Let's talk about the box-pressed Robusto that's been making waves in the premium cigar scene - the Padron Family Reserve 85 Years Maduro. This Nicaraguan puro comes in a 5 1/4" x 50 format, wrapped in an oily oscuro leaf that's darker than midnight oil. At $24 per stick (box of 10 for $239.50), it's positioned as a special occasion smoke rather than daily driver material.
The pre-light aroma hits with fermented barnyard notes and a distinct molasses sweetness. The cold draw reveals espresso grounds and dark chocolate - classic Padron markers dialed up to eleven.
Ignition brings immediate black pepper kick that settles into baking spices. The retrohale stings with chili powder heat while the palate detects cocoa powder and leather. Smoke output feels dense but not overwhelming.
At the halfway mark, transitions get interesting. Black cherry emerges through the maduro sweetness, accompanied by roasted cashews. The nicotine punch becomes more pronounced - newcomers might want to pair this with sugary drinks.
The last segment ramps up intensity with charred oak and mineral notes. Some testers report slight tar buildup near the nub, though proper purging mitigates this. Retrohales now carry anise undertones that weren't present earlier.
The box-pressed format maintains sharp edges throughout the smoke. Burn line stays razor-straight without touch-ups, and the ash holds firmly for about 1.5-inch increments. The dual bands peel off cleanly without damaging the fragile maduro wrapper.
While not an everyday smoke due to its intensity and price point, this anniversary blend showcases Padron's mastery of aged Nicaraguan tobacco. The 10-year aging process smooths out what could otherwise be an overwhelming profile. Best enjoyed after a hearty meal with at least 90 minutes to spare.
