Padron Vs. Cohiba?

[habone]

What hoops are you referring to? I can either go the the cigar czar webpage click a few buttons and BAM... 7 to 10 days the postman delivers my CCs to the door! Or I shoot Lisa an Email and BAM...same thing!lol

Damn its a beautiful thing!

[OZCUBAN]

I think the Padron is a much better cigar. I love CC's and truly think they have a unique taste, but I also think there are several other great cigars from around the world. For me it's important to have a well rounded cigar pallette. It's sucks for us Americans because we have to jump through hoops just to get CC's, The Padron is much better, better taste, richer flavores, better quality. If Habanos SA can get thier quality control under wraps, then the whole game changes. Padron wins for me..

These hoops???

[OZCUBAN]

Damn its a beautiful thing!

It most certainly is

[SethLG]

First I was very surprised by the markup for Padron's in Australia, that is incredible.

To me it is interesting in general when people say what is better Cuban or non Cuban. To me they are all enjoyable and all different. It's like comparing a Burgundy Pinot Noir and a Napa Cabernet, both great in different ways. Personnaly I think cigars made in Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican are much more reliable and consistent then those made in Cuba, but because of that I am not saying they are better. I think there are many great Cubans and many great cigars made elsewhere.

I am fortunate enough that I know cigar manufacturers in Nicaragua and the Dominican who have made private blends with a Cuban filler and binder and an Ecuadorian wrapper, and many other blends involving multiple countries and they have been incredible. The possibilities and options with blending different tobacco is amazing, and I hope one day it happens.

In the mean time, i would say Cohiba's when they are on are better than any regular line Padron or Padron 1964, but not the 26 Serie. I would say Padron 1926 Natural #9 is as good as a Siglo VI, that is made well. But the flavors and body are completely different. Now if I had to choose between the two I would go with a Padron because I know what I am getting. I know some are not going to like that and others yes but there are a lot of factors involved.

Along with that I would prefer a Napa Cabernet over a Pinot from Burgundy, I don't and most likely will not have the luxury of being able to have a Romanee Conti in my life, but I can have a nice Stag's Leap Cab or one from Grgich Hills or even Montelena.

[Guest rob]

I would say Padron 1926 Natural #9 is as good as a Siglo VI, that is made well. But the flavors and body are completely different. Now if I had to choose between the two I would go with a Padron because I know what I am getting.

Would you choose the Padron if they were both the same price, and both as easily accessible?

[El Presidente]

I respect Padron. Every Padron I have had has a unique "Padron" personality best defined in its Anniversary lines.

To me they are a lovely change of pace cigar. One that is a little like cigar "Dessert".

I do get bored with them quickly however. So I keep Padron on hand simply for that "change of pace"

In relation to price, where Padron struggle overseas is that the majority of countries charge their taxes/duties on cigar weight and not wholesale cost. So you end up with a Padron 3000 having the same tax impost as a Cohiba Siglo VI. No contest. The Padron Anny series are not cheap at wholesale and when you whack the duties/taxes on them they become a highly expensive cigar with competitors which are better (IMHO) and cheaper.

There are plenty of people who prefer Padron Anny's to Cubans and of course there is nothing wrong with that. In this country, in the realm of premium cigars it is still roughly 80% Cuban and 20% non Cuban with both available.

[SethLG]

Would you choose the Padron if they were both the same price, and both as easily accessible?

If they were both easily accessible and at same price I would probably go with the Cohiba, because I believe Cohiba's can be more complex than Padron's, however they are both quite different but great. I guess to all of you I am sorry that the taxes are high in Australia on Padron's and you are sorry for the embargo I live under.

[brutusthebuckeye]

Padrons blow!!! give me the Cohiba!!!!

[SethLG]

I respect Padron. Every Padron I have had has a unique "Padron" personality best defined in its Anniversary lines.

To me they are a lovely change of pace cigar. One that is a little like cigar "Dessert".

I do get bored with them quickly however. So I keep Padron on hand simply for that "change of pace"

In relation to price, where Padron struggle overseas is that the majority of countries charge their taxes/duties on cigar weight and not wholesale cost. So you end up with a Padron 3000 having the same tax impost as a Cohiba Siglo VI. No contest. The Padron Anny series are not cheap at wholesale and when you whack the duties/taxes on them they become a highly expensive cigar with competitors which are better (IMHO) and cheaper.

There are plenty of people who prefer Padron Anny's to Cubans and of course there is nothing wrong with that. In this country, in the realm of premium cigars it is still roughly 80% Cuban and 20% non Cuban with both available.

You are right, Padron Anny has a significant price increase then the regular line Padron's and the 26 Serie is even higher, with the tax/duties increase I can see that a Cohiba can be similar to that of a regular Padron and with no doubt would prefer a Cohiba over that. I would have thought more would smoke Cubans, that is interesting. What other non-Cuban brands are present in Australia?

Just please tell me none of you are smoking Macanudo's down under. Actually, a couple months ago I found out from my my brother, he is a Captain in the U.S. Military and his company of 120 men were smoking Macanudo's in Iraq. I immediately packed up 120 of my best cigars (Cubans and others), don't know why now, and shipped them over to them with the note, "smoking something decent would you."

[Ellery]

I do enjoy Padrons, but I'd prefer a Cohiba hands down.

[dicko]

You are right, Padron Anny has a significant price increase then the regular line Padron's and the 26 Serie is even higher, with the tax/duties increase I can see that a Cohiba can be similar to that of a regular Padron and with no doubt would prefer a Cohiba over that. I would have thought more would smoke Cubans, that is interesting. What other non-Cuban brands are present in Australia?

Just please tell me none of you are smoking Macanudo's down under. Actually, a couple months ago I found out from my my brother, he is a Captain in the U.S. Military and his company of 120 men were smoking Macanudo's in Iraq. I immediately packed up 120 of my best cigars (Cubans and others), don't know why now, and shipped them over to them with the note, "smoking something decent would you."

That's a good story, and very nice of you, to send those cigars!

In oz you can pretty much get all the premium NC's at dedicated cigar shops, but as far as being available in pubs or whatever, its mainly really 'cheap' brands like 'la paz' or 'la zin' or whatvever. you can get decent cubans like petit coronas much easier and for only a little more.

[badaboom]

Cohiba, most days. There are days when I am stressed and don't want to analyze my smoke, or even think about it. Trying to relax, and then firing up a dud Cohiba sucks. So, I keep a few boxes of regular line Padrons around all the time. They're a one trick pony, but the trick gets better after 2 or 3 years of aging. They approach the premium Padron lines at that point, and the supply is cheap and virtually endless. My supply of Cohibas is not.

[maalouly]

Cohiba would be my choice, a padron is nice change every now and again to tease my palet with something different. But for the money you pay for a padron and the flavours to me they are good cigars but very one dimensional. The flavour never seems to change (though beautiful) it usually stays the same through out the life of the cigar.

As rob said if you compare the two in Australia, I would personal reach for a cohiba (price is cheaper and flavours are 10 times better) but why compare cohiba to Padron how about comparing a Bolivar Royal Corona to a Padron 1926 # 9, I will choose the BRC any given day quarter of the price and 3 times the flavours.

[Leopolis Semper Fidelis]

Each to his own as far as taste is concerned. However, over the years, I've experimented with many different non-Cuban cigars, but they tend to be so one-dimensional (Padrón being no exception), unlike the best Havanas whose complex qualities are virtually unrivalled. Another thing I find so appealing about Cubans is the wonderful bouquet (unlit aroma) emanating from them - a characteristic seemingly absent in their counterparts. One shouldn't omit to mention the superb over-priced, over-hyped OpusX: give me a break! Well, at least it has a sumptuous band...

[thechenman]

Each to his own as far as taste is concerned. However, over the years, I've experimented with many different non-Cuban cigars, but they tend to be so one-dimensional (Padrón being no exception), unlike the best Havanas whose complex qualities are virtually unrivalled. Another thing I find so appealing about Cubans is the wonderful bouquet (unlit aroma) emanating from them - a characteristic seemingly absent in their counterparts. One shouldn't omit to mention the superb over-priced, over-hyped OpusX: give me a break! Well, at least it has a sumptuous band...

While I am mosstly a CC smoker these days, and as I mentioned...Padron's (26 Serie) are my second favorite NC...I have to say that I am a fan of Fuente's Opus X as well. They are my third favorite NC. Even better than the Opus X, IMHO, are Fuente's Anejo cigars. Those would be my top NC smoke. I store fairly large amounts of each in my humis. Try the anejo if you haven't yet. It is basically Opus X filler with a CT Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. Scrumptous.

[MrBeefy]

While I am mosstly a CC smoker these days, and as I mentioned...Padron's (26 Serie) are my second favorite NC...I have to say that I am a fan of Fuente's Opus X as well. They are my third favorite NC. Even better than the Opus X, IMHO, are Fuente's Anejo cigars. Those would be my top NC smoke. I store fairly large amounts of each in my humis. Try the anejo if you haven't yet. It is basically Opus X filler with a CT Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. Scrumptous.

Years ago I mostly smoked NC's, and still to this day one of the best cigar experiences I've had was with an Anejo, just the thought of an Anejo still makes my mouth water. Magnificent cigar.

[MoeCizlak]

Cohiba. Not even close. Blah Blah to all the relativistic nonsense. Have an opinion!

Padron isn't even consistent. Recent batches of the 1926 cigars have had either too much ligero or perhaps recent Nicaraguan tobacco crops haven't been stellar. The 1945 has been quite over-hyped. I can't even finish one. How do you even review a Padron in thirds? There is no change as the cigar develops.

Cohiba new releases are certainly over-hyped as well. That being said, the products usually deliver.

This isn't even close. Take a good representative of each at robusto, lancero, and churchill. In terms of complexity and age-worthiness? This match is over before the opening whistle.

Cohiba.

Are you equating complexity with a cigar's ability to change flavors? I guess I view complexity as several different flavors being present in a cigar, which Padrons give me. No, the flavors don't change in any of the Padrons I have smoked. But the flavors present from start to finish have really turned me into a fan. And for the record, the 45th is a celebration of their 45th year making cigars, not the year 1945.

[khomeinist]

Are you equating complexity with a cigar's ability to change flavors? I guess I view complexity as several different flavors being present in a cigar, which Padrons give me. No, the flavors don't change in any of the Padrons I have smoked. But the flavors present from start to finish have really turned me into a fan. And for the record, the 45th is a celebration of their 45th year making cigars, not the year 1945.

Whoops. Sorry GUY. You are certainly correct. Padron have apparently been making mediocre cigars for 45 years. Thanks.

Regarding complexity? Yeah. I suppose I equate this with a cigar that changes as you progress through the smoke. As you mentioned, Padron cigars lack this capacity. Hence I find them boring. The latest aniversary cigar that you mentioned I found both boring and aggressive. Agressively boring. That sums up my feelings about Padon. And over-priced to boot.

Love the marketing though. Cheers.

Lol. As this is a smack-down, 'versus' thread, my tone should be justified.

[PointSource]

Padron's are incredible NC's. The best, IMO. I think all of their offerings are stellar. But, Cohiba wins this battle. But still, Padron's are king of the NCs.

[MoeCizlak]

I suppose there is a reason Baskin Robins makes 31 flavors. Different strokes blahblahblah.

Out of curiosity, have you tried the natural wrapper vs. the maduro? It is noticeably different and can take the edge off if you think the maduro is too strong. I've not smoked many Cohibas but the ones I have had didn't do much for me, fortunately for me Bolivars light my fire just fine and are more reasonably price. Viva la difference.

[finecigar]

First I thought this was a joke. Cohiba being one of my all time favorites and having tried countless Padrons, I can truly say that you get better quality with a cuban. Quality in terms of the flavour profile, complexity, and overall surprise from a cigar. I rarely ever am surprised by a Padron- they are so consistent at a bar that is not for me. In my personal opinion, no non-cuban can even match up to even the worst of cubans- and through my experience this is justified.

[Chibearsv]

[Ford2112]

 

[GVan]

Loved reading all the opinions! Mine is very easy - I have never smoked a Cohiba and have turned down offers to try one. Never wanted to go down that very expensive collecting rabbit-hole. Given the price increases of Padron's; I have 5 boxes left ranging from 2013 through 2022 and these will probably be my last boxes. Many other fine cigars out there (CCs and NCs) at a better enjoyment to price ratio.

[YoPapa]

When you're talking two cigars at those high levels, it's no longer a question of quality but of style. Don't confuse preference with quality. I've seen both operations many times and both are at the top of their respective games. I'm referring to El Laguito Cohiba, not Cohibas made in the provinces, which can be second rate. All things equal, it becomes a matter of opinion. Both use tobacco from magical plots. Do you want the stout-like richness that only Nicaraguan tobacco and Padron's fermentation style can give you? Or do you want the subtle elegance that is uniquely Cohiba? 

 

I can say that Cohibas from El Laguito and Havana's mother factories are indeed superior to provincial Cohibas. That is a much better, more meaningful comparison and a matter of objective standards. Despite both bearing the Cohiba label, the tobaccos are different. The treatment of the tobaccos are different. You can see it in the construction, the combustion, the taste, and in their inability to age with any grace. 

 

For me, it's about mood and preference. But declaring a Cohiba superior to a Padron, or vice versa, is cavalier and amateur.