Padron 50th Maduro review

[Puros Y Vino]

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Padron 50th Anniversary Cigar review (Maduro)

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Introduction. 

A little over a year ago I smoked the Padron 50th Natural and didn't find much to it.  I was gifted a few of the Natural and Maduro 50th's from a good friend shortly after they were released.  It was recommended I hold off on the Maduro a bit as it was very strong upon release.

These cigars were released late 2014/early 2015 to commemorate 50 Years for the Padron brand. These were released in Natural and Maduro versions. 1000 humidors in total.

Learn more here: http://padron.com/50anniversary/more-details-padron-50th-anniversary-cigar/

 

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Now. On to the review!

Reviewers Notes:

My style of cigar reviewing is “open”. I try to jot down what I’m experiencing with every draw. When you see a “//” consider that a break in between puffs. What I leave out in fancy prose is made up with observation. Consider each segment a play by play. This style works for me. I hope you enjoy it.

Date: April 21, 2017

Place: Huatulco, Mexico, Secrets Resort

Specifications:

• Vitola: Toro Extra
• Length: 6.5
• RG: 52 (box pressed)
• Serial# 033963

 

First Third

Coffee grounds //  Toasty tobacco //  Licorice // Oily finish on the draws //  Bold // Good Burn,  easy draw // Dark chocolate //  Toffee //  Burnt flavours linger after draws // Pepper //  Chocolate //  Bitter //  Strong feeling to cigar.  

Second Third

Still excellent burn despite wind //  Licorice // White ash //  Sweet draw //  Caramel //  Toasty tobacco //  Oily mouth feel //  Strong but enjoyable //  Tangy // Burnt caramel, but on the charry side // Earthy, mineral flavours //  Bitter chocolate // Excellent burn //  Minimal smoke // Coffee on a few draws.  

Final Third

Bitter chocolate //  Oily finish persists // Cocoa //  Boost of salted caramel (nice!)  //  Toasty tobacco //  Minerals //  Burnt chocolate //  Cotton candy ( a first for me)  //  Licorice //  Cocoa with peppery finish //  Took Band off //  Charry notes taking over.  ? // Bitter chocolate //  Burnt caramel // Earthy charry notes //.  Pepper blast //  Bitter and sour //  Palate is all peppered up.  Might ruin my next Cigar //  I'm done //  Sour finish to an overall decent cigar.

Conclusions

I don't smoke a lot of Non Cubans these days. When I got into cigars, that's where I started but as I started smoking more Cubans, I veered away from the NC's.  The Padron 50th Anniversary release represents the company's current best cigar.  It is not a cheap cigar by any stretch.  Pricing IIRC for the original run is ~ $100USD/stick.  Owners of the humidors can order refills, with different colored serial #'s for ~$40USD/stick. 

Compared to the 50th Natural, this one was far more enjoyable, despite some nasty sour notes towards the back end.  If I were to compare it to a CC, I'd say it most reminded me of the new Montecristo Dantes.  The Dantes didn't have the rough edges but it shared a lot of the dark chocolate and cocoa profile of the Padron.  And price wise, it is the better buy IMO.  Nonetheless, this cigar impressed me overall.  It burned perfectly on a windy day, draw was smooth and flavourwise it took me on a journey, which is something I value greatly in a cigar. 

For those that like keeping score, I'd give this a 92

I still have a couple of these hidden away and probably won't light up another for a few years.  I'm hoping that the rough edges will have smoothed out the longer I wait.  This wasn't a strong cigar in the sense that it would make your brain "swim" but it was bold, which IMO bodes well for aging.  I may give the Natural another shot next year to see how it's doing.  But as it stands, this was time well spent. 

Edited April 26, 2017 by bundwallah
Corrected refill stick serial# info.

[Guest Nekhyludov]

Nice review! I've got a couple of these that I picked up last year. I'm planning on including the Natural in my vacation stash next month. I love that I can always rely on Padron for perfect performance, even if the profile doesn't suit me.

[Cigar Surgeon]

Nice review. I agree, I didn't feel it was their best and the 1926 - 90th Anniversary still ranks higher for me.