As for flavor, you’re typical Padron with leathery accents and a sharp spiciness that is characteristic of good Nicaraguan tobacco.  There are similarities to the rest of the 1926 line, it seems to me that the flavors were more pronounced, more concentrated.  I see this is a good thing, especially if you're ready for them.  I was surprised by the lack of variance in the flavor as well.  It's hard to make a perfecto cigar, it's even harder to make the flavor of that cigar consistent throughout.

As all Padron Anniversary cigars, the 80th Anniversary Perfecto was treated to perfect construction.  The gray white ash hangs on the end of this cigar as though it never wants to leave.  During the time I smoked both cigars, I was haunted by the sensation that I had tasted this flavor profile before…in a non Padron cigar. Unfortunately, it never came to my aging mind, and I am left wondering where the familiarity came from. The good news is I have a few of these left, and can try and spark my memory again.  I look forward to the challenge.

In the story of the hammer that I referenced earlier, Jose Orlando Padron says:

“In 1962, I arrived in Miami, an unknown city in a foreign land. I had to start from zero. At first, I received $60 monthly, as government aid given to Cuban refugees. I was thirty-six years old, strong, and in good health. Every time I cashed that check, I felt like a burden on the country that had taken me in. For many days, I looked for a job and did not find one. Every night, I went home and thought of the future. I was determined to do something so that I could support my family. “

1962 was only 46 years ago.  In that short time Mr. Padron accomplished the goals he laid out in the story of the hammer.  And that ladies and gentlemen is a benefit for everybody who enjoys a good cigar.