Padrón 1926 Serie 80 Years Maduro

The Padrón 1926 Serie 80 Years Maduro (often listed as the No. 80) was created to mark the 80th birthday of company founder José O. Padrón. It's a 6.75 x 54 box-pressed perfecto built from some of the company's oldest leaves, aged at least five years, and it was Cigar Aficionado's #2 Cigar of the Year in 2008 with a 96-point rating.

What it tastes like

This is a full-bodied cigar with serious pedigree. The maduro wrapper layers cocoa, coffee, and toasted nuts, with a distinctive note of orange peel, leather, and a little spice on the finish. Because so few are made each day — by a single buncher and roller — the construction and consistency are extraordinary. Despite the strength, it's complex and elegant rather than punishing, which is exactly the Padrón magic.

Who it's for

This is a special-occasion cigar for dedicated aficionados. If you want the same blend in an everyday size, the No. 9 Maduro is a fine choice. New to dark wrappers? See maduro vs Connecticut, and if full strength is new territory, our cigar strength guide will help.

It's a pinnacle Nicaraguan smoke for the Cuban vs Nicaraguan comparison. Save it for something worth celebrating, pour a single malt, and log it in your humidor with the Casa DNC app.