Description
The Padron 1926 Serie #2 Maduro is a highly acclaimed, box-pressed belicoso cigar that exemplifies the Padron family’s mastery of full-bodied, complex Nicaraguan blends. Here’s a detailed overview:
Key Details
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Size: 5.5" x 52 (Belicoso)
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Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
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Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan
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Strength: Full-bodied
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Country of Origin: Nicaragua
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Release: 2002 (part of the 1926 Serie, honoring José O. Padrón’s 75th birthday)
Flavor Profile
The Padron 1926 Serie #2 Maduro delivers a rich, layered, and evolving experience:
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First third: Toasted oak, dark earth, and mild black pepper, with musty notes that quickly transition to a toasty, earthy core. The retrohale offers toasted oak and light earth.
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Second third: The profile remains centered on toasted wood and earth, with black pepper and a light coffee note joining in. The earth becomes drier, and the coffee adds a subtle richness. Strength moves to slightly above medium.
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Final third: Coffee takes on a charred note and becomes more prominent, sharing the stage with toasted oak and dry earth. Black pepper fades out, and the finish is long and satisfying.
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Other notes: Flavors of chocolate, coffee, nuts, and a hint of black cherry are also reported, with a finish described as exceptionally long and well-balanced.
Construction and Smoking Experience
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Draw: Consistently praised as perfect, with just the right resistance.
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Burn: Generally even, though some minor touch-ups may be needed.
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Box-pressed: The shape and tapered head contribute to an excellent mouthfeel and allow for a customizable draw.
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Smoke Output: Ample, creamy, and aromatic.
Reception
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Critical Acclaim: The 1926 Serie #2 Maduro is frequently rated among the best cigars in the world, with scores as high as 97 points. It is celebrated for its depth, complexity, and luxurious character.
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Aficionado Feedback: Many consider it a “must-have” for special occasions, and it is prized for its consistency, flavor, and construction.