Padilla Reserva Maduro robusto

One of my favorite cigar shops recently took the plunge on some Padilla cigars, and these Reserva Maduro robustos are the first to hit the shelves. $9 a pop is at my top end for plunking down cheddar for cigars, but I wanted to support the local shop and his willingness to bring in new marcas.

Padilla Reserva Maduro robusto

Rolled by Oliva in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Reserva Maduro has a core of Nicaraguan fillers swaddled in a San Andres (Mexican) maduro wrapper. The rolling is pretty good, but I've never had a poorly rolled stick from Oliva either.

Getting this stick lit, a blast of bold leather, with a bit of earthiness hits the palate. The smoke is not super thick, but gives a nice soft spice to the sinuses. Woody leather gets bolder and tangier as we close out the cigar, the spice gets more pronounced near the nub.

Burn line wobbles a bit, like Lindsay Lohan staggering to rehab, but needs only one hit of the torch to even things out.

Nice stick, and every time I see that lion on the Padilla bands, I'm reminded of Aslan, the Lion of C.S. Lewis' children's fantasy series. Going back to those books as an adult, there are rich depths of theology there. [given my usual crass presentation, I bet you're shocked to see me write that].

Nub Maduro

Ode to a Nub Maduro

How long you waited, three years or four,

since the day I brought you home.

Now rescued from my humidor,

out to garage we both shall roam

to watch TV or XBOX game.

Wrapped in a mantle dark as loam,

short of stature, stout of frame,

cap clipped with blades of brightest chrome,

foot set ablaze with hottest flame.

Smoke rises up heralding pleasure.

Not too bold, yet never tame;

you present slightly earthy leather,

wood and mild spice I cannot name.

Medium body altogether,

a freely drawing, rotund delight.

The years, you seem to deftly weather,

holding vibrant flavors bright.

Before you've burned to ashy nether

in every sense you are just right.

T'was good I bought a whole box.

Nub Maduro