Unwrapping a Padron from its cellophane is always a treat. Each size of the standard Padron line gives off the same delicious aroma. Smelling the cigar before lighting is highly recommended. The semisweet, dark and earthy smells heighten as one moves from the wrapper to the foot and is the perfect start to each smoke. The cigar itself is beautifully constructed. The natural wrapper has a somewhat mottled look as the colors move between milk chocolate brown and nearly black. The single cap on a Padron can be a nuisance but after a little practice becomes second nature. The first few puffs of this cigar are incredibly earthy and toasty with coffee, cocoa and a very faint spice in the background. The burn of the cigar starts out nice and even. The ash is solid with a salt and pepper color to it. After the initial explosion of flavor the cigar mellows some and allows the more subtle flavors to come to the front of the palate. What is remarkable is that no single flavor over powers any of the others but are balanced in such a way that all are complimentary to one another. The balance of flavor and aroma is perfect. The black coffee and dark cocoa blend with the sweet and woody aroma. This is complimented by a subtle toasty and tea leaf flavor as well as a faint, pepper spice.
As the smoke progresses the flavors narrow and become more bready and toasty in nature, leaving coffee to dominate the palate. The aroma has changed little throughout the smoke. Still no bitter or unpleasant tastes. This cigar, as with any Padron, can be smoked until your fingers are burning and remain well balanced and rich with flavor.
A medium bodied smoke. However, the dark and rich flavors may be too much for a light cigar smoker to handle, though they may enjoy other medium bodied smokes. The smoke itself is not heavy but the flavors are powerful and bold.
Like many cigars of its length, you can expect the Padron churchill to be a dynamic smoke with many subtle changes in flavor as you smoke it. Each transition is smooth and pleasant. As I smoked I did not encounter a single bitter or unpleasant flavor. All in all this is one of the best cigars one can hope to smoke.
I highly recommend smoking it with a cup of coffee or english breakfast tea after becoming acquainted with the flavors of the standard Padron.
- Liam Collier
