Cigar Reviews
New Padron 1926 Series Cigar Review
Padron 1926 Series Cigar Review Natural & Maduro
— Real-world impressions, taste notes, and vitola breakdown —
Let’s just say it up front — the Padrón 1926 is not your average cigar. It doesn’t even try to be. If you’re reaching for one of these, you probably already know: it’s a premium, a heavy-hitter, something you light up when you want full flavor, full body, and a slow, serious burn.
These are Nicaraguan puros, by the way — all the tobacco inside and out is grown in Nicaragua. Every leaf is aged at least five years, which is part of why the smoke is so smooth and refined, even when it’s strong.
Flavor Profile
From the first draw, especially on the Maduro, there’s this hit of rich cocoa and espresso, almost like the first bite of a dark chocolate bar with a shot of black coffee. Spice comes in right after — not overwhelming, but definitely present. Think black pepper, maybe even a cinnamon tingle on the retrohale if you’re paying attention. The Natural wrapper tends to start drier — more earthy, more leathery — but it still develops nicely.
Midway through, things start to layer. You’ll pick up notes of roasted nuts, aged cedar, sometimes this subtle sweetness, like molasses or dried fruit — nothing artificial, just natural tobacco richness. And the finish? Long. Like, pour-a-drink-and-sit-with-it long. Especially with the Maduro, there’s a creamy, lingering note that just hangs around in the best way.
These are not beginner smokes. They’re bold, complex, and unapologetically full-bodied. But if you’ve got the palate for it, it’s a masterpiece.
Vitolas (Sizes) – What to Know
- Padron 1926 No. 1
Long and bold. A 6¾ x 54 box-pressed beast. It’s great if you’ve got time to kill and want that deep, evolving experience. The No.1 Maduro is spicy coca overload (in a good way). Rated 92 by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 2
A 5½ x 52 belicoso. That tapered head? Makes a difference. You get a tighter draw, a more concentrated smoke. Smooth, elegant, with a little more spice kick up front. Rated 93 by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 6
Shorter (4¾ x 50), but still full-bodied. Quick to light, gets to the point fast. You’ll taste the richness early on. A great after-dinner cigar if you don’t have 2 hours. Rated 92 by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 9
A fan favorite. 5¼ x 56 — chunky, flavorful, and strong. This one always seems to strike the perfect balance between power and sweetness. 2007 – Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 35
Tiny powerhouse (4 x 48). Don’t let the size fool you — it punches way above its weight. You’ll get all the flavor, just compressed. A quick fix for a Padrón craving. Rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 40
A 6½ x 54 torpedo. Celebratory. Fancy. Complex. If you’re in the mood to savor, this one’s a slow, rich ride. 2004 – Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 80
Big and bold. 6¾ x 54. Designed for those who want strength and luxury all in one stick. Rated 93 by Cigar Aficionado.
- Padron 1926 No. 90
Tubo format, round instead of box-pressed. Smooth draw, excellent balance. Has a slightly different mouthfeel — great construction. Rated 91 by Cigar Aficionado.
Oh, and they come in Natural and Maduro wrappers. General rule? Natural’s more sweetness and leather, Maduro’s more spice, cocoa, and creamy depth. Totally depends on what you’re in the mood for.
Construction, Burn & Draw
No surprise here: flawless. Padrón is known for consistency, and the 1926 line delivers every time. The draw is effortless, the burn line stays razor-sharp (most of the time), and the ash holds like a champ. You can tell the rollers take pride in these — they’re packed just right.
Which is the best size ?
Honestly, when it comes to the Padrón 1926, you really can’t go wrong there are no bad decisions— every size smokes great. But if you’re asking what the best size is?
Most folks (myself included) lean toward the No. 9 Natural. It’s kind of the sweet spot of the whole line.
Why? It’s that 5¼ x 56 format — not too long, not too short. Just enough length to let the cigar open up and go through some nice transitions, but not so big that you’re stuck with it for two hours. The draw is always smooth, the construction is tight, and the flavor hits right in that zone where everything from dark chocolate to espresso to spice just clicks. It’s full-bodied, yeah — but not overwhelming if you’ve got a little experience.
If you’re not into longer smokes or just want a quicker hit of that signature 1926 flavor, the No. 6 Maduro is a great option too. Still bold, still complex — just in a tighter package. Perfect for when you don’t want to commit to a long session.
Now, if you’re someone who loves a slow, meditative cigar — something to nurse for a solid 90 minutes while you sip something strong — the No. 1 is the one. It’s long (like 6¾ inches), so you’ve got to have the time and patience. But when you do? Man, it delivers.
All that said, the No. 9 Natural is the one I personally reach for when I want the best balance of flavor, size, and time. If you’ve never had it — light one up with a dark rum or espresso and just settle in. You’ll see.
A quick cheat sheet:
First time trying it? Go for a Padron 1926 No. 6 Maduro.
Want strength and balance? Padron 1926 No. 9 Natural hits the sweet spot.
Looking for bold & sweet? Padron 1926 No. 1 Maduro will leave an impression.
Short smoke, same punch? Try the Padron 1926 No. 35 — a little firecracker.
Pros and Cons
Pros – What Makes the Padrón 1926 Great
1. Flavor is next-level.
It hits hard, but not in a bad way. Right from the first draw, you’re getting deep notes — chocolate, espresso, earth, a little pepper. It’s layered. You don’t have to search for the flavors; they’re right there.
2. It’s consistent. Like, scary consistent.
Every time you light one, you know what you’re getting. No plugged draws, no weird burn lines — it’s just built right. That’s not something you can say for a lot of cigars, even expensive ones.
3. The aging shows.
They age this stuff for five years minimum, and it tastes like it. Everything is smoother, rounder, more refined. You can feel the difference between this and a rushed blend.
4. Natural or Maduro — both are killer.
You’re not stuck with one style. Want something spicy and leathery? Grab the Natural. Want dark, rich, dessert-y flavors? Go Maduro. You can switch it up depending on the day.
5. No-nonsense craftsmanship.
Box-pressed, sharp look, solid ash, smooth draw. It’s a cigar that feels like it was made by people who actually care.
Cons – Stuff That Might Bug You
1. It’s not cheap.
Let’s be real. You’re paying anywhere from $18 to $30+ a stick, depending on size. That adds up. It’s a “treat yourself” cigar, not an everyday burner — unless your budget’s stacked.
2. Not beginner-friendly.
If you’re new to cigars, this one can punch you in the face a bit. It’s full-bodied and pretty intense early on, especially in the Maduro. Not exactly a casual afternoon puff.
3. Time commitment.
These are slow burners. You’re not getting in and out in 30 minutes. Some of the larger sizes (like the No. 1) are easily 90 minutes, maybe more. You’ve got to be in the mood to sit down and chill.
4. Sometimes the spice kicks in heavy early.
Especially with the Maduro, the first third can come in hot — black pepper, dry spice, a little bite on the tongue. It mellows out, but if you’re expecting smooth from start to finish, it might catch you off guard.
5. The hype can hurt it.
Because it’s talked up so much, some folks smoke it expecting a religious experience. And while it’s a damn good cigar, it’s still just tobacco. If you go in expecting magic, you might come out thinking, “Eh, it’s great… but?”
Final Thoughts
If you like cigars with layers — ones that evolve from start to finish — the Padrón 1926 is worth every dollar. It’s strong, sure, but never harsh. There’s finesse behind the power. Whether you’re kicking back with a Maduro No. 9 and a glass of bourbon, or lighting a No. 6 after a steak dinner, you’ll get something memorable.
Are they pricey? Yeah. But here’s the thing: you get what you pay for. With the 1926, you’re paying for aged Nicaraguan tobacco, years of craftsmanship, and a cigar that actually feels like a special occasion.
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