Welcome back everyone!  Today we will review two Robusto offerings from the Padilla line:  the affordable Cazadores Robusto and the more expensive Dominus Robusto.  Before we crack those open, let’s get a little background on the company itself. 

The Padilla Cigar Company is based on the world famous Calle Ocho in Miami and was formed in 2003 by brothers Ernesto and Carlos Padilla.  Although Ernesto was born in Havana, Cuba, and learned about cigars through his father’s love for them, it wasn’t until he worked with Tabacalera Perdomo’s marketing department in Miami that he really got an understanding of the industry.  He eventually decided to venture on his own to pursue his own line of cigars.

Padilla prides themselves on being a boutique brand that produces limited quantities of high-end cigars.  By working with industry legends such as Don Pepin Garcia, Padilla has been successful in making premium cigars that have earned much praise throughout the smoking world.

Padilla Cazadores Robusto

The Padilla Cazadores line is somewhat of a breath of fresh air for cigar lovers affected by the bad economy as it is a quality cigar at a budget price.  In case you were wondering about the name, cazadores translated to English means hunters. Although I was unable to find out exactly why the name was chosen for this stick, at least now you know what it means.  The Cazadores is considered to be a medium-bodied cigar and is handmade in Honduras.

The Padilla Cazadores Robusto measures 5x50.  The line also comes in four other sizes:  the 6x50 Toro, the 6x52 Torpedo, the 6x60 Toro Gordo, and the 7x48 Churchill.  It’s composed of a blend of aged Nicaraguan long fillers, a Nicaraguan binder, and an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. 

By just looking at it, you wouldn’t think that the Cazadores Robusto was a “value” cigar.  The cigar itself is very attractive thanks to its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that gives it a dark brown color and an oily sheen.  There are a few veins running throughout the body, and feeling the cigar you can tell that it is well-packed.  There is a large, attractive band near the head of the cigar.  The band is a blend of black, gold, and red colors that intertwine to make a classy design around the logo.  Padilla Fabrica de Tabacos is imprinted on the band as well as the cigar’s Cazadores name.  Prior to lighting the cigar has a scent and cold taste of cedar.