Review: Padrón Family Reserve No. 46 Maduro
It’s been 46 years since José Orlando Padrón started selling cigars. Having sold over 100 million cigars to date, Padrón is one of the most prestigious brands out there today. The skill and passion they have for cigars is obvious in the many different cigars they release. Whether you are smoking a Padrón 2000 or a Padrón 80th Maduro, the care, quality and flavor is obvious. To celebrate this year’s anniversary the Padróns released a very special cigar called the Padrón Family Reserve No. 46, to celebrate their 46th year in business. This is the 3rd release in the Family Reserve series, with the 44th and the 45th, being released last year.
When the Padrón family releases an anniversary cigar they don’t hold back on using the best tobacco they have. This years Family Reserve No. 46 contains all Nicaraguan tobacco aged anywhere from 8-10 years, and is crafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Padrón’s Tabacos Cubanica factory. Each wrapper leaf is carefully inspected and only the best leaves are used. If you have smoked a Pardon Anniversary cigar you will know that the construction, appearance and flavor are often flawless. Total yearly production of the Family Reserve No. 46 will be around 40,000-50,000 cigars, and it will come in boxes of 10. There have been rumors of a Natural version as well, as there were with the 45th and 44th, but that has not been confirmed as of yet.
Here are some photos on the box itself.
Lets get to it shall we?
- Cigar Reviewed: Padrón Family Reserve No. 46 Maduro
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.
- Wrapper: Nicaragua
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Size: 5 1/2 inches
- Ring Gauge: 56
- Vitola: “Corona Gorda” (this is the vitola name that Padrón uses).
- MSRP: $25.00
- Date Released: September 2010
- Number of Cigars Smoked for Review: 2
One thing I know for sure, I don’t need to tell you how gorgeous this cigar is, but I will anyway. It has a reddish, darkish chocolate maduro wrapper, with a drastic box press, although not quite as square as last year’s 45th, and an extremely toothy wrapper. It also has a very solid, firm, feel to it, and the cigar just screams “quality.” It has a nice nutty, chocolate aroma with a touch of spice. The pre-light draw is very mellow and taste of wood, hay and a bit of leather.
Starting off in the First Third the cigar lights up with ease. Right away I am getting a thick smoke with lots of spice through the nose! There are flavors of cocoa, coffee, and a very earthy note. There is a sweet creaminess on the tongue along with the spice, creating a nice contrast, a very nice start indeed.
Coming into the Second Third, the cigar is just getting better and better. There is a nice mellow wood flavor present. The Cocoa note has diminished a bit but in its place comes a nice roasted nut flavor. The smoke is very lush and creamy and feels amazing in my mouth. The finish is full of earth, coffee and leather and it’s balanced perfectly. Each flavor is present in just the right amount, and they all compliment each other perfectly.
Finishing up in the Final Third, the spice that has been present throughout the cigar has pretty much died. The cigar is still very creamy, and the flavors of wood, coffee, nuts and leather have become even bolder. Each draw seems to reveal a different flavor, and the earthy finish is just amazing.
Final Notes:
- The complexity and the balance of the Padrón Family Reserve No. 46 were outstanding. Padrón has definitely figured out how to balance a cigar perfectly, and it’s apparent with this cigar. Each flavor complimented the other, and just the right amount of spice was present to give it a complete package.
- I found this cigar to be a touch milder than the 45th, but more flavorful and rounded out. I also think this size is perfect for the blend. I think people are worried this is going to be a jaw breaker but it’s really not. The box press downplays the girth a bit, and the cigar actually feels really nice. I also think with all the aged tobacco that a larger filler to wrapper ratio is best.
- The construction was as good as it gets. The burn was perfect and the draw was excellent. I mean these were rolled a month ago and they still performed to perfection!
- Although these are not out to all stores yet, in fact most have not received them yet, you can get on a list at Empire Cigars (click for link)… Just ask for Dave or Hal…
- Final smoking time was 1hour 47 minutes.
The Bottom Line: Really, what can I say? This cigar was fabulous and it is everything you would want out of a cigar. The flavor, complexity, balance and construction were all top notch. The big question is, “is it better than the 45th?” And to me, the answer is “maybe.” I honestly thought the 46th was more flavorful and more complex then the 45th and the fact that it was a touch milder only made it better. It gave the flavors a chance to shine as opposed to being overpowered by the strength. These cigars have 10 year old tobaccos in them, and that’s exactly what it tastes like. It has great aged qualities but at the same time tastes young and bold. It’s a great combination. If you have the coin, I would recommend trying one.
Final Score: 91
I hope this one doesn't pack a pucnh like the 45. Had a 45 some time back and it completely knocked me out!
great review and i agree the 46 is better than the 45 for the reasons you stated, it is mellower and allows the flavors to come out more
I just came back from a little vacation and waiting for me was a Box of 46's. Just finished smoking my first one. I have to say, it was delicious. I highly recommend this one. I'm going to let the rest age a bit. If you get the opportunity to get your hands on some, pick'em up. You won't be disappointed. Happy Smoking.
I just finished smoking the No. 46. Let me begin by saying I love Padrons. If money were no object, I'd smoke the 1926s and the 80th Anniversay every day. I am also a huge fan of the No. 45. For me, the No. 46 was a bit of a let down. Don't get me wrong, it is a great smoke. I would expect nothing less of a Padron product. However, for me the 45 is a much better smoke. The 46 is very mild and creamy. It lacks the punch of the 45. I suspect that it may be an issue of personal preference. That said, I'd rather buy a box of the 45s than the 46s but if someone offered me a 46 to smoke I would never turn it down. The construction is excellent. The draw is effortless. This would be a great smoke in the afternoon or on an empty stomach. The 45 is what I would have after a great meal.
I'm hoping I'm not too late to enter...work's been keeping me away...
I can't wait to try one of these. I was a bit worried about the larger RG, but your review has removed any fears that I had.
Thanks.
In the past, I've talked some smack about the uber-expensive Padrons (40th, 80th, 44-45th, etc). I just couldn't see the point of paying $25 for a single cigar, when there are so many amazing sticks you could get 2 ... or even 3 of for that same $25. Then last week I SMOKED ONE ... the 40th Maduro. Let's just say, I won't be talking smack any more. One of the best cigars I've ever had, for sure. Worth the coin? Depends, but for s special occasion, to me yes it's worth it. I just loved how sweet it was in the first third ... delicious!
I'd love to give the 46th a try. I'm not one who is scared off by a large ring guage (I guess I have a big mouth, lol). And since I typically agree with your reviews, Brooks, at least to some degree, I think I'll like this one too :)
this is one that i have been waiting for
this is one that i have been waiting for
Beautiful cigar...thanks for the review!
Steve as always great review...I cant wait to try one of these......
Ciano
Like the review. Hope I can try one soon!
I would love to get my hands on a box...
Nice...yummy....
Nice reviews and pictures!
It seems like the Padron family cant get anything wrong.. I cant wait to try one of these.. I think its going to be the smoke that I celebrate the birth of my first child with in 6 months.. Thanks for the review as always.
on the hunt for another one!
This is definitely on the list.
Great review and glad you enjoyed it. For some reason Padrons just don't do it for me. I really have issues with all the higher end Padrons in parejo shapes as you would think buy now they would have done away with the crappy single caps. I will try a few but again have never had luck with Padron.
In it to win it. I would love try these.
great pics!
I've never had any of the Padron Family Reserve Blends, but I'm looking forward to finding some at my local Retailer...
Or winning one here.
Great review. I personally loved the 45, so I'm very excited to try the 46.
Another outstanding review. That stick looks beautiful. Hopefully my shop will be picking up some soon!
Amazing to think about a cigar better than the 45. All hail the Padrons!
I hope to try one of these... some day. Thanks for the review.
of course I want a chance to win one rather than buy it!
Nice review steve! Im a little skeptical wen it comes to these, but as usual I will always try one. Im not skeptical because they are bad by any means, just looking for something a little different I suppose. Still probably my favorite brand of all time in the NC realm. Cheers!
Better than the 45th... I cant wait till these show up at my B &M!
Sounds awesome! I can't wait to try one!
Great review, Steve. I saw them last night at a B&M but held off. I'm pulling the trigger now!
Great Review. Looks like I will get a box!!
I saw them at the cigar shop last night. I'll have to go buy one today. It sounds great!
Wow. what a cigar. The Padron's never dissapoint
Aged tobacco 8-10years old! Pretty impressive; adding to must try list now.
Good review Steve. My local B&M was out of their allotment by the time I got there on Thursday.
So many cigars, so little money... anyway, every Padron I've ever smoked were GREAT!!!
Too many good cigars getting released back to back to back. Yummy.
Looks like a railroad tie. This will be on my buy list fo'sho!
I agree that the 44 wasn't that great, but I loved the 45. I'll have to pick up a single when my shop gets them in.
Wonderful review and pictures.
Thanks for the review Steve.
I'm new to your site and really enjoy your photos and reviews. I find it to be one of the better sites that I have come across. I look forward to trying this new Padron, it is always a treat to smoke one. Keep up the good work.
Great review & photos Steve.
looks like you were truly enjoying your cigar, Bravo!!
Guy ,
France
Great review Steve! Sounds like an amazing stick!
what a great looking cigar cant wait to smoke one. thanks for review
The 45 was amazing. I can't wait to get a hold of one of these guys!
Wow. I hope I win one, because despite being a dyed-in-the-wool Padronophile, this is way out of my price range.
Seems like a cigar for a special day. Great review.
Awesome review! Hope I win!