Like the vitola that precedes it, the Padron Serie 1926 No. 48 is named in honor of the 48th annual Tobacconists’ Association of America meeting — an industry event where a select group of tobacco product retailers gathers and are treated to a handful of smokes produced exclusively for the occasion. As it has for several years, Padrón participated in the meeting and for the third time introduced a special-edition cigar for the event, with the number (“48”) in this stick’s name referencing it. (The “1926” refers to the birth year of late Padrón founder José Orlando Padrón.)
Attractively box-pressed, extra-thick (the ring gauge is a generous 60) and possessing a bumpy, oily Maduro wrapper, this version of the 1926 No. 48 is well-packed and immaculately constructed. Burning evenly, drawing perfectly and producing thick, solid ash, the Serie 1926 No. 48 Maduro is a memorable, distinctive cigar with a dark and complex flavor mosaic that incorporates wood, leather, chocolate, banana bread, cedar and coffee. Full-bodied and medium-to-full-strength, the 1926 No. 48 Maduro is a bold smoke from start to finish.
The 1926 series is perhaps Padrón’s most highly regarded line of cigars. These sticks are the thickest and among the longest-burning vitolas in the line, so if you’re thinking about sampling a member of the 1926 series, this would be an excellent one to order.