This box-pressed Nicaraguan puro demands attention with its imposing 8.25"x50 Gran Corona frame. At $368.50 per 10-count box, the "A" Maduro size provides 90+ minutes of evolving flavors wrapped in Padrón's signature oily maduro leaf. The cigar commemorates the family-owned company's 50-year legacy through meticulously aged tobaccos, delivering medium-full strength with unexpected smoothness.
First Third: Immediate Nicaraguan spice crackles with black pepper and earth. The maduro wrapper tempers the heat with black coffee grounds and 72% dark chocolate notes, producing a dry mouthfeel.
Mid Section: Spice recedes as caramelized walnut sweetness emerges. Combustion remains razor-sharp with dense smoke output. Watch for secondary leather and cinnamon stick nuances between the inch-long ash drops.
Final Stretch: At the 90-minute mark, the flavor shifts to roasted Brazil nuts and licorice root. While nicotine buildup stays manageable, some palates may find the persistent earthiness requires mineral water pairing.
The dense but springy pack reveals Padrón's multi-region blending - Estelí's pepper, Condega's texture, Jalapa's sweetness. Minimal vein structure in the espresso-dark wrapper translates to consistent burns. Double bands and numbered labels verify authenticity against counterfeits.
Suits experienced enthusiasts wanting Nicaraguan power without harshness. The length requires time commitment best paired with aged rum. Not ideal for quick smokes or nicotine-sensitive beginners.
