Padrón 1926 Serie No. 6 Natural

Size: 50 × 121 (4.75")

Shape: Robusto

Filler: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicuragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua (Habano)

Smoking Time: 1 hours

Beverage: Crown Royal & Ginger Ale

On a recent vacation in Las Vegas, I was told by some friends to make the trip to Pheasant Cigars, a great shop with a huge selection, great staff, and an excellent smoking lounge. I was also told that they were especially friendly to Canadian visitors and would make an extra effort to help me. I was not disappointed, and among the many cigars that I purchased from them, today's review is of the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 6 Natural.

This firm, box-pressed cigar had a dark and rough-looking wrapper with a poorly applied cap. Also, there appeared to be a rough patch job made with scrap leaf on the wrapper. Nonetheless, the cap clipped easily and gave way to a perfect draw with pre-light notes of chocolate and tobacco. The first few puffs surprised me (I expected leather and spice), with a touch of sweetness immediately apparent, backed by flavours of burnt oak and a very clean finish. Sean and I agreed that the aroma was fantastic, and the first third imparted flavours of nuts, dark wood, and  a great deal of sweetness. As the burn moved into the second third, I couldn't help but notice the abundant volume of smoke this robusto produced, and I detected some faint liquorice and floral notes along with the original flavours. The sweetness took on an almost overwhelming characteristic, but held back just enough to maintain an overall balance. The final third gave way to some bread and coco flavours, still with great balance. The cigar never became harsh or bitter, and I was forced to put the cigar out when it became too short to smoke.

This is one of the rare times that I smoke a cigar and don't want it to end. However, the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 6 Natural lacked some of the changing complexity I have come to expect from Padrón. Nonetheless, this is a great cigar that I would certainly smoke again, and it receives the very good rating of four Fidels out of five.

- Carlton