Padilla Obsidian Bellicoso Review

[craigchilds]

Padilla Obsidian Bellicoso
Size: 6 x 54
Tobacco: Honduran and Nicaraguan
Price: $3.50

The bands on these cigars announce exclusivity: it says “Padilla Limitado” and “Edicion Especial 2006”. The internet is littered with its praises. It certainly looks impressive, wrapped in a jet-black ligero leaf. Even though I’m not a big fan of most maduros, I wanted to give this one a try.

What can I say? Stay away… far, far away.

How did ye disappoint me? Let me count the ways:

Poor construction. Although I had a good initial light, this cigar went out on me twice. There was no wind to blame it on, and I gave it constant, steady attention. The cigar just went dead twice, due to places where the tobacco was very, very loose.

Lack of flavor. The cigar began ‘ok’ with smooth, mellow, earthy notes. As it burned, it got progressively stronger in terms of nicotine content, but the flavor petered out. It’s kind of odd to describe a full strength/weak flavor combination, but that’s what this cigar has.

Failed the wet finger test. Maduro tobacco is dark brown, but not black, unless it has been dyed. I licked my finger, ran it across the tip of the cigar, and sure enough, drew back a brown finger. I found the following exchange on another ClubStogie thread:


Originally Posted by nozero
…I won a Cbid on Padilla Edicion Especial ’Obsidian’ (belicoso). The first two had no problem, the third however stained my lower lip. I emailed Cbid customer service about this, and here is their reply.

"Customer service comment by: Tom Date: 6/25/2008 5:15 PM
I apologize for that sir, although they are maduro cigars, they are dyed to make them look even darker and sometimes the dye will come off. Thanks."

[pro2625]

I actually thought these were an ok smoke...Not awesome by any means but an ok maduro

[JGIORD]

Wow!!!

Very interesting, especially the dyed acknowledgment from CBID.

Well, now I know to stay away. I don't care for maduros anyway.

Thanks

[borndead1]

To me they taste great but they are damn near fireproof. Definitely NOT one of Padilla's better cigars.

[WyoBob]

I think these are pretty darned good (at $2.00/cigar). I've smoked quite a few bundles kept at 65% and they seem to smoke pretty well for me. I don't care one way or another if they're dyed. I've smoked some similarly priced cigars that I like better but these are in my regular rotation.

Believe it or not, I have smoked some "higher tier" cigars. I've enjoyed them but they fail my "bang for the buck" test. The Obsidian's pass the test. Have I had some Obsidian's that weren't as good as other's? Yes. But, this can happen with any cigar.

WyoBob

[Ratters]

Yep, I really enjoy these as well. You really got to let them sit for a coupolafew months at 65% but if you do you are rewarded with a great cigar. I'm glad I still have a bundle and change left.

[texasbadbob]

You never know when a cigar is put on the CI bandwagon wheather it's a great opening move before the cigar is "found" or they know it won't cut the mustard. I jumped on 2 bundles of this cigar when it hit the "Joe's daily deal" about a year ago. I'm still holding my breath for them to rest!

[maputo]

Wow, someone shares the exact same sentiments about this cigar as me, terrible construction and terrible taste, for me anyway. Will give it another try though down the road.

[lenguamor]

Nothing like the originals.

[Big D]

Originally Posted by Ratters

Yep, I really enjoy these as well. You really got to let them sit for a coupolafew months at 65% but if you do you are rewarded with a great cigar. I'm glad I still have a bundle and change left.

Because of him I have almost 3 bundles resting, have smoked around 10 or more and not 1 of those have left any stains.