The Serie 1926 line of smokes is one of Padrón’s most highly regarded families of cigars. Padrón itself is the most lauded brand in the industry, so it would make sense that this stick — the 1926 No. 48 in a Natural wrapper — is already in a class by itself, and that’s even before you consider that the No. 48 is not a normal vitola in the 1926 line. That’s because it was initially produced exclusively for the 48th annual meeting of the Tobacconists’ Association of America, an event where 80 or so select tobacco product retailers gather and are treated to special-edition smokes like this one (it’s only the third cigar Padrón has produced for the TAA conclave).
As the widest vitola in the Serie 1926 line, with a ring gauge of 60, the “Gordo” No. 48 Natural is medium-to-full-bodied, with medium-to-full strength and an easy draw. Salty, earthy flavors of peanuts, spices and pepper alternately diffuse and intensify, along with hints of raspberry. Some smokers have called this a three-hour-plus cigar.
As smokes in the 1926 line go, this is one of the best representations of the entire series. If you haven’t yet acquainted yourself with these distinguished offerings from the most-lauded cigar brand in the business, this is the perfect place to start.