Where did the week go?

Lately I’ve been asking myself that question on Fridays, looking back at all that was accomplished and how Monday seems like ages ago. What I look forward to most on Friday nights after the inevitably longer commute home is getting the fishing poles out, pouring a glass of Jim Beam Honey and picking out a cigar to enjoy while I sit in front of Biscayne Bay with my dog. With the stress of the week behind me, I think I’ll smoke a medium-bodied cigar, and that will be the Padron 2000 Natural Robusto.

I’ve smoked the Padron 2000 on several occasions and it pairs perfectly with the whiskey. I prefer sweet and creamy flavors and the Padron 2000 with the natural wrapper is one of the best. When I got home I grabbed my cigar and went downstairs to settle into much needed relaxation. The Padron 2000 is a well-crafted stick, though not the most attractive. The wrapper is an oily Nicaraguan leaf and has a great pre-light aroma, sweet with a hint of cinnamon. The filler is an excellent blend of Cuban seed Nicaraguan tobacco that has been aged for two and a half years. Like usual, this cigar doesn’t disappoint.

The flavors I experience when I start smoking progress in a pleasant way. Starting off with earthy and peppery undertones in the first third and slowly becoming creamy and sweet while maintaining the earthy notes and hints of chocolate. The stick maintains an even, smooth burn with nice thick ash throughout the length of the smoke. It’s not a wholly full bodied smoke but it packs a lot of nice flavors. The Padron 2000 has to be one of the best smokes on the market at this price, which makes smoking a premium with this high of quality even more special.

If you’re looking for a bit of a heavier smoke, I would go with the Padron 2000 Maduro. It has many of the same flavors but exudes more chocolate, coffee and peppery undertones. It’s equally as well constructed and a great smoke. At $5.75 a stick for either, you can enjoy one or the either without feeling guilty.

If you’re looking for a premium cigar at a great price, one that is well constructed with an even burn and delicious complex flavors, I would highly recommend this stick. The Padron brand makes what I consider to be consistently one of the best cigars out there. So at the end of a long week, treat yourself to a tasty smoke without breaking the bank, pour a stiff drink and relax.