On a recent swing through a B&M in West Palm I came across these interesting little numbers hiding out on a shelf and trying hard not to be noticed. I coaxed some out of the box and was surprised to see a price point that made this a must try (Padilla has been a bit high on recent offerings and the quality has not been there). Despite recent disappointments in some Padilla smokes I decided to buy some of these in two different wrapper incarnations.
This cigar is really something to behold. The wrapper nearly drips with oily splendor and there are few veins and not a single blemish across the stunning exterior of this cigar. A quick roll through the mitts reveals a well constructed smoke that has some tightness near the head (my remedy for this is almost always a straight cut and some gentle chewing on the cigar to loosen the roll near the shoulder). After concluding my parenthetical ritual I continue on in my pre smoke evaluation process. The pre light aroma is an enticing mix of dark tea, clove and earth. The pre light draw shows some excellent dark wood essence and some tea notes.
The cigar opens with a profile that is complex, bold, balanced and nuanced. There are some instant dark tea flavors that are intoxicating. Some intense strings of black pepper boom forth here as well and are accompanied by deep and textured earthy flavors. At the back of the palate dark wood notes abound and create an almost herbal note when combined with the tea flavors. I am stunned by this unique profile and I am settling in for what is sure to be a fabulous experience. The draw is a touch tight, but it is not causing any distress in the experience. The burn is sharp and the ash is crisp and white.
The first half of the cigar continues to impress me. The profile is still showing some notes of tea, but there is a more forward presentation of spice and pepper after the opening inch. At the back of the palate dark wood continues to be the star, but there are some shifts to earthy presentations here as well and I like what it is showing me at this stage as it foreshadows earthy goodness to come. The draw has opened up nicely and the palate is coated with fabulous smoke on each draw. The burn remains exceptional to this point.
The final half of the smoke slows down some, but it is still impressive. The main profile becomes a touch one dimensional, showing mainly pepper notes, but the depth of the one flavor is solid. The back of the palate is showing some transition into a more earthy presentation, but it never quite gets all the way there, leaving me a bit sad about what could have been. The draw and burn stay excellent through to the very nubbed end.
The finish was long and smooth and showed notes of tea, wood, pepper and spice.
Appearance- 93 a very attractive smoke
Taste- 92 some lack of complexity late hurt the chances, but the cigar is still excellent
Construction- 91 some early reductions for tightness in the draw
Strength- 92 a very solid full
Overall- 91.75 a very good smoke that makes me think Padilla might get back on the map
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