Stogie Reviews: Padrón Family Reserve No. 45 Natural

3 May 2010

With the 2010 International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association Trade Show coming up in three months, May is a good time to take stock in the year that was. Another barrage of cigar introductions is just around the corner. So this is an appropriate month to catch up on any releases from last year that may have fallen through the cracks.

There were many sought-after debuts at the 2009 show, but perhaps none as anticipated as Padrón’s newest creation. Padrón, unlike most cigar makers, doesn’t always put out a new cigar every year. When the company does, it’s usually in high demand.

That was certainly the case with the new Padrón Family Reserve No. 45. Released in two versions (Natural and Maduro) with one size (6 x 52), it celebrates the 45th anniversary of Padrón Cigars. Each box of ten includes an insert about the band’s little hammer—a commemoration of Cuban émigré José Orlando Padrón and his drive to work as a carpenter until he could establish a cigar company.

His dedication paid off in spades. With over 600 employees, a tremendously loyal following, and more accolades than space permits mentioning, Padrón Cigars is considered by many to be the pinnacle of cigardom. One measure—albeit a flawed one—is how the company has dominated Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 lists, including earning top honors for the Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro.

That pick didn’t come as much of a surprise. But as popular as the Maduro has been, my recent experience with two Naturals proves that this (somewhat rarer) version shouldn’t be overlooked. It, too, is a box-pressed Nicaraguan puro with 10-year-old tobacco that sells for upwards of $25 apiece. And it, too, amounts to a memorable, special occasion smoke that beckons to be tried at least once.

After a clean cut reveals an easy draw, the somewhat wrinkly No. 45 Natural opens with a chalky, textured taste of bitter leather, earth, nuts, and wood. The raw flavor of tobacco is featured prominently, as is a background of espresso.

The big difference between this two-hour smoke and the Maduro is cocoa. While the latter has plenty of sweet, decadent chocolate notes, the Natural—while medium-bodied throughout—has more of a dry, spicy edge. Both are subtle and well-balanced; they just have different profiles.

Padrón is known for its consistency and quality. I only smoked two No. 45 Naturals because of their high price point but, based on that sample set, I found near perfect construction. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a cigar that costs more than a wonderful dinner entrée.

Smoking down to the nub, I didn’t feel the slightest bit of buyer’s remorse. Would I partake in this cigar on a regular basis? No. For an occasional treat, though, you can’t go wrong with the Padrón Family Reserve No. 45 Natural. It earns four and a half stogies out of five.