Review: Padilla 1932

[OHRD]

Size: 5×50, Robusto
Wrapper: Cuban-seed Corojo (Nicaraguan)
Filler: Cuban-seed Corojo (Nicaraguan)
Strength: Full
Price: Box of 25, $269.95
Grade: 9.2

The Padilla 1932 was masterminded by Don Pepin Garcia and is produced in his Little Havana factory, El Rey de los Habanos. One size however, the La Perla, is produced at Pepin’s Nicaraguan factory, Tabacalera Cubana S.A. The line is named for Ernesto Padilla’s father, Herberto, a Cuban poet, who was born in 1932. Released in stages, the first three sizes debuted in 2006. There are 7 total sizes, with one size made exclusively for one retailer. This cigar has received some high ratings, including a 93 from Cigar Aficionado (for whatever that’s worth). You can learn a great deal about the 1932 here.
As a huge Don Pepin fan, I was excited to fire up the Padilla 1932. Everything about the smoke is eye catching and as I get ready to review my anticipation level is high. So, without any more history, let’s toast that foot.

Pre-light, 1.8:
The Corojo wrapper on this smoke is somewhat veiny, but not in a detrimental way. A few bumps are present but again nothing to detract from the aesthetics of the smoke. The triple cap is very nice, the weight is spot on, and it is very well constructed. The very detailed and artistic label pays homage to the fact that this smoke is rolled in Little Havana. The pre-light aroma is nutty and the cold draw is aromatic with clean tobacco and some warm spice in the nose.

Burn, 1.8:
The 1932 had a nice burn line throughout with no touch ups or re-lights required. The draw was tight to begin with but opened up nicely halfway into the first third. The ash held well past one and a half inches before I tapped it off into the tray. The smoke got a little tight towards the final third, but not enough to deduct points.

Flavor, 2.8:
Lets get on with what matters most to us, the flavor profile. The first puff was nutty with some spice on the exhale. The first third was flush with flavors of roasted nuts and cedar, with some dark notes layered in the palate. Some pleasant spice was noticeable on the exhale and lips. The second third seemed to get smoother, but the flavor profile remained consistent with a longer finish of dark herbal notes. The final third of the Padilla featured prominent spice and a very rich and highly enjoyable tobacco.

Overall, 2.8:
The Corojo wrapper and Nicaraguan filler is a winner in my opinion. At over $10 a smoke, this is not a yard cigar for sure, but it is well worth the money. The classy label, excellent burn, and huge flavor profile makes this smoke one that I wished went on forever. However this bad boy is full bodied and it snuck up on me—don’t take it for granted; it is a powerhouse of strength. Ernesto and Don Pepin really have a winner in this smoke.

(Total: 9.2)