Blind Cigar Review: Padrón | Black Label TAA 2018 No. 89 Natural

Cigar Info

The Padrón | Black Label TAA 2018 No. 89 Natural was a 2018 TAA cigar, but didn’t ship until February 2019. Unlike many new releases from Padron, which sometimes are just a new size, this is a whole new blend. It only comes in one size, a 6 x 46 corona gorda in two versions, maduro and natural. 10-count boxes sell for $165.

The blend itself is the same as a 2016 Smoke Inn exclusive made to celebrate José Orlando Padrón’s 89th birthday. Only 200 boxes of 10 were ever made of those.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Piloto Cigars Inc.
Blender: Jorge Padron
Number of reviewers: 4 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) John A. (Bostoneo) Mickey T. (irratebass) Alan (Eulogy)
Price: $16.50
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: February 2019
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 89

“Quite a rough looking cigar, plenty of visible veins and seams, with a sloppy cap. Not a bad thing, just an observation. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Aroma: 90

“There’s an interesting mix of baking spice and fresh cut hay on the foot with a slightly peppery finish. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Great big fan of the draw. White pepper spice to start very powerful dark cocoa coffee and earth medium to medium plus on strength. Dried fruit inches in on the front of the palate, but is quickly whisped away with the earth, a little smokey on the back of the palate and through the nose with just a little spice.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“There’s a ton of oily red pepper that sits at the top of the tongue. I like the rich notes of tobacco, dry leather, and an occasional subtle sweetness that sets in. Very traditional Nicaraguan profile right down to the drying mouth feel. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Continuing on, a nice steady medium profile of spicy leather, pepper, and a baklava like flavor continue on this delicious cigar. The only motionless change is the spiciness that continues to build however it is not overwhelming. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“The first third started out with the heat but has now backed off till the slightest of tingle on the finish. This is allowing the leather to really shine now and giving the Spanish cedar some room to breath. That occasional sweetness from the first this is a little more abundant and I’m sure its now from the cedar. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Lastly, the peppery profile has coated the mouth with a pleasant flavor. Leather, vegetal, and a damp earthiness have become the main base of the start and end this third. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“None of the flavors have really changed since the first third but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The oily pepper has

returned from the first third but not to the fiery level at the beginning. I’m enjoying the sweet cedar notes and rich tobacco. The level of leather is probably the most distinct flavor of the profile and really stands out on the draw and lingers the longest. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“Very nice open draw with my v-cut with plenty of smoke. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 93

“Even with a few cracks on the wrapper it managed to burn razor sharp from lighting to the last puff. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 89

“I’m not sure if it was the delicate wrapper or the fault of my own but cracks did form throughout. It never affected the smoking experience, draw or burn though. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 90

“Would buy a 5ver.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“This was a phenomenal cigar! I thoroughly enjoyed all the big flavors, without being overwhelming, this smoke had. I was amazing from the time I lit up and pretty darn happy by the time it ended. It was 80 minutes of heaven. I have to say to buy a box would be a no brained for me!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This cigar wasn’t for me. It was very earthy/dirty through most of the smoke. There was some cream and walnuts in there, but they were way in the background. This is more for those that want a real earthy and strong smoke. I wouldn’t recommend it as your 1st stick of the day. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Great overall cigar. The flavors were there from beginning to end but they were all varying at the different stages. My biggest complaint is that the ash would fall off for no reason making a bit of a mess. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 84

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Padrón | Black Label TAA 2018 No. 89 Natural

Overall Score – 90 – Very Good