Fans of Padrón know that the 1926 series — named after the birth year of late, legendary Padrón founder José Orlando Padrón — is one of the most acclaimed lines of smokes from the most lauded cigar brand in the business. Originally released in 2002 to celebrate José’s 75th birthday, the 1926 series counts among its vitolas many outstanding cigars, this one being a prime example.
As the longest stick in the 1926 line, the “puro” Nicaraguan, box-pressed Padrón Serie 1926 No. 1 Maduro has drawn accolades recently from Cigar Aficionado, earning a 93 rating from the magazine in 2020 and a 92 in 2021.
With wrapper, binder and filler leaves that are a minimum of five years old, the dark, Churchill-sized, medium-to-full-strength No. 1 Maduro unquestionably deserves its enviable scores, and then some. Its open and easy draw, razor-sharp burn and immaculate construction create a sublime experience for the seasoned smoker. Signature notes of cocoa beans and semi-sweet chocolate are infused with an herbal woodiness enhanced by leather and a licorice-mint finish. If you haven’t yet tried the Serie 1926 line of cigars, a box of these portentous smokes is a most fitting way to become familiar with them.