Check availability here and get $20 off for every order of $145 or more!
Free Nub Habano Cigar Sampler on orders over $200 until August 6th
Check availability here and get $20 off for every order of $145 or more!
Free Nub Habano Cigar Sampler on orders over $200 until August 6th
Brand History: Padron Cigars is a revered name in the world of premium handcrafted cigars, known for its commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship. The brand was founded by Jose Orlando Padron, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1960s. In 1964, he established the Padron Cigars company in Miami, Florida, and began producing cigars with a dedication to using only the finest aged tobaccos. Over the years, Padron has gained a reputation for producing some of the most sought-after cigars in the industry, and their 1926 Anniversary Series is a testament to their mastery of the art. One of the most famous and renowned vitola is the 1926 anniversary series No. 9. I have smoked a box of these in both the natural and maduro variations. My particular favorite is the natural. However, you have to decide for yourself as both are phenomenal. The natural is the one that was rewarded as the best cigar of 2007 by cigar aficionado. It has stood the test of time, and is one of my favorite Padron’s ever!
Vitola Specifications: The Padron 1926 Anniversary No.9 Natural Cigar is a robusto-sized smoke, measuring approximately 5.25 inches in length with a ring gauge of 56. This vitola is known for its compact yet substantial size, offering a perfect balance between smoking time and flavor concentration. Each cigar is carefully handmade by skilled artisans, using Nicaraguan tobaccos that have been aged for an impressive five years.
Pre-light: Typical Padron, barnyard smell with notes of cedar and pepper. There is also hints of cocoa and almond in the natural, while the maduro has more of a barnyard note that overpowers all the other undertones.
First Third: The initial puff of the Padron 1926 No.9 Natural greets the palate with a burst of rich, dark cocoa and espresso notes with a blast of pepper that burns off your nose hairs on the retrohale. I find that the natural vs the maduros are more peppery especially in the retro hale. It seems counterintuitive, but I have smoked countless maduros from Padron and rarely have the spicy and pepper note last longer than the first 5-10 min of a cigar. There’s a subtle underlying sweetness, akin to dark caramel, that beautifully complements the robust flavors. The last half of the first third transitions nicely into a Carmel and fruit melody that has a spice to it. It is not harsh, but smooth and alluring to the senses. The draw is smooth, producing a satisfying amount of creamy smoke that coats the tongue. In typical Padron fashion, the construction and burn are exquisite.
Second Third: As the cigar progresses into the second third, the complexity deepens, and the spice notes start to emerge. Hints of black pepper and a touch of cedar add layers of intrigue to the flavor profile. The cocoa and coffee notes persist, maintaining a harmonious balance with the newfound spiciness and the caramel notes. The second half of the second third starts to transition into a smoother version, this is where the cigar starts to accentuate the fruit and caramel tones that make it a classic. As the second third ends, there is a bit of spice but it is mostly replaced with cream and vanilla with cedar undertones that linger on the lips.
Final Third: In the final third, the Padron 1926 No.9 Natural cigar continues to impress with a crescendo of flavors. The sweetness becomes more pronounced, resembling dried fruit and dark chocolate and a molasses flavor. The spiciness evolves into a warm, lingering finish that leaves a pleasant tingle on the palate. The pepper and spiciness transition into a warm vanilla cream that accentuates the dried fruit and nutty flavors. .The smoke remains smooth and velvety until the last puff and the retrohale is smooth as butter. It is really hard to put this stick down and I actually burned my finger trying to smoke the nub!
Food and Drink Pairings: To enhance the smoking experience of the Padron 1926 Anniversary No.9 Natural Cigar, consider pairing it with these complementary food and drink options:
- Drink Pairings:
- Single Malt Scotch: The complex flavors of a well-aged single malt Scotch can complement the cigar’s richness and depth.
- Espresso or Coffee: The natural coffee notes in the cigar can be further highlighted by sipping a quality espresso or black coffee.
- Aged Rum: Opt for a premium aged rum with subtle sweetness to harmonize with the cigar’s cocoa and caramel undertones.
- Food Pairings:
- Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-quality dark chocolate will amplify the cigar’s sweetness and cocoa notes.
- Roasted Nuts: Almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts provide a savory contrast to the cigar’s flavors.
- Grilled Steak: The smoky and hearty flavors of a well-prepared steak can be a delightful accompaniment.
92/100, the Padron 1926 Anniversary No.9 Natural Cigar is an exceptional smoking experience that showcases the mastery of Padron Cigars. With its rich and complex flavor profile, smooth draw, and impeccable construction, this cigar is a true celebration of the brand’s legacy. Paired with the suggested beverages and foods, it offers a memorable and indulgent sensory journey for both novice and seasoned cigar enthusiasts alike.
Check availability here and get $20 off for every order of $145 or more!
Free Nub Habano Cigar Sampler on orders over $200 until August 6th
Check availability here and get $20 off for every order of $145 or more!