Padron 1926 Natural No. 1
Posted on June 07 2021
Vitola: 6.75x54 BP | Smoking Time: 117 min | Cigars Smoked: 5+ | Body: Medium+ | MSRP: $22.40
Wrapper/Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan puro
Padron needs no introduction. Started in 1964 with a mere $600, Jose Padron worked 18-hour days to build a company steeped in Cuban tradition. The 1926 Serie is their flagship premium line.
Visual Inspection: Beautiful milky nut-brown wrapper with veins running the length of the cigar. Visible but smooth and subtle seams. Box press causes a slight characteristic bulge — very common for Padrons. Ample bounce, slightly thin wrapper feel. Foot aroma: subtle barnyard and cinnamon. Cold draw: honeysuckle, birch, cherry, and citrus.
First Third: Bold and very sweet on first light, then the profile changes completely to bold and spicy. Black pepper, cedar, nutmeg, earth, and walnut burst through. Wood and walnut linger long after exhaling. When resting: toasted wheat bread and half-and-half join the profile.
Second Third: Remarkably Cuban-esque — reminiscent of a Warped Bits of Havana. Flavors shine most when the cigar rests. Black pepper, coffee, birch, and walnuts up front; half-and-half, citrus, and liquid smoke in the undertones. Sweetness slowly grows to complement the ever-present spice, with cherry notes from the cold draw returning.
Final Third: Despite the unusual box press, the draw is exceptional. What the No. 1 lacks in complexity is made up in consistency. Birch, walnut, coffee, cream, black pepper, and cherry remain most prominent. Character-rich and extremely enjoyable to the end.
Final Thoughts: An amazingly consistent, medium+ experience for everyone — especially those "I only smoke Cubans" guys. The spicy, nutty, wood overtones are smooth and complemented by ever-so-slight sweetness. Padron is a huge brand that boutique smokers might overlook, but they are undeniably amazing sticks.
-Sam
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the Padron 1926 No. 1?
Medium-plus body throughout its 117 minutes. Bold spice and pepper balanced with sweetness and cream notes that keep it from crossing into full strength. The flavors are most expressive when the cigar rests between puffs.
What's the difference between the Padron 1926 Natural and Maduro?
The Natural delivers raw Nicaraguan terroir — pepper, wood, walnut — while the Maduro ferments the wrapper longer to develop dark chocolate and coffee sweetness while softening the spice. See our full Padron Cigars Guide for a complete comparison of every 1926 vitola.
Is the Padron 1926 No. 1 worth $22?
For 117 minutes of complex, consistent smoking from one of the most trusted names in cigars, yes. The reviewer — not typically a Padron advocate — was converted by the No. 1’s spice-forward profile and exceptional value for the experience delivered.