Padron 1926 40th Anni Torpedo

[Bigtotoro]

As part of my continuing journey down an increasingly accelerating mountain, I've tasted quite a few lovely (and some not so) bits of tobaccy along the way. I've sampled all up and down the price chart and have agreed with the masses on some and gone against conventional wisdom on others. Recently, on the "super premium" level I've loved an Opus, loved +.02 an Anejo, and nearly launched a GOF Don Carlos over the fence in disgust. This is another one of the big ones, folks. I've been watching this one for several months now and can hardly wait. I SHOULD have had this one on Labor Day (as per the results of the poll), but the day conspired against me. With the temperature here in Houston down to a manageable level and with a fire burning in the fire pit, its time to put her to the test.

Pre-light, I take a minute to admire the fine construction. Padron are known for this and this girl is no exception. I'm never quite sure about cutting a torpedo. If there is a sweet spot, I've yet to find it. Pre-light draw is all mild cocoa and creamy coffee. I toast the foot and fire her up and find that my first impressions are right on. Very smooth but with a bounty of flavor. I also note a tight draw which worries me a bit. After about 10 minutes I cut her again and the draw improves immeasureably. Like I said, apparently I don't know how to cut a torpedo, but I digress. Improved draw improves smoke volume and overall experience. I am detecting light notes of what I can only describe as smelling of hay in the smoke. This is not at all unpleasant.

Midway home now and the original notes have added a mild floral bouquet to the melody. Everything is perfectly balanced and in harmony. No parts overpowering the other. My lighter sits on the table untouched since first light. The burn is flawless and Mr. Ronson has the rest of the night off. I throw another piece of wood on the fire. I am content.

Finishing up and the cigar is still firm to the touch and cool in the hand. The balance of flavors is still in tact and I am sad this is coming to an end. Total smoking time is about 100 minutes.

This is refined and elegant smoke. It did not wallop me with flavor, but the flavor was fantastic, nonetheless. A very generous brother gifted me with an 80th, and I very much look forward to hunting down the 64 40th and 80th when Christmas shopping is done.

This has been kind of a rough year. My wife had a medical scare in May and the days have been full of stress from work and other things. But let the record show that on the evening of the 17th of October, I was good.

[azpostal]

Thanks for the excellent review! I love the Anni lines but never had the 40th or 80th. I guess now I know they're worth the $$.

[smokin nightly]

Excellent review Patrick! I am going to pick one of these up today!

[tobacmon]

First let me start by saying I hope all is great with your wife and family. I enjoy anything Padron puts on the shelf and must say the 80th. anny. maddy is a favorite of mine. Although I can get a box of the X000's for what I'd pay for a few 80th. that is the only down fall.

Very nice review--keep on smoking!

[commonsenseman]

Very nice review Patrick! Well written, I felt like I was there with you!

[bdw1984]

one of the best cigars out there... the 80th is also a must smoke and so is the new 45th family reserve... great review!

[ekengland07]

Thanks for the review. Everytime I see a review for them it's always positive. I've been eyeing these for some time, but never pulled the trigger. Just gotta do it.

[rajuabju]

Great review... the 40th is one of the few Padron's I have no yet tried, but its high on my list....

[sboyajian]

I personally think the 40th is the best one in the lineup (haven't had the 45th yet), but I prefer the 40th over the 80th.

[Bigtotoro]

I have a 45th that I found a week or two ago. I had never heard of it but a quick click-click-click on the iPhone Google told me it was destined to be mine. And it was. I'll let him sit for a fair spell as he is really new. And like I said, I'll be picking up the 64 40/80 when Santa permits.

[Dangle]

Sounds fantastic

[kellzey]

I picked up one (based on this review) and have it aging...

Saving it for a future treat.

It smelled so yummy when I purchased it, I wanted to eat it...