Let's talk about Padron's smooth operator - the Damaso No.15 Toro. This 6x52 parejo breaks from Padron's usual Nicaraguan powerhouse mold, wrapped in golden Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf instead. At $16.40 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's your gateway into the Padron family without overwhelming your palate. The cylindrical shape (no box-press here) and cellophane wrapping make it stand out in their lineup. Perfect with morning coffee or as a midday smoke break companion.
The cold draw whispers of almond skins and dried grass. Initial puffs deliver creamy cashew butter with white pepper tickling the nostrils. Smoke output stays moderate - no dense clouds here. Watch that Connecticut wrapper; mine needed two touch-ups in the first inch when the burn line wobbled.
At the halfway point, honey-glazed walnuts emerge alongside wet cedar notes. The pepper fades into lemon zest acidity that cleanses the palate. Ash holds firm in half-inch segments. Retrohale reveals hidden floral tones - think chamomile tea with a sugar cube.
Approaching the band, flavors shift toward roasted sunflower seeds and wheat toast. Slight bitterness creeps in during the last inch, typical of Connecticut wrappers. Stopped at nub length - nicotine stays mild but tar buildup warrants ending before the label.
These Nicaraguan-rolled sticks wear their Ecuadorian Connecticut cloak well. Spotted two prominent veins in my sample, though none caused burn issues. The triple cap unraveled cleanly with a straight cutter. Humidity matters - keep these at 65% RH to prevent wrapper cracks during transport.
