Padrón’s Serie 1926 line (named for late patriarch José Orlando Padrón’s birth year) contains a number of outstanding cigars, but none better than this thick, alluring, Robusto-sized stick — the enigmatic No. 9 in a Natural variation.
In 2007, the No. 9 Natural was named Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year, attaining a jaw-dropping 97 rating. Only four cigars have ever been rated higher by CA, and two of them were rolled in the 1950s. In 2011, the No. 9 Natural was rated 94, and in 2013, it was rated 93. In total, this smoke has been rated 91 or above no less than 10 times, putting it in rare company in terms of acclaim.
What’s all the fuss about? First of all, the No. 9 is a “puro” Nicaraguan cigar, making use of some of the finest aged wrapper, binder and filler tobaccos in Padrón’s inventory. Rolled at Padrón’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, this rich, box-pressed stick is more potent than any cigar in the brand’s well-known 1964 Anniversary Series.
Secondly, this medium-bodied, full-strength No. 9 variation is simultaneously complex, elegant, rewarding and sweet — drawing superbly, burning evenly and veritably bursting with distinct, unmistakable flavors from the first puff. Bold, yet perfectly balanced, it opens up with black cherry and espresso bean notes before giving way to toasty, leathery and mineral essences. Intimations of nuts, cedar, pepper, licorice and chocolate punctuate the refined blend, and the ultra-long, mellow earthy/herbal finish resonates with a hint of ginger. In short, this is a cigar that tastes as good as it looks, and it looks AMAZING.
Originally scheduled for release on José Orlando Padrón’s 75th birthday in 2001, the No. 9 was delayed until one year later to the day, but Padrón is not a company to rush its cigar-making. If you only try one cigar in the 1926 series, make it this one (in the Natural variety); you won’t be disappointed.