Padron 1926 80yr Anniversary Maduro

[Rubix^3]

Padron
1926 80yr Maduro
54 x 6 3/4





Biographical Sketch
Received this cigar as a birthday present from my sister and brother-in-law. I had never had one to date, only admired them from behind the proverbial glass, and have heard lots of people on this forum sing its praises.

Ah the Padron 80yr Maduro...
What better gift could be had? If your cat were run over by your neighbor, you'd think to forgive them for a cigar such as this. Yes, it is expensive, and a near gross display of opulence during a time slated to be the 2nd great depression. And sure, a mouth full of gold teeth may turn the ladies heads faster than an 80yr maduro hanging from your clenched lip, but damn, when you smoke this thing its like 100 jaws of gold twinkling in your head. Its 70*. You're wearing sunglasses while driving a flying Cadillac through sweet puffy clouds, and you don't feel a bump.

Tastings
So its bday time and time to get down with the Padron.
Initial puffs were way smoother than expected, with absolutely no harshness, bitterness, or excessive spice. Not that that would be a bad thing, but I had fear that this was going to be a really strong and demanding cigar. It is full flavored, but not overly strong, and the flavor is very rich, complex, and elegant.


I have to resist the urge to make every breath one I pull from this cigar.



After about half-way, I am really enjoying this cigar and thinking about what I'm tasting; mainly, just about every dang flavor I can imagine enjoying in a cigar. I'm serious this thing is really complex and loaded to the gills with flavor: leather, earth, coffee, cocoa, nutty, sweet, spicy finish etc...



1/2 and I realize I am a fool for not delving into the scotch, so I grab the only bottle I have: Glenlivet 15yr French Oak Cask. The scotch pairs super nice with the Padron and really compliments the flavor, teasing them out.

Ok, I have found nirvana.

[KINGLISH]

Thanks for the good review and Happy B-day!

[dj1340]

Damn, I found myself trying to pick up the cigar and also pour myself a drink from the screen.
Great review you lucky dog!!!

[ssutton219]

Love The Review!!




Thanks!!



Shawn

[SMOKE20]

happy b day, great review

[scottw]

Sweet, I have 2 resting and am told to smoke them sooner than later before they get more age. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

[Jack Straw]

Awesome review, and love the pics!

[Koolpsych]

Nice pictures! Almost makes me want to go out and buy one (except for the crazy price!) Happy Birthday!

[Stench]

*Drool*

I really like your ashtray....what kind is it?

[Rubix^3]

Originally Posted by Stench

*Drool*

I really like your ashtray....what kind is it?

Funny thing about the ashtray, and I forgot to mention in the thread--
Both the ashtray and the hat were gifts from my wife. I don't think it is an "official" ashtray, but a spoon rest for the kitchen counter! (I think she bought it at Target) It has been beautifully re-purposed here, and it worked splendidly.
Another thing about this gift ashtray that makes it special:
as I have mentioned in various threads over the year, my wife is an avid anti-smoking advocate. In fact, when we met, she was head of a smoking cessation program at a local health clinic. While she has never accepted my argument that cigar smoking differs greatly from cigarettes, she has nonetheless tolerated my hobby, but has sworn that she would never make any purchase or gift to me to advance what she sees as a bad habit. So this "ashtray" is a beautiful symbol of her love, that despite her personal view, she accepts the fact that I get great joy from cigars, and she wanted to finally share in that. I love my wife!

[holmes711]

Great review, Eric! Love the pics and the story about your wife. Thanks!

[Frinkiac7]

I was going to buy one for my birthday as well, but I never got around to it, and now I can't bring myself to pay that much for one. Glad to know it's a great stick and you enjoyed it, man!

[Bigtotoro]

That is good livin' right there. I have a 40th waiting for my birthday in November (or maybe Halloween, orLabor Day, or...tomorrow). I can relate to use of bargain items. I have a high quality plastic, blue star shaped, Wal-Mart 4th of July salad bowl that sits outside for me.

[tx_tuff]

Great review, great cigar, great drink, very cool hat, awesome wife and family! I enjoyed it all. Thanks!

[Jimbo14]

Wow fantastic. This is a really good review. Fantastic photographs! Good story.