Let's cut straight to the chase with Padron Series Palmas Natural - this Nicaraguan puro comes in a practical Lonsdale size that Goldilocks would approve. Measuring 6 5/16" with a 42 ring gauge, it's the workhorse of the Padrón Thousand Series lineup, delivering that signature family recipe without breaking the bank at about $7.60 per stick. The Colorado Claro wrapper glistens with just enough oil to make you check your humidor settings.
First Third: Immediate roasted cashews and cedar plank notes emerge through cool, wispy smoke. The draw feels like sucking milkshake through a wide straw - almost too easy. Ash holds firm for 1.5" despite my shaky hands.
Middle Third: Transitions into espresso territory with leather undertones. Smoke output doubles, requiring more frequent purges. Watch for cinnamon spike around the halfway mark - that's your cue to pair with mineral water.
Final Third: Dark chocolate bitterness takes over with white pepper tingle on the lips. Mineral aftertaste lingers like licking a volcanic rock. Nub it before the last inch unless you enjoy tar kisses.
The triple-cap head survived my V-cutter massacre. Wrapper shows minimal veins despite the sun-grown origin. Padrón's signature box-press is subtle here - more like a cigar that slept on its side. Burn line stayed razor-sharp until final third when canoeing began (blame Miami humidity).
This stick is basically an Estelí-Jalapa-Condega soil sandwich. Volcanic minerals from northern fields meet the sweeter valleys in central regions. The 18-month aged wrapper explains why it's smoother than most Nicaraguan puros at this price tier.
