Padron 6000 Maduro

{by Noah Wallace, good friend and fellow cigar enthusiast}

Shape: Torpedo
Wrapper: Maduro
Origin: Nicaraguan
Price: $6.30

On first inspection, the cigar's construction is very good—very few veins, dark chocolate wrapper, almost imperceptible lines. With a little squeeze, the cigar gives a little to the touch, indicative of a good draw, but not too much, i.e. under filled. A smell test at the foot releases semi-sweet chocolates and spice.

After cutting the cigar (I like a fairly small cut on a torpedo, only about 1/4 of an inch off the top please) the draw test stands up to the squeeze test, a good draw, almost too loose, but seems just right for my liking. Torching the cigar with my trusty torch lighter, I get a hint of the semi-sweet chocolates from before, a good Maduro flavor. The cigar is strong, like many Padrons of the 1000s series, but not too strong, a bold cigar, but not over powering.

The burn is very good, with only a couple touch-ups required through the hour long experience. The semi-sweetness from the beginning is only a small hint now, a subtlety to be experienced more from the smoke in the air than from the smoke in your mouth.

It has been replaced by spices of various origins—paprika, nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon to name a few. Unfortunately a small but lingering taste of dried grass is there as well, but is not too noticeable.

The ash is a dark gray, very flaky, but remains for a good inch or so before falling off of its own volition. As the cigar nears the end, the spices become a little strong, and less enjoyable. The draw remains consistent throughout, but the loose draw lends to a slightly hot cigar with only a couple inches left. All in all, this was a very good cigar, especially given the price tag. A Maduro torpedo under $8 is a rare find, and this cigar will compete with those cigars even with a $10 price tag. I will most likely put this into my regular rotation at some point, but to be sure, it won't be taking the place of the 64's or 26's that have a very near and dear place in my heart.