Back in September we reviewed the Padron 50 Years Natural and while we wait the arrival of the 50th Anniversary that comes in a stylish looking humidor that was introduced at IPCPR. The unit was originally priced at $5,000.00 before an increase to $6,000.00 and currently the latest price is $6,300.00. For now however, we will stick with the $25.00 Family Reserve 50 Years.
Cigar: Padron Family Reserve
Size: 50 Years (No. 50 / 5 x 54)
Wrapper: Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
The Look: When you talk about box-pressed cigars the benchmark is Padron. The dark evenly colored wrapper that adorns the Padron Family Reserve 50 Years has only a few creases near the cap and is rolled and pressed to perfection. The cigar has three bands with the first being the shades of red with gold Padron Family Reserve band that is over a secondary authentication control band with a serial number. The third band is cream, gold and read and denotes “50 Years”. The hand is firm to the touch with an above average weight.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro serves up some sweetness that borders on chocolate and spice with a hint of cedar. The aroma of the foot of the cigar is incredibly sweet like the aroma of chocolate frosting. With the cigar in hand and the cap clipped its time to toast this one up.
On the initial light the cigar gives off an abundance of spices with pepper through the nose with some earth. The spice subsided in the first quarter-inch but the earth remain about another half-inch before giving way to some sweet chocolate notes and subtle baking spices.
In the second third the strength of the cigar continues to border on full as the notes begin to take on an almost black cherry like quality before fading around the half way point. The main focal point however is spice and earth, but there is an overtone (or is that undertone) of sweetness present that borders on chocolate.
The last third of the Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro loses the earthy nature of the cigar but the pepper is turned up a notch especially through the nose. There are some notes of espresso that begins to develop with some cedar that especially noticeable on the finish.
The Burn: While the cigar did not burn symetrical the burn line was even and razor-thin. The draw of the box press was a bit too fluid for my personal taste but it fit well within the range of normal. The light color ash held strong with a slight bit of flake. It lit up easily and remained burning from first light until I put it down with less than a half-inch remaining.
The Finish: When you look at Padron cigars it is amazing to see they have done what they have accomplished with such a different business model than many cigar shops. They do so with no cigar reps and in many cases before they open you up they want to see pictures of your store. They do their best to control the environment of which you can purchase your Padron cigars. One of the best examples of consistency in the business they constant deliver a superior product. I am outside the norm, as I enjoy the Natural more than the Maduro and that is the case here with this cigar. Regardless of your wrapper preference the cigar is worthy of the Padron name.
Score: 92
Price: $25.00
Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro
Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro Foot
Padron Family Reserve 50 Years Maduro Burn
