merkinmullet
Member
Special thanks to leafsat49, who sent me this cigar. Incredibly, before this one, I had yet to try a Padron 2000 maduro; naturals, yes I have. For some reason or another, I haven't had a smoke in about two weeks. This is the longest I've gone in over a couple years. I thought a gifted cigar would be a perfect way to end the drought. But before the smoke, I needed to grab a beverage at the store. Several times have I seen the 'Budweiser & Clamato with salt and lime' can, but today, perhaps because of the second half meltdown of the US men's team against Brazil, or the breezy 83 degree sunny late afternoon had me feeling a bit surly, I decided to grab the 24 oz can for a mere dime an ounce.
Prelight: The smoke is slightly bent as if it was in my pocket while going to the beer store. A couple bumps were present in the rich looking wrapper that seemed to be applied by a 9 year old based on the folds and wrinkles. No real soft spots to cause worry. After a clip, the unlit draw has less flavor that I would have expected, but what is present is a slightly sweet earthiness.
The label on the side reads, "DO NOT SHAKE!"
First third: This cigar lit very easily, and immediately hit me with a blast of nose and throat spice I was not expecting. Perhaps my short hiatus has made me weak. More earth, wood and somewhat aggressive in the first few draws of voluminous smoke. The draw is easy and I think the week long dry box has contributed to easy light, easy draw and forward spice. Then, it smooths out at 1" as the chunky gray and dark gray ash clings on for life.
Second third: The ash falls. All that preliminary spice has given way to a bittersweet tobacco-ness. The flavor is not deep or complex, but has what I might associate as a Nicaraguan flavor. The finish is short, which means I can consciously power through the Budweiser & Clamato Chelada which surprisingly enough tastes like its two constituents. Every Christmas I have been alive has been spent in the same house with the same family with the same 'Clamdiggers' (our family recipe is essentially a Bloody Mary made with Clamato as the tomato part). I am fond of Clamato, but don't like 'Certified Color'.
Third third:We're staying true to course with the exception of the bittersweetness losing some of its sweetness. The ash falls on the floor again and the ashtray remains empty. I go at it until there's an inch left when the bitterness takes over. "CONTAINS: SHELLFISH/CLAMS" reads the can.
Many thanks to Armon for the chance to smoke this everyman's cigar. The Padron 2000 maduro may not be mind blowing, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and pleasant. The Chelada however...
Prelight: The smoke is slightly bent as if it was in my pocket while going to the beer store. A couple bumps were present in the rich looking wrapper that seemed to be applied by a 9 year old based on the folds and wrinkles. No real soft spots to cause worry. After a clip, the unlit draw has less flavor that I would have expected, but what is present is a slightly sweet earthiness.
The label on the side reads, "DO NOT SHAKE!"
First third: This cigar lit very easily, and immediately hit me with a blast of nose and throat spice I was not expecting. Perhaps my short hiatus has made me weak. More earth, wood and somewhat aggressive in the first few draws of voluminous smoke. The draw is easy and I think the week long dry box has contributed to easy light, easy draw and forward spice. Then, it smooths out at 1" as the chunky gray and dark gray ash clings on for life.
Second third: The ash falls. All that preliminary spice has given way to a bittersweet tobacco-ness. The flavor is not deep or complex, but has what I might associate as a Nicaraguan flavor. The finish is short, which means I can consciously power through the Budweiser & Clamato Chelada which surprisingly enough tastes like its two constituents. Every Christmas I have been alive has been spent in the same house with the same family with the same 'Clamdiggers' (our family recipe is essentially a Bloody Mary made with Clamato as the tomato part). I am fond of Clamato, but don't like 'Certified Color'.
Third third:We're staying true to course with the exception of the bittersweetness losing some of its sweetness. The ash falls on the floor again and the ashtray remains empty. I go at it until there's an inch left when the bitterness takes over. "CONTAINS: SHELLFISH/CLAMS" reads the can.
Many thanks to Armon for the chance to smoke this everyman's cigar. The Padron 2000 maduro may not be mind blowing, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and pleasant. The Chelada however...
