Reviews by Chris H.

I will openly admit right off the bat that I am addicted to Padron cigars. I smoke at least 1-2 per week and even then, it is not enough. The construction, the history, the burn, the flavors, I can go on and on about why I love all types of Padron cigars! But today, I am here to talk about the Padron Series 5000 in natural. This is considered their “entry level” or mainline cigar without the historically pricier cost as its relatives, the 1926, 1964, and other anniversary series sticks everyone loves. While this cigar may not be as expensive, it does not lack beautiful construction, wonderful burn time, and great flavors on the palate.  

 This cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, meaning the wrapper, binder, and long-fillers are all from Nicaragua. It is considered medium-bodied with a burn time of about 60-80 minutes. You will get a wonderful mix of earthy notes, natural sweetness, and hints of leather on the retro hale. This cigar burns very evenly, and not as quick as some of the anniversary sticks seem to do. While many people consider only smoking a Padron for “special occasions”, this cigar is truly a cigar you can add to your rotation of daily smokes. As my motto says, “Life is too short to have bad cigars” and the Padron Series 5000 is not only a good cigar, it is a great cigar. This cigar pairs very well with many spirits, including bourbon to pull the sweetness out of the drink and cigar; as well as Scotch, that will enhance the earth notes with a hint of spice on the tongue. So, grab yourself some of these amazing sticks and toast to life any day of the week, for any reason, with a beautiful Padron cigar that will not break the bank!

Before I get started, I already know what you’re thinking: “Davidoff? Why Davidoff?” Well, I am here to say “Why not Davidoff?” I will be the first to openly admit that for years, I was that person that stuck my nose up at the Davidoff line of cigars. Whether it was because I heard from others that you either “love them or hate them”, or that they were pricy, or that they are just not that popular. Well, I can finally state that four months ago, I started my own leap of faith and tried my first Davidoff cigar, the Davidoff Late Hour Toro. My mind was blown. How could I have not tried this cigar before? How could I have let so-called “friends” steer me so wrong and ignore this fine cigar? My love for this cigar has grown from trying it and loving it, to visiting the Davidoff of Geneva lounge in Las Vegas, to regularly purchasing and smoking these beauties several times a week!

Let’s start with its background and history. This cigar was developed in the spirit of the great Winston Churchill, who evidently did his best thinking and planning in the “late hour” of the night. The blend consists of a mix of Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers inside a unique Mexican binder, finished with an attractive Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Easy to light with a perfect balance of firm yet easy draw, you will find throughout the 70–90-minute smoke notes of leather and sweet wood, along with hints of mild spice and coffee. The tobacco in this cigar is aged in spent single malt scotch barrels, so naturally, any Scotch will pair very well with this cigar, my personal favorites being the Glenfiddich 12 or the Macallan 10. Given its subtle hints of spice and coffee, a morning coffee or Chai tea will also do just well if you cannot wait to smoke this beauty until the “late hour”. 

So, in the end, don’t be like me and wait any longer to try this amazing cigar! Put what you thought you knew about Davidoff cigars behind you and be prepared to be “wowed” by this medium to full-body stick!