A few days ago the Padron family started to share images of a new size in the 1964 Series which is a 4 x 56 called Hermoso. The word translates from Spanish to “Beautiful” and lined up in the boxes they do fit the name. How do they smoke is a question that will be answered in today’s review on The Cigar Authority.
Cigar Review: Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Natural
Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 4″
Ring Gauge: 56
Vitola: Hermoso
Strength: Medium
The Look: While the Padron boxes are simple, opening a box is a beautiful sight. Two rows of 13 cigars, and a thin burgundy ribbon perfectly placed across the first twelve cigars and under the 13th cigar making it easy to pull out that first smoke is hermoso. Padron utilizes a two band system with the second band containing a series of numbers due to a counterfeiting issue the company had years ago. As far as the Hermoso goes it reminds me of a finger sandwich served at a tea party, and is perfectly rolled. The box press doesn’t seem as extreme on this larger ring gauge and I am not sure how I feel about that. With the cap clipped the contrast of the dark filler tobacco versus the lighter wrapper is visually pleasing.
The Notes: Once I clip the cap of the cigar I take a dry pull of the cigar before lighting it up to get a feel for what may come. It also gives me a chance to awaken my palate. These initial notes have a subtle sweetness, earth, hay and some saltine like crackers. It’s unusually complex for a cold draw which is welcome. The foot of the cigar has a dominant saltine aroma and wheat.
The first third of the Padron Hermosos sees notes that make me want to hurt my co-worker, Ed. You see, he lit one up a few hours before me and proudly stated “toasted marshmallows” to which I bantered back, “f*ck you Ed, I write the reviews here.” Sure enough I got the note and he wants a credit on the review, so here is his credit. As the first third continues there is some subtle chocolate sweetness and an abundance of cedar with some subtle pepper through the nose.
Moving into the second third, the toasted marshmallow note begins to fade as cedar becomes dominant. At the half way point some subtle wheat notes begin to build in flavor intensity slowly overtaking the cedar. There are some continued notes of chocolate and earthy aroma that adds to the experience.
The last third of the cigar is the smoothest by far and while the flavors seem to all meld together, there is no bitterness. The finish of the cigar is a mix of earth and cedar with just enough sweetness to smoke this until there is nothing left to hold on to.
The Burn: I picked a bad day to wear a white shirt to work as the ash on this cigar would not stay for any length of time. After holding on for an initial inch, the ash kept falling onto my shirt in quarter and half-inch increments. Two things a cigar smoker should never wear is white and/or a linen shirt. The draw was a little fluid for my liking and the cigar lasted just over an hour. The combustion line was a little wavy but the cigar never needed to be touched up or relit.
The Finish: While I wasn’t sure what to make of the size when I first heard of the new Hermoso I was impressed with the flavor profile delivered by Padron. Maybe it is a bit of a stretch, but I think the size is a perfect replacement for an afternoon siesta. Its a somewhat quick smoke, and its perfect for that time late in the afternoon when you have a few moments to yourself, or you just simply want to relax the stress of the day away.
Score: 91
Price: $12.50 / $324.99
Padron Hermaso Natural
Padron Hermaso Foot
Padron Hermaso Burn
