Today’s cigar is an exclusive to the members of the Tobacconist Association of America. The TAA No. 48 arrived last week in its Maduro format which we reviewed, and this week saw the arrival of the Natural. With the FDA Regulations this week one has to wonder about future limited TAA releases and if this could be among the last.
The 1926 blend was created in 2002 to celebrate Jose O. Padron’s 75th birthday.
Cigar Review: Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 Natural
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 60
Vitola: No. 48
Strength: Medium
The Looks: The Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 comes packed in 10 count boxes, with two rows of five separated by a cedar sheet. Each row has one cigar that has a crimson color ribbon to make it easier to pull out that first cigar. The No. 48 has the appearance of being soft box pressed, and the wrapper has a brindle effect to it, In the hand the cigar is heavy, and bumpy with no soft spots and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar once the cap is cut with my Jaws Cutter serves up a complexity of cigar including cedar and Sunflower Seed Shells with a hint of fresh baked bread. It’s complex and the sunflower note stood out, much like the saltiness from the shell. The foot is simple with notes and cedar and spice, which is oh so nice.
Once the cigar is lit there are initial notes of buttery richness which I really like from the Natural Padron Anniversary releases As we work into the first third some spice and cedar develop before moving into the background and coffee notes move to the forefront with a creamy finish. On the retrohale there are hints of brown sugar and cinnamon.
In the second third of the cigar the coffee notes remain as some pepper notes kick it up a notch on the retrohale which continues to show some hints of brown sugar. At the half way point some cedar begins to develop more so than in the first third and slowly becomes the dominant profile of the cigar.
In the last third of No. 48 for TAA Retailers the cigar remains buttery smooth with some subtle coffee and brown sugar on the palate while the retrohale enhances all of those notes and adds hints of coffee and pepper.
The Burn: The cigar had a razor sharp and thin combustion line from start to finish and the draw of the cigar was what you would expect from a Padron, flawless. The light color ash held firm for the first half and the cigar never needed to be relit or touched up.
The Finish: When it comes to Padron I have always been a fan of the Natural over the Maduro and this is no different on the on the Serie 1926 No. 48. While I do love a stronger cigar, i find the balance and smooth nature of the natural to be more relaxing and enjoyable. I know I am not in the majority but I’ll debate it to the end of days that the Natural is the choice to be made.
Score: 93
Price: $20.00 / $199.99
Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 Natural Box
Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 Natural
Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 Natural Foot
Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 Natural Burn
