep their name out there.  I should have known better.  I promise never to underestimate Jorge, Jose, Orlando and the rest of the family again…scouts honor.

This is a complex smoke…it is also a strong smoke. Sneaky strong for that matter. The shape of this cigar can condense the strength, and if you aren’t careful it will sneak up and deliver a knockout punch.  As I sat at an outdoor café enjoying this cigar and a couple Dominican Presidente beers, I neglected the fact that I had not eaten for quite some time.  This was a big mistake.  I have probably smoked every line of cigars that has come out in the last ten years, and I can count on one hand the ones that left me a bit light headed.  Well, add one more to the list.  As I finished this cigar I quickly recognized the error of my ways and started ordering some food.  While this helped it left me with a strong cigar bars.  I suppose as adding to the Dominican Presidente beer count didn't help matters either.  Oh well, I took a cab here, and I'll be taking a cab home.