The Padron Series 7000 Natural rolls in with its 6.25-inch Churchill frame and meaty 60 ring gauge - a Nicaraguan bulldozer packed with aged sun-grown tobacco. This box-pressed beast comes 26 to a box at around $11.50 per stick, making it Padrón's entry-level heavyweight. The natural wrapper shows off that signature Colorado-brown hue with minimal veins, just begging to be punched and lit.
Cold Draw: Sweet tobacco and damp earth with a raisin-like stickiness on the lips. First light punches with black pepper and cedar, settling into coffee grounds and bitter cocoa within the first inch.
Massive smoke output from the get-go. Earthy core wrapped in leather and cashew nuttiness. Retrohale brings white pepper tickle without harshness. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the 60-ring girth.
Cocoa powder sweetness emerges at the halfway point, balancing the charred oak notes. Smoke turns creamier with occasional almond flashes. Watch for tight ash holds - dropped mine at 1.5 inches to prevent canoeing.
Nicaraguan strength shows teeth in the last third. Dark chocolate bitterness amps up alongside espresso grounds. Touch of ammonia surfaces near the nub - classic Padrón "aged but could use more rest" tail.
Padrón's 7000 Natural delivers that signature Estelí power trip in XL format. While not as nuanced as the Family Reserve line, it nails the value proposition for box buyers. Pair with espresso or bourbon to match its boldness. Let 'em rest at least 6 months to tame the nicotine punch.
