August 1, 2025 and available in Natural and Maduro, the Padrón Ruby Red Exclusive Edition was made to commemorate Two Guys Smoke Shop’s 40 years in the cigar industry. Piloto Cigars better know as Padrón Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua produced just 8,000 cigars (2,000 in Natural and 6,000 in Maduro).
Each cigar is sold in humidor style boxes created by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco. The boxes are mentioned here because of their stunning beauty. From the little hammer visible in the ruby stone button that opens this box, to its pop-open reversed magnets that makes it just a little easier to get to the treasure. The presentation is outstanding. Today I am reviewing the Maduro version.
This is NOT a Blind Cigar Review – I can see clearly the cigar I am reviewing. It is the Padron Ruby Red Exclusive Edition. The size: 5.75” x 56 in the round, Maduro. The blend is undisclosed even to me (I asked multiple times). Each cigar has consecutive individually serialized bands and a secondary back denoting Ruby Red Exclusive Edition, Two Guys Smoke Shop 40th Anniversary.
The cold draw offers flavors of fig, honey, graham cracker and raisin. The cigar is firm and packed like no other Padrón. One draw (that’s the law, see The Ash Holes Podcast) is “take a step back” full bodied, dark espresso, spice, and a hint of anise.
First Third: The Padrón Ruby Red burned well, tons of smoke and a firm white ash. Tight combustion line on this toothy dark wrapper. Intensity stays consistent, aromas sharp and slight sting on a light retrohale (that’s as much as I am willing to do). Lots of smoke output as this 56-ring gauge has an easy draw despite how well packed it is. Flavor notes of caramel, and the signature chocolate note that Padrón is known for comes into play but more of a malted milk chocolate note with layers of creaminess with spice.
Second Third: Finally, the cigar begins to calm down in strength a couple of notches, adding rich leather notes, and a hint of maraschino cherry.
Final third: The cigar begins to amp up a bit above the second third but not quite as much as the first third. Slight pepper notes are added to the leather and cherry with rich chocolate.
Burn time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Overall, the Padrón Ruby Red Maduro is a rich, full flavored, full boded cigar. The cigar never went out and no touch-ups were necessary. Lots of smoke production, tight combustion line throughout and a great celebration cigar and an honor to have my store associated with this very special cigar.
A heartfelt thank-you to Jorge Padrón and the entire Padrón family for agreeing to create a cigar in honor of Two Guys Smoke Shop’s 40th Anniversary. They did not just slap a band on one of their existing cigars, but created a blend not found in their portfolio for this ultra limited edition. For all of our 33 years doing business together, supporting one and other, I say thank you, and here’s to many more years ahead!
Overall Score: 95 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 8 out of 10
Price: $40 per single, $1,599.99 per box of 40
Padrón Ruby Red available starting August 1st at 2GuysCigars.com while they last.
