Debuting at the 2016 IPCPR, The Padron 1926 Serie Anniversario No. 90 was released to celebrate the 90th birthday of Jose Padron. The cigar was a first for the company in couple ways. The No. 90 which comes in Natural and Maduro is the first time the 1926 has been offered in a round format versus the box pressed version and it was also the first time the company has released a cigar in a tube.
With Padron passing away yesterday, we figured what better way to honor his accomplishments in life then by smoking the cigar that was a celebration of his 90th.
Cigar Review: Padron Serie 1926
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: No. 90 (Robusto Extra)
The Look: The packaging of the No. 90 is different from the rest of the line. First off, it comes in 10 count boxes featuring two rows of 5. The tubes are color coated making it easy to find the wrapper of the cigar. Cream colored for the Natural line and Burgundy for the Maduro line which we are lighting up today. There are three bands adorning this release, the first being the 1926 Serie, the second being the counterfeit protection band and lastly the third denoting No. 90. The round Padron is something that takes a minute to get used to, but the wrapper is loaded with oils and its more silky than toothy which we usually see in the box pressed version of the line.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Padron No. 90 Maduro has hints of chewy caramel, figs and raisins. There is a lot going on even before we light the cigar up. The foot of the dark looking Maduro serves up some fig and earth. Once the cigar is toasted and lit, the first draw offers up a dark fruit like note that reminds me of plum, but it is quickly fleeting as the cigar develops some pepper and earth rather quickly.
As we move into the first third there is a leather component that is dominant, with pepper lingering in the background that is intensified on the retrohale of the cigar. As the first comes to close some mocha sweetness is added to the mix.
The second third of the cigar sees the mocha notes transition to a dark chocolate which exquisitely mixes with the leather and cedar notes. There is a touch of spice present as some raisin joins the party around the halfway point of the cigar. The finish has a nougat like quality to it and continued spice on the retrohale.
The last third of the cigar sees the introduction of a subtle fig like note as the dark chocolate remains. The retrohale of the cigar continues to offer spice though the aroma of the cigar has an abundance of cedar on the nose.
The Finish: Legendary. Padron is one of those cigars that define the cigar industry. It is the hard work of someone trying to achieve the American Dream. Jose Orlando Padron did just that, live the dream. He will be forever missed, but thankfully he cigars remain.
Score: Priceless. Rest in Peace Jose Orlando Padron.
Price: 194.99 (Box of 10)
Padron 1926 Serie No. 90 Maduro
Padron 1926 Serie No. 90 Maduro Foot
Padron 1926 Serie No. 90 Maduro Burn
