Perla, 4" x 44 ring gauge / approx. $8
This review will be a bit shorter than usual as the cigar reviewed is shorter than usual, too. I first have to confess that I have yet to find a Padilla cigar that I found memorable enough to purchase a second time. When that happens I like to keep trying, so here we are with Padilla's 2009 release: Dominus. I chose the Petite Corona (Perla) size as much for the fact that I could get a quick take on how the cigar taste without spending much, as for the fact that this size should showcase the wrapper well. This is a Nicaraguan puro featuring a Corojo 2006 wrapper. This will be my first time smoking this blend. Because of its diminutive size, I will just be talking about first and second halves instead of breaking it down into thirds.
The Dominus has an ornate band with a silver foil lion's head as well as embossing and metallic gold ink--this band is a well-done piece of art that borders on gaudy. As a graphic designer, I feel they pushed the line on taste without actually crossing it, so I applaud them for that. The wrapper itself was slightly reddish-brown with some mottling but not visible blemishes or large veins. The feel was evenly packed. I got an aroma reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon from the wrapper--it was so strong I even sense it while it laid on my desk. From the foot I got barnyard and compost notes. Prelight draw was slightly tight, but probably not a problem. I noticed cocoa powder and chili pepper along with those autumn spices from before.
After getting it lit, the Dominus started up with a burst of pepper spice, especially on the nose, and lots of cedar flavor. There was some cocoa in there as well as a little cinnamon and after just 3 or 4 puffs I already thought this the most interesting Padilla I had ever smoked. As I experienced in prelight, the draw continued to be a bit tight--not enough to toss it, but just enough to be a little annoying. Through the first half, I got a nice balance of cedar and earth along with plenty of pepper spice, all mixed in with what I call a "Corojo" taste. The body was medium-to-full.
The second half of this cigar was also very nice--earthy with a little bit of the sweet and spicy mixture of the first half still. For a small cigar this Dominus Perla packs a pretty decent nicotine punch as well as finishing up in the low part of the full-bodied range. I am definitely impressed by the flavor and would buy these again, and even give some larger vitolas a try. The only drawback is the price tag. At $8 and change for this small vitola, I know the others are likely to push and exceed $10, a least at B&Ms. For something I was crazy about that would not be an obstacle, but I have to admit to being on the fence regarding the value of these sticks. But...that's a better place than when I started out, so I think I will try this one again sometime soon.
Body: 7/10
Strength: 7/10
Complexity: 7/10
AFP Scale
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 1.5/5
Flavor: 4.5/5
Value: .5/1
Total: 8.5/10
Agree, disagree or have your own thoughts you would like to share on this cigar? Please leave a comment and speak your mind!
David I like this stick bit out of his line the Cazadores is my favorite. Like you said price point kills this smoke there are a lot more complex smokes under that price point I would rather smoke but overall this Padilla is a good smoke. Very nice review enjoy your site.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment and the support, Mike. My local B&M does not carry Padilla, so I don't know how long it will be before I get my hands on another of these, but I will try it again.
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