This Nicaraguan beast arrives box-pressed with a hefty 54-ring gauge and 6¾" length. Known as "The Birthday Stick" celebrating Jose Padron's 75th, its dark Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper hides five-year-aged filler tobaccos ready to rumble. Priced at $594/box (24ct), it's that special occasion smoke that punches above its weight class.
The initial punches land hard - black pepper and 85% dark chocolate dominate. Smoke production feels controlled despite the girth, no harshness but that signature Nicaraguan earthiness creeps in early. Retrohale brings espresso grounds and a leathery texture.
Caramelized walnuts emerge through the fog. The sweetness plays counterpoint to woodsmoke and cinnamon spice. Burn stays razor-sharp as oil droplets form near the band. Watch that nicotine surge - rookie smokers might tap out here.
Raisin sweetness collides with mineral notes and damp cedar. Tar builds faster than New York traffic, pushing most to quit before the nub. Those who endure get a final cocoa powder burst through the earthy fadeout.
Estelí and Jalapa volcanic soils grow this Nicaraguan puro's heart. Five-year-aged filler meets Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper - a rare combo that tempers strength with approachability. Hand-rolled in Padron's own factories using techniques refined since their 2002 debut.
