Padron Londres Natural (C&CRW)

[BlueRidgeFly]

5.5x42 - A proper Corona. First of this vitola from Padron for me.

Man, this is an ugly stick. Rough wrapper, wrinkly and mottled, single cap coming undone. Punch cut batters the cap even more. Wide open, Padron style draw. I'm ready.

Huge amounts of smoke with each effortless puff. Just a little pepper at the start. A nice combo of dark coffee and cream with some hay, classic flavors of this marca. Retrohale is pleasant. I bought ten of these to age, but this already seems aged. Not unlike a 1964 Natural, a slight tick down in richness and a little flatter, but I do mean slight.

I know some dislike the super easy draw typical of Padron, but I'm a fan. It's relaxing to draw barely at all and get rewarded with a giant cloud of dense smoke. Feels right on a summer evening, with some Chichicapa mezcal 👍

For this C&CRW, I was mulling a Punch Punch, Mag46, JL 1, or an Epi 1. But I want to sit on those a bit longer, they're all fairly young. I also wasn't up for the CC roulette tonight. Have had a couple mediocre ones the past few days. A Padron is a reliable change of pace. They are unique and I enjoy them quite a bit when I'm in the mood.

Second third, no real changes. Consistent and good. 

Final third, and here's where the wide open draw hurts it. Really have to wait between puffs and deliberately slow down, otherwise it tastes a little like charcoal and ash. But a purge and regroup, and it's back to its good, smooth self.

90/100, solid.