Padron 1926 Serie - 80 Years

[rajuabju]

First, I want to say thanks to Dave aka N3UKA for the fabulous deal on a box of these. I just got them and I couldn't wait to smoke one. Padron has become my absolute favorite brand of cigar, and I’ve now tried pretty much all the lines except for the 40th.

Let me just say, this cigar is simply perfection. I wish I had taken pics along the way, but I just didn’t want to disrupt the pure pleasure of the smoke by stopping and snapping photos. I felt it would almost be disrespectful.

For all you Scotch lovers, I enjoyed this smoke along with a healthy pour of Glenrothes 85. What a pairing.

I’m not a professional reviewer, and I don’t have the advanced palate the other have, but here’s my take:

Construction: Literally perfect.
Draw: Simply flawless.
Burn: Impeccably even.

Now obviously, Padron cigars are known for having superior construction, draw and burn. But the 80th is just a cut above all else. I’ve smoked other cigars from the 1926 line, and the 1964 Imperials are among by favorite, but this cigar surpasses them all, and truthfully, it’s a noticeable difference. I guess for a retail price of around $30/stick (or higher), it better be! On to the actual experience, in detail:

The cigar lit up with minimal effort. Few puffs and I was ready to go! First impression was the smoke @ lighting. Thick. Strong. Potent. Sweet tobacco. Smelled like a Padron, right off the bat. Initial taste was of incredibly smooth leather. The leathery taste was strong at first, then slowly faded into the background as the smoke went on, but was definitely there, persistent in its quality throughout the entire experience. The first 1/3 of the smoke took me less than 20 minutes, I feel like I may have been so excited to try this cigar that I took too many puffs, although it never really overheated to affect the taste or smells.

Soon after, nuts and cedar. I want to say spicy peanuts , toast, charred cedar. They blended together so well it was unbelievable. A heavy smoke. Maduro. Padron. I really took my time here and enjoyed the Glenrothes more as well. The immensely complex Scotch, with hints of cedar, orange honey was a wonderful contrast for me. I spent a good half hour, maybe a bit longer, on the middle portion of the cigar. The evenness of the burn, uniformity of the draw (which produced quite a lot of smoke) was spectacular.

A lot of the times, I’m disappointed with the last third of a cigar. Often becomes harsher. Not so here! I’m not sure whether it was a matter of me simply having been smoking for 45 minutes and coming to truly know this beautiful cigar, or what, but it actually seemed to lighten a tad. It would still never be considered anything other than a full-bodied cigar, but it was almost as if my Padron knew I was going to need some help to get to the finish line, and quickly complied by opening up a bit. The leathery tastes became more prevalent again, along with some hints cocoa / coffee (again pairing so well with my Glenrothes). A true flourish at the finish.

As I finished, 1 hour and 20 minutes after I had started, I was truly in a state of awe. A smile on my face. My fiancé actually asked me why I was smiling.

I have to state that this was simply by far and away the best cigar I have EVER had. Period. Unbelievably complex yet so smooth and delicious. It’s also the most expensive. It could never be a regular smoke, but its also not designed to be. That’s what the other Padron lines are for. And they are all great. I'm hopeful to try the 40th Anniversary sometime soon.

Anyhow, I’ve got 7 more, which will be saved for the wedding next year, maybe. Ok probably not. Hopefully I still have one left by then.

[commonsenseman]

Thanks for the review! I have one of these patiently waiting to be lit, hopefully soon!!!

[n3uka]

Great review. Glad you enjoyed it

[smokin nightly]

WOW! Seems like it was great...thanks for the review!

[LibertyToad]

It's about impossible to go wrong with any of the Padron's. They're my favorite too.

Very nice review.

[smelvis]

Great review I envy you that was a great review and a great deal on the box, Right place right time, That's probably the only time I really wish I had seen it first. LOL Been looking they don't come on sale as far as I can find. Enjoy Dude!

[DaReallyPoGigolo]

Wow, sounds like a pretty life changing experience, as far as cigars go. I almost bought one in Vegas, until I saw that they were asking $80 for them at the Rio where I found them.

[danmcmartin]

I have a plain old 1926 settling in, and smoked a 1964 the other day. The 80th is on my Christmas list. Sounds awesome. Thanks!!

[jorgito]

Thanks for the review, these are on my hitlist for sure.

[RBGTAG]

Great review, and I have to second the wish list. My first similar experience was with a Padron 1964 Exclusivo Maduro. I smoked it till the fingers burned. Never turned harsh or hot. I haven't tried the 40th or 80th yet. Will be on my list for sure.

Thanks for the review.

Scott

[Mitch]

I have heard a lot of good stuff about the 1926. Some day when I have money I will try it, until then I will dream.