Padrón · Dámaso
New WorldBeginnersPadrón Dámaso No. 12
Padrón's mild Connecticut robusto — a 5 x 50 Dámaso with cedar, cream and cashew, a gentle morning smoke from a brand known for strength.
The short answer
The Padrón Dámaso No. 12 is approachable and beginner-friendly — a Nicaragua robusto with a Ecuador Connecticut wrapper. Expect cedar, cream, and cashew.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Creamy · Sweet · Spice
The verdict
The Padrón Dámaso No. 12 is approachable and beginner-friendly from Padrón's Dámaso line. It's a Nicaragua (New World) robusto wrapped in Ecuador Connecticut at 5 in × 50.
On the palate, expect cedar, cream, and cashew, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 55 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with coffee, champagne, and light lager. If you're newer to cigars, this is a safe, enjoyable pick.
The Padrón Dámaso is a real departure for a brand famous for rich, full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars. Named after José O. Padrón's grandfather, the Dámaso swaps the usual sun-grown wrapper for a light, golden Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf — though the binder and filler are still Nicaraguan. The No. 12 is the line's robusto, a round 5 x 50.
What it tastes like
This is the gentlest cigar Padrón makes — mild-to-medium and creamy. Expect cedar and cream up front, with cashew, a little cocoa, and a soft white-pepper note. It's smooth and approachable, an easygoing morning or daytime smoke rather than a powerhouse. As always with Padrón, the construction is flawless: even burn, easy draw, no fuss.
Who it's for
This is one of the rare Padróns that's genuinely beginner-friendly, and a great pairing with coffee at the start of the day. If you usually smoke the brand's stronger cigars, it's a refreshing change of pace. Curious how a Connecticut wrapper compares to a dark maduro? See maduro vs Connecticut, and our cigar strength guide explains where mild blends like this fit.
It's an unusually light Nicaraguan-made cigar, interesting context for the Cuban vs Nicaraguan comparison. Pair it with coffee or even champagne, and log it in your humidor with the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Maduro vs Connecticut wrappers.
Padrón Dámaso No. 12 — frequently asked
- Is the Padrón Dámaso No. 12 a good cigar for beginners?
- Yes — it sits on the gentle side of medium, which makes it a comfortable, low-risk choice for newer smokers.
- How strong is the Padrón Dámaso No. 12?
- The Padrón Dámaso No. 12 is Mild-Medium-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Padrón Dámaso No. 12 taste like?
- Expect cedar, cream, and cashew, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the Padrón Dámaso No. 12?
- It pairs well with coffee, champagne, and light lager. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's mild-medium body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Padrón Dámaso No. 12?
- Plan on about 55 minutes for the robusto — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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The natural-wrapper 6.75 x 54 box-pressed perfecto from Padrón's 80 Years line — full-bodied cedar, coffee, toasted almond and caramel.
Padrón Dámaso No. 12 head-to-head
See how Padrón Dámaso No. 12 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.