Let's talk about this $153.55 box of five Nicaraguan heavyweights. The Padron Family Reserve Natural Sampler packs assorted vitolas with decade-aged tobacco - box-pressed beauties celebrating family milestones. These 100% Nicaraguan puros show why Estelí-grown leaf dominates the full-bodied scene. I burned through a sampler last week and here's the real talk.
Pre-light nose gives earth and barnyard. The No.85 torpedo I tried had perfect box-press ridges with that signature Padron "slightly toothy" natural wrapper. Cold draw hints espresso beans and aged cedar.
Initial puffs burst with black pepper that'll clear your sinuses. Settles into roasted almond territory around the 1/2" burn line. Smoke production's medium - not a cloud chaser's dream but adequate. Watch the burn line; my robusto canoeed slightly needing one correction.
Here's where the 10-year aging shows. Pepper mellows into dark chocolate ganache with baking spices (cinnamon > nutmeg). Retrohale brings out hazelnut spread smoothness. Draw tightens slightly but manageable. Ash holds strong in 1" chunks.
Leather and cedar take over with espresso bitterness emerging. Strength builds noticeably - felt that nic buzz by the band point. Stopped at nub length due to increasing tar notes. Post-smoke aroma leaves pleasant tobacco sweetness.
Padron's sampler shines for seasoned smokers wanting consistency. While not as complex as some limited editions, it delivers that signature Nicaraguan punch with better balance than the 1964 line. The No.45 corona stood out - perfect 50min smoke. Newbies? Start with their Damaso first.
