Crafted as the gentle rebel in Padron's typically bold lineup, the Damaso No.8 sports an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper hugging Nicaraguan tobaccos in 5½"x46 format. At $13.90 per stick, this box-pressed-free cigar comes cellophaned in portrait-adorned wooden boxes - a mild-medium smoke that'll make you rethink Nicaraguan blends. Morning coffee meets its perfect match here.
Cold draw brings sweet hay. Initial puffs deliver cashew butter smoothness with faint white pepper tickle. Smoke output moderate - thin blue ribbons. Ash holds firm in ¾" segments. Retrohale reveals baking spices (cinnamon mainly).
Core transitions to honey-wheat toast dipped in café con leche. Pepper fades as cedar emerges. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite quick puffing. Noticeable nicotine kick at ½-way mark - surprising for 2-star strength rating.
Last third amps up flavor without harshness: marzipan sweetness mingles with roasted corn. Final inch introduces mineral notes (wet stone), signaling perfect stoppage point. Total smoke time: 68 mins.
The golden claro wrapper feels slightly toothy. Triple cap peels cleanly with punch cut. Draw resistance? Perfect Goldilocks zone - not too airy, not tight. 2 relights required when pacing slowed, but no tunneling issues. Final ash drop left clean dime-sized carbon ring.
Tried three combinations:
