Let's talk straight about the Padrón Series 4000 Natural - this Nicaraguan puro comes in boxes of 26 sticks priced around $266.50. Measuring 6.1/2" with a thick 54 ring gauge, it's that classic toro size that feels substantial between your fingers. Wrapped in sun-grown leaf aged 18+ months, the Natural version offers a different spin than its Maduro sibling for medium-full strength smokers.
Cold draw brings sweet barnyard. Initial puffs deliver earthy coffee bean with a cedar backbone. Retrohale stings slightly with black pepper. Tight white ash holds strong.
Bitter cocoa emerges at the halfway point. Hickory smoke replaces cedar, with caramel sweetness balancing the charred notes. Smoke output doubles - thick creamy plumes.
Last inch gets spicy - cumin and espresso grounds dominate. Some tar buildup needs purging. Nutmeg aftertaste lingers 20+ minutes post-smoke.
Rolled in Padron's Estelí factory using blended leaves from Jalapa Valley (sweeter) and Condega (spicier). Burns slower than average Toros - budget 90+ minutes.
