The Padron Series Executive Maduro (nicknamed "Thousand Series" by regulars) comes in a hefty 7½" x 50 double corona format, priced at $283.40 for a box of 26. This Nicaraguan puro sports an oily sun-grown maduro wrapper aged 18+ months, delivering that signature Padron punch with family-crafted consistency since 1964.
The initial draws hit with black coffee bitterness and burnt caramel sweetness. Smoke production stays moderate through the perfect burn line, needing no touch-ups. Some pepper spice tingles the nostrils without overwhelming.
At the halfway mark, earthier notes emerge - damp soil and cedar wood flavors dominate. The draw tightens slightly but maintains cool airflow. Retrohales reveal hidden almond nuttiness beneath the surface.
Nicotine strength builds noticeably in the last third. Flavors intensify into licorice and dark chocolate territory, though some might find the accumulating tar bitterness requires early retirement at the 1-inch mark.
The box-pressed format feels substantial in hand, with minimal vein visibility under the dark wrapper. Our sample showed slight bunching near the foot but burned evenly after initial corrections. Cap application rivals Cuban precision standards.
At nearly $11/stick, this sits firmly in special-occasion territory rather than daily driver range. For comparison, it outlasts most 60-minute cigars by 20+ minutes of smoke time, making the premium feel justifiable for milestone celebrations.
