Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS!

Brooks W · 09-23-2009, 10:57 AM

For as long back as I can remember in my smoking life, the name "Padron" has been synonymous with three things: Quality, Flavor and Expensive as Hell.

Well, I am happy, happy and unhappy to report that their new stick does not disappoint on any of those attributes.

The newest cigar from Jorge Padron, officially named the Padron Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro, (and unofficially nicknamed "The Hammer") is a reblended version of an almost mythical cigar, the Padron Family Reserve, which is a cigar that can be obtained only by being given one by Padron himself (or presumably any one of the extended family, although I have not confirmed that as of yet). The 45th in the name is to commemorate the company's fact that Padron has been doing business for 45 years, and the cigars were scheduled to be in stores by September 8th, which is the actual day of the anniversary.

As with most other Padron sticks, this cigar is offered in both Maduro and Natural wrappers, although the Natural version is said to be quite a bit more rare. All of the tobacco in the cigars has been aged 10 years, and each of the versions come in a great little box of 10, instead of the standard 25.

Enough chitchat, let's get down to business, shall we?

* Country of Origin: Nicaragua
* Wrapper: Nicaragua
* Binder: Nicaragua
* Filler: Nicaragua
* Size: 6 Inches (Box Pressed Toro)
* Ring Gauge: 52
* Est. Price: $25 (MSRP)
* Date Released: September 8, 2009

The first thing you notice when you pick up this stick is the color...it is a reddish, chocolate brown...The second thing you notice is the EXTREME box press...this fraker is SQUARE...it is almost distracting, how much box press it has on it... The band is wonderful, great color (especially against the dark wrapper) and what I would call the definition of "Classy".

The dark wrapper is very toothy, almost rough, and smells distinctly of Chocolate and Cinnamon...The cigar itself is VERY firm, almost rock hard (as are most Padrons I have smoked)...It exudes quality and there is no doubt you are holding an expensive cigar.

From the first puff after lighting, I was literally BLASTED with spice that made my mouth tingle...This was a bit surprising in a Padron stick, and I was taken aback by it for a moment...The spice continued at that level for about 15 puffs, then diminished just a bit, and flavors of oak and chocolate came in...but the spice was VERY strong for the whole 1st third...

In the second third, the spice calmed down quite a bit (I would say about 40% or so), but remained in the background just enough to accentuate the other flavors of a great earthy wood (almost gritty), leather and dark chocolate...

In the last third, the spice picked back up, almost (but not quite) to the level of the beginning...not overwhelming at all, and the leather, earth and chocolate continued until the end of the smoke...the cigar did not get hot at the end at all, and I was able to nub it easily...

Final Notes:

* This is EASILY the strongest (and most spicy) Padron I have ever smoked.

* I kept mentioning the spice in this stick for the whole review, and I honestly believe it is the major reason this is such a great cigar...The flavors were great of course (but they always are in a Padron, let's be honest), but the spice was perfectly balanced with the rest of the flavors, which really took it over the top in terms of overall experience (unlike, say, the Padron 80th, which I believe tried to accomplish the same effect, but fell FAR short).

* As I was writing this review, I just got the newest Cigar Aficionado Insider in my inbox, and CA gave this stick a 94 rating, and they got it right (for once).

* This was not the most complex of cigars, but most Padrons aren't...the greatness of the Padron blend is the quality of the entire stick: from the feel before you light it, to the burn and draw (which have been perfect every time I have smoked one, and this one was no exception), to the amazingly consistent flavors...When you pick up a Padron, you know Exactly what you are going to taste, and that is not easy to accomplish in the cigar world.

* I noticed the strength of this cigar at the end...honestly, it kinda snuck up on me at the end...Do NOT take this stick lightly, or it will bite you in the ass...

The Bottom Line: The thought that kept running through my head the entire time I was smoking this was that the best way to describe this stick was a cross between a Pepin and a Padron...It seems to incorporate the best of both worlds: the unmistakable flavor (and quality) of a Padron, with the punch of a Pepin. It is quite literally the best Padron I have ever smoked, even better then my beloved '64 Imperial Natural, which has been a staple of mine for years. If you can find them, I would buy them.

Final Score: 95

~brooks

icehog3 · 09-23-2009, 11:00 AM

Excellent review, Brooks, thanks for all the detail and pictures.

Kreth · 09-23-2009, 11:00 AM

Nice review, sounds like a great smoke.

Posted via Mobile Device

tuxpuff · 09-23-2009, 11:10 AM

Fantastic review. Thanks!

ade06 · 09-23-2009, 11:11 AM

Nice review!

Pilon · 09-23-2009, 11:21 AM

awesome review and great pics. thanks.

TheTraveler · 09-23-2009, 11:23 AM

Great review and really nice pics.

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

McSmokey · 09-23-2009, 11:29 AM

Great Review Thanx

09-23-2009, 11:29 AM

Thanks for the review. The pics were awesome.

CasaDooley · 09-23-2009, 11:30 AM

Great review Brooks, glad you enjoyed the cigar!

TripleF · 09-23-2009, 11:37 AM

A+ on the review brother!! Thanks for thinking of us!

HK3- · 09-23-2009, 11:56 AM

Awesome review with wonderful pictures. This is one cigar that is top on my list to sample.

Emjaysmash · 09-23-2009, 12:00 PM

This Hammer officially needs THAT Hammer!

BigAsh · 09-23-2009, 12:02 PM

now...in search of, "THE HAMMER".....thanks Brooks!

kelmac07 · 09-23-2009, 12:32 PM

Awesome review...thanks for sharing!!

At $25 a stick, not to sure about this one.

Skywalker · 09-23-2009, 12:35 PM

Super review!!!

The photos are great!!! I love the little hammer on the band!!!

A strong Padron could be interesting!!!

JJG · 09-23-2009, 12:55 PM

thanks for sharing! I figured someone here would get their hands on one of these. My local shop said they had one box of 10 that sold out within a few hours.

Adriftpanda · 09-23-2009, 02:03 PM

Sweet review Brook! When I heard about these, I said to myself, "crap, here goes another $200 on cigars for me" and after reading this... Crap here goes $400 on cigars for me!

longknocker · 09-23-2009, 02:11 PM

Awesome review & Pics, Brooks! I can taste that stick, myself! Thanks!

09-23-2009, 02:13 PM

"this stick was a cross between a Pepin and a Padron..."

That is one heck of a compliment, in my opinion, now I'm gonna have to try....Thanks Brooksey!

Great review and pic's as usual!

"Sweet review Brook! When I heard about these, I said to myself, "crap, here goes another $200 on cigars for me" and after reading this... Crap here goes $400 on cigars for me!"

Nah, at 10 to a box that's only $250.00!

09-23-2009, 10:57 AM	#1
Brooks W Feeling at Home Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 833 Trading: (70)	Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! For as long back as I can remember in my smoking life, the name "Padron" has been synonymous with three things: Quality, Flavor and Expensive as Hell. Well, I am happy, happy and unhappy to report that their new stick does not disappoint on any of those attributes. The newest cigar from Jorge Padron, officially named the Padron Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro, (and unofficially nicknamed "The Hammer") is a reblended version of an almost mythical cigar, the Padron Family Reserve, which is a cigar that can be obtained only by being given one by Padron himself (or presumably any one of the extended family, although I have not confirmed that as of yet). The 45th in the name is to commemorate the company's fact that Padron has been doing business for 45 years, and the cigars were scheduled to be in stores by September 8th, which is the actual day of the anniversary. As with most other Padron sticks, this cigar is offered in both Maduro and Natural wrappers, although the Natural version is said to be quite a bit more rare. All of the tobacco in the cigars has been aged 10 years, and each of the versions come in a great little box of 10, instead of the standard 25. Enough chitchat, let's get down to business, shall we? * Country of Origin: Nicaragua * Wrapper: Nicaragua * Binder: Nicaragua * Filler: Nicaragua * Size: 6 Inches (Box Pressed Toro) * Ring Gauge: 52 * Est. Price: $25 (MSRP) * Date Released: September 8, 2009 The first thing you notice when you pick up this stick is the color...it is a reddish, chocolate brown...The second thing you notice is the EXTREME box press...this fraker is SQUARE...it is almost distracting, how much box press it has on it... The band is wonderful, great color (especially against the dark wrapper) and what I would call the definition of "Classy". The dark wrapper is very toothy, almost rough, and smells distinctly of Chocolate and Cinnamon...The cigar itself is VERY firm, almost rock hard (as are most Padrons I have smoked)...It exudes quality and there is no doubt you are holding an expensive cigar. From the first puff after lighting, I was literally BLASTED with spice that made my mouth tingle...This was a bit surprising in a Padron stick, and I was taken aback by it for a moment...The spice continued at that level for about 15 puffs, then diminished just a bit, and flavors of oak and chocolate came in...but the spice was VERY strong for the whole 1st third... In the second third, the spice calmed down quite a bit (I would say about 40% or so), but remained in the background just enough to accentuate the other flavors of a great earthy wood (almost gritty), leather and dark chocolate... In the last third, the spice picked back up, almost (but not quite) to the level of the beginning...not overwhelming at all, and the leather, earth and chocolate continued until the end of the smoke...the cigar did not get hot at the end at all, and I was able to nub it easily... Final Notes: * This is EASILY the strongest (and most spicy) Padron I have ever smoked. * I kept mentioning the spice in this stick for the whole review, and I honestly believe it is the major reason this is such a great cigar...The flavors were great of course (but they always are in a Padron, let's be honest), but the spice was perfectly balanced with the rest of the flavors, which really took it over the top in terms of overall experience (unlike, say, the Padron 80th, which I believe tried to accomplish the same effect, but fell FAR short). * As I was writing this review, I just got the newest Cigar Aficionado Insider in my inbox, and CA gave this stick a 94 rating, and they got it right (for once). * This was not the most complex of cigars, but most Padrons aren't...the greatness of the Padron blend is the quality of the entire stick: from the feel before you light it, to the burn and draw (which have been perfect every time I have smoked one, and this one was no exception), to the amazingly consistent flavors...When you pick up a Padron, you know Exactly what you are going to taste, and that is not easy to accomplish in the cigar world. * I noticed the strength of this cigar at the end...honestly, it kinda snuck up on me at the end...Do NOT take this stick lightly, or it will bite you in the ass... The Bottom Line: The thought that kept running through my head the entire time I was smoking this was that the best way to describe this stick was a cross between a Pepin and a Padron...It seems to incorporate the best of both worlds: the unmistakable flavor (and quality) of a Padron, with the punch of a Pepin. It is quite literally the best Padron I have ever smoked, even better then my beloved '64 Imperial Natural, which has been a staple of mine for years. If you can find them, I would buy them. Final Score: 95 ~brooks

09-23-2009, 11:00 AM	#2
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,889 Trading: (60)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Excellent review, Brooks, thanks for all the detail and pictures. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

09-23-2009, 11:00 AM	#3
Kreth Ronin smoker Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Oneonta, NY Posts: 3,620 Trading: (14)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Nice review, sounds like a great smoke. Posted via Mobile Device

09-23-2009, 11:10 AM	#4
tuxpuff Feeling at Home Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Luke Location: Austin Posts: 877 Trading: (2)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Fantastic review. Thanks!

09-23-2009, 11:11 AM	#5
ade06 Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Ade Location: Philadelphia Posts: 1,190 Trading: (24)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Nice review!

09-23-2009, 11:21 AM	#6
Pilon Feelin' the Love Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Travis Location: Tiverton, RI Posts: 888 Trading: (49)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! awesome review and great pics. thanks.

09-23-2009, 11:23 AM	#7
TheTraveler giggity giggitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jonathan Location: Near a Walmart Posts: 1,813 Trading: (12)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Great review and really nice pics. Thank you for taking the time to do this. __________________ "My life is my own."

09-23-2009, 11:29 AM	#8
McSmokey Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Justin Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 948 Trading: (30)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Great Review Thanx

09-23-2009, 11:29 AM	#9
leasingthisspace Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Thanks for the review. The pics were awesome.

09-23-2009, 11:30 AM	#10
CasaDooley Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: The birthplace of Fathers Day Posts: 2,465 Trading: (41)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Great review Brooks, glad you enjoyed the cigar! __________________ *Founding member of the Lilac City Dedicated Herfers*

09-23-2009, 11:37 AM	#11
TripleF 11/11/11 EPIC IV Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,626 Trading: (176)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! A+ on the review brother!! Thanks for thinking of us! __________________ Cool Cigar Shirts, Stickers & More

09-23-2009, 11:56 AM	#12
HK3- Cashmere Jungle Lord Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Boffa Location: The town so nice they named it twice Posts: 5,035 Trading: (48)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Awesome review with wonderful pictures. This is one cigar that is top on my list to sample.

09-23-2009, 12:00 PM	#13
Emjaysmash The Hebrew Hammer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: M.J. Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 7,025 Trading: (76)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! This Hammer officially needs THAT Hammer! __________________

09-23-2009, 12:02 PM	#14
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,057 Trading: (46)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! now...in search of, "THE HAMMER".....thanks Brooks! __________________ Keith

09-23-2009, 12:32 PM	#15
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Awesome review...thanks for sharing!! At $25 a stick, not to sure about this one. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

09-23-2009, 12:35 PM	#16
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Super review!!! The photos are great!!! I love the little hammer on the band!!! A strong Padron could be interesting!!! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

09-23-2009, 12:55 PM	#17
JJG Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Houston Posts: 1,260 Trading: (4)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! thanks for sharing! I figured someone here would get their hands on one of these. My local shop said they had one box of 10 that sold out within a few hours.

09-23-2009, 02:03 PM	#18
Adriftpanda Peter's Daddy Join Date: May 2009 First Name: Huy Location: No one wants me Posts: 10,313 Trading: (74)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Sweet review Brook! When I heard about these, I said to myself, "crap, here goes another $200 on cigars for me" and after reading this... Crap here goes $400 on cigars for me! __________________ Who eats plantains when they can eat placenta.

09-23-2009, 02:11 PM	#19
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,233 Trading: (82)	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! Awesome review & Pics, Brooks! I can taste that stick, myself! Thanks!

09-23-2009, 02:13 PM	#20
SkinsFanLarry Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Padron 45th Maduro-It Frakin' ROCKS! "this stick was a cross between a Pepin and a Padron..." That is one heck of a compliment, in my opinion, now I'm gonna have to try....Thanks Brooksey! Great review and pic's as usual! "Sweet review Brook! When I heard about these, I said to myself, "crap, here goes another $200 on cigars for me" and after reading this... Crap here goes $400 on cigars for me!" Nah, at 10 to a box that's only $250.00! Last edited by SkinsFanLarry; 09-23-2009 at 02:19 PM.