Padron #2000 – Maduro

It’s hard to say enough good things about this cigar… but we’re going to try anyway! This is a Nicaraguan puro brand with long-fillers, binder and wrapper leaves all originating in the town of Esteli. Padron Cigars was founded by Jose O. Padron in Miami, Florida in 1964. Owning its own tobacco farms in Nicaragua, Padron Cigars takes pride in being one of the few cigar companies in the world today that actually controls all aspects of the cigar manufacturing process, from the planting of the tobacco to final distribution throughout the United States. A beautiful, dark maduro that is properly oily, this cigar is wonderful to admire, but even better to smoke. As you enjoy it, note the complex flavors that are so intimately married together that it’s quite difficult to isolate them from one another. Spice is there, and pepper is present, but neither stands out and announces itself ahead of the other, or the full-flavored tobacco. The firm, very white ash is the only feature that really jumps out at you as it sits in contrast to the nearly black foot of the cigar. Full-bodied, but never garish, this cigar gains complexity through the smoking experience, building up more woody and even herbal, vegetal flavors. Finishing with a characteristically Nicaraguan, slightly sweet aftertaste, this is one to smoke right down to the nub. If you’re a member of our Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club, this is one to pair with either Ybor Gold beer we’re featuring this month—the Brown Ale or the Porter will partner equally well. If you’re not already a member, consider joining—we offer great, lightly distributed microbrews from the States and around the world.