Description
Padron 1926 Anniversary series
The award-winning Padrón 1926 Serie premiered in 2002 to commemorate José O. Padrón’s 75th birthday, with ten sizes available. Continuing our tradition, this series is offered in a box-pressed format. These cigars are individually hand-crafted from tobacco aged five years, then blended to create an exceptionally smooth, complex, balanced and full-bodied flavor. For protection, a double band with an individually numbered guaranteed label is applied to every cigar to safeguard against counterfeiting. Available in both sun-grown natural and maduro wrappers
https://www.cigaraficionado.com/top25cigar/padron-serie-1926-no-6-2024
Carlo –
Padrón 1926 Anniversary Series Natural Cigar Review: A Legacy of Nicaraguan Craftsmanship**
**First Impressions:**
The Padrón 1926 Anniversary Series Natural arrives with understated elegance. Cloaked in a toasted caramel-colored Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, it boasts minimal veining and a silky, lightly oily sheen that hints at its aged tobacco core . Unlike the typical box-pressed Padróns, some vitolas like the No. 90 feature a rare round format, housed in sleek tubes with gold accents—a nod to the brand’s patriarch, José Orlando Padrón . Pre-light aromas blend aged tobacco, cedar, and a whisper of cinnamon, while the cold draw teases earthy sweetness and a touch of pepper .
**Light-Up & Initial Third:**
Toasting the foot releases a burst of cedar and red pepper, followed by rich natural tobacco and caramel undertones. The first puffs deliver a sophisticated balance: tangy cedar, black pepper on the retrohale, and a subtle caramel sweetness that lingers like a secret . Smoke is medium-bodied but surprisingly nuanced, defying expectations for Padrón Naturals, which are often overshadowed by their Maduro counterparts . The draw is flawless, producing thick, velvety plumes—a Padrón hallmark .
**Middle Third:**
As the cigar settles, the pepper mellows, making way for deeper notes of roasted coffee, nutmeg, and toasted almonds. A creamy undertone emerges, reminiscent of a latte, while the retrohale introduces a faint citrus zing . Construction remains impeccable, with a razor-sharp burn and sturdy ash, though some reviewers note occasional minor touch-ups . Strength creeps into medium-full territory, pairing beautifully with an aged rum or espresso .
**Final Third:**
The finale shifts toward earthy, woody flavors—charred oak and leather dominate, with a lingering espresso bitterness and a mineral-like graphite edge . While some find the last third less complex compared to the bold opening, others praise its consistency and smooth transition . The nicotine buzz is present but manageable, a testament to the blend’s 5-year-aged Nicaraguan tobaccos .
**Construction:**
Padrón’s legendary craftsmanship shines. The cigar burns evenly, with a firm ash and effortless draw, even in unconventional vitolas like the No. 90’s round format . Minor wrapper quirks (e.g., slight bulging in box-pressed versions) are forgiven for the flawless performance .
**Value:**
Priced between $20–$35 (depending on vitola), the 1926 Natural sparks debate. Critics argue it’s overpriced compared to bolder Maduros or boutique alternatives , while aficionados justify the cost for its aging process and refined balance . The 80 Years Natural (rated 98 by Katman) stands out as a luxury splurge, offering silky layers of milk chocolate, caramel, and black tea .
**Verdict:**
The Padrón 1926 Natural is a masterclass in elegance over brute strength. It caters to purists who savor nuanced, aged tobacco profiles with cedar, coffee, and subtle sweetness. While Maduro fans might miss the explosive cocoa and spice, the Natural’s sophistication appeals to those seeking a “Cubanesque” experience . For newcomers, the No. 1 or No. 90 vitolas offer a gateway; for seasoned smokers, the 80 Years is a bucket-list smoke .
**Bang for Buck?**
Worth it for special occasions or as a humidor staple if you value consistency and heritage. Skip if you prefer bold, budget-friendly powerhouses—this is a cigar to savor, not rush.
**Final Rating: 93/100**
A timeless tribute to Nicaraguan tobacco, the Padrón 1926 Natural proves why this brand remains a titan. Light it up when you’re ready to slow down and appreciate the craft. 🔥