Padron is a company that really isn’t know for their limited edition, however they do reward there loyal customers from time to time with a cigar that is a little bit different. The Padron TAA is the closest thing to a limited edition smoke from this storied company based in Little Havana.
In 2013 they released a Toro, and last year was a Belicoso which we will review here. It will be interesting to see if the company which has been slowly shipping out its 50th Anniversary humidors had the time to create another limited edition for members of the TAA this year, 2015.
Cigar: Padron
Size: 5 x 52 (TAA Belicoso)
Wrapper: Maduro (Nicaragua)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Plus
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: The first thing that stands out on this cigar is the cap, which is much different then the 40th torpedo. It kind of looks like a pug nose you would find on a bulldog. In fact, I nearby dub this cigar, The Bulldog. In the hand it has a slightly gritty feel to it under the fingers. It is a perfectly pressed box pressed cigar as you would expect from Padron who has been making cigars since 1964.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Padron Bellicoso has a sweet cocoa note that and some hints of marshmallow fluff that I enjoyed for a few minutes before moving to the foot which served up an aroma of fluff and some earthy components.
Once the cigar was properly toasted the first light offered up some subtle spices before taking on some notes of cocoa. I wouldn’t classify the spice as pepper, but it definitely is reminiscent of that through the nose. As the first third progresses the cocoa notes transition to a milk chocolate note.
The second third of the Padron TAA offering from 2014 is a flavor bomb of milk chocolate, spice, and cedar. At times there is an introduction of caramel notes that make this box pressed masterpiece reminiscent of a Caramello candy.
In the last third of the Padron TAA a black cherry note began to develop as the chocolate and caramel faded. Some subtle spices returned on the finish of this complex Padron that offered a few flavor changes and the relaxation needed after a stressful morning.
The Burn: I was surprised at how slow this cigar burned, lasting almost 2 hours for me. Granted I am a slow smoker, but I never needed to relight this an enjoyed every bit of it. The cigar burned like a champ with a medium color ash that held for more than a quarter at a time. The draw was perfect, and I hardly clipped the cap.
The Finish: The Padron TAA might not be a true limited edition in the sense of a special bend, but the limited availability of the size makes it a must for any cigar collector. Going into this cigar my favorite size was the Principe, however this Bellicose which I am referring to as The Bulldog has just surpassed that. How do you sum up Padron, simply put it is the pinnacle of consistency with a delicious flavor profile.
Score: 93
Price: $15.00 each / $374.99 Box of 25 / $75.00 5 Pack + DVD
While Supplies Last
Padron TAA 2014 Maduro
Padron TAA 2014 Maduro Foot
Padron TAA 2014 Maduro Burn
