Padron 2000 Maduro

Let me start my first review with the Padron 2000 Maduro Robusto.  A Nicaraguan both in origin and wrapping, this dark cigar with several veins has a simple band leading to a decent cap allowing for a clean cut.  Looking at the foot, it could have been packed a bit better, but it didn't affect its performance.  The aroma was earthy and I paired it with a Woodchuck Cider.

When I lit it up,  I received a good amount of smoke easily with my first few draws although it was an uneven burn at the beginning.  I compensated and the cigar burned evenly the rest of the night.  My initial tastes were a little spice and woodiness with coffee notes.  My retrohale had a bit of a sting, but was only for a moment and was able to get more coffee from the cigar.  As I was leaving the 1st third, my cigar with about 3/4" of ash fell.  It continued to fall at that length rather consistently throughout the entire cigar.

As I entered into the 2nd third of the cigar, it made my palette a little dry which made the coffee and pepper more pronounced with a hint of cocoa.  It became more bold, but not overpowering.  The burn remained steady, as did the smoke.

The final third of the cigar and the finish was merely a continuation of the 2nd third, although it did get more dry at the end.  Consider it a period at the end of a statement.  You are finished.  By this time, it has been about an hour and a half since I first lit.

In conclusion, I feel this is a solid cigar in taste, aroma, and time -despite the initial lighting problem.  It has flavor I enjoyed (especially for people such as my wife and brother who love their coffee) and nice aroma.  The cigar burns continually without needing a new light halfway through, and it's mildness makes it something that you can enjoy anytime of the day.  Couple the cigar's attributes with it's price point and you have a cigar that does quite well.  I give it an 88.