Padilla Single Batch #17RC Review
Cigar: Padilla Single Batch #17RC
Size: Toro, 6.5”x52
MSRP: $6.00-$8.00
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Origin: Nicaragua
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Prelight: This cigar is a bit of an enigma to me, for when I bought it on CigarBid.com, I bid on a 6.0”x50 toro size. What arrived is clearly 6.5” and probably closer to 52RG than 50RG. There is little information online about this one (I’ve seen conflicting MSRPs, but all for the 6” toro), so if anyone knows more than me, please let me know what is going on here. But, I digress. The wrapper is pretty good looking, with almost a reddish hue to it, minimal veins and good seams. There is a small tear just past the first third. The label isn’t as classy as other Padilla lines, but does come with a foot band (which tore the wrapper upon removal). The aroma of the wrapper is very subtle, but sweet and woody, and the foot has a dank, floral scent to it. The cold draw after punching has perfect resistance and tastes earthy and oaky.
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1/3: The cigar starts with some heavy notes of sweet cream, with just a little pinch of pepper. There is some slight wood notes that try to announce themselves from time to time, and by the end of the first third, they successfully become the dominant flavor as the pepper fades completely. The burn is a bit wavy at times, but continues to correct itself. By the end of the first third, the profile is a simple amalgam of wood, cream, and earth.
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2/3: In the second third, the cream fades and pepper comes back. But the cream never leaves entirely, and earth is still present, now creating a profile of wood, earth, pepper and cream. However, many nuances fade as I reach the final third, and I am tasting mainly wood and earth.
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3/3: The final third is all wood – bitter, charred wood. It is not exactly pleasant. I do manage to get a decent nub out of it though, as I seem to not be able to just put it down.
Overall: Not a bad cigar. The profile was fairly simple, but enjoyable for the majority of the smoke time, which was 2 hours. The construction was copacetic, as the burn line was wavy, but didn’t require any touchups. If I found this cigar again in the $3 range, I’d pick up a few as yard/golfing ‘gars.
