Got my hands on Padron's 80 Years Natural Figurado - this 6¾" x54 torpedo-shaped stogie commemorates Jose Padron's birthday with Nicaraguan puro goodness. The box of 8 comes packed with five-year-aged tobacco sporting that signature Padron box-press. Let's unpack what makes this anniversary stick tick.
Cedar planks and dark chocolate dominate the cold draw. Initial puffs bring espresso bitterness balanced by that signature Padron sweetness - think molasses-covered almonds. Smoke output's decent, not volcanic, but enough to coat the palate.
At the 30-minute mark, transitions to leather and black pepper territory. Retrohale stings with white pepper but rewards with hidden raisin notes. Ash holds strong for 1.5" despite the box-press - no touch-ups needed.
Last third turns savory - roasted coffee beans meet mineral earthiness. Sweetness resurfaces through the nose as vanilla-oak combo. Stopped at nub but felt nicotine building up - rookies proceed with sugary drink backup.
Rolled in Estelí using Jalapa valley leaves aged 5+ years. The box-press isn't just aesthetic - promotes slower burn in figurado format. Wrapper's Colorado-claro shade shows minimal veins under oily sheen. Padron's double-banded with authenticity seal - no fakes here.
