There are few things better than a Padrón cigar in the evening after a hectic day. In fact, I am currently enjoying a Family Reserve No. 50 with a glass of High West Double Rye as the sun crests the trees behind me. Padrón cigars are rich, decadent, and always immaculately constructed. From the perfect draw (every time, might I add) to the bold flavor profile, there really isn’t exactly like Padrón on the market.
But, from time to time I find myself reaching for something in the same wheelhouse that isn’t as expensive. And a common question for Tobacconists revolves around finding more affordable cigars for their favorite Padrón. Below, you’ll find my favorite alternatives to Padrón cigars:
Artesano del Tobacco’s El Pulpo
This cigar is everything I love about the Padron profile. It’s a bit rowdy with a beautiful combination of dark chocolate, espresso, pepper, and dried fruit to round it out. As the cool kids say these days, it’s giving Padrón (vibes). These are skillfully crafted by A.J. Fernandez’s factory in Nicaragua with a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan guts – a combination we’ll keep using today.
Our Blind Review Panel recently reviewed this cigar and gave it very high praise – and they’re known for not pulling their punches. Ted says it best in what may have been his last Blind Review after almost six years: “The profile has more overall creamy texture, but I would describe the flavor profile of this cigar and the retro hale experience as very Padrón-esque, which is a high praise for any cigar in my opinion.”
Cavalier Geneve Black Series II
When Sebastien DeCoppet joined us in the Virtual Lounge a few years back, I asked how he went from selling Cubans in Switzerland to making cigars for Americans. Surely, it’s a different market, right? During my time in the Middle East, the few new world cigars that I saw alongside Habanos were from My Father, LFD, Padrón, and Fuente.
Sebastien clued me in that the reason Padrón was a hit in Europe was because of the oiliness that coats the palate. Padrón cigars are much bolder than many Cuban marcas, but they share a similarity in the way the oils command our attention. His Black Series II isn’t as bold as most Padron blends, but it’s definitely got plenty of body and the flavors are quite enjoyable with the Mexican/Nicaraguan combo mentioned above.
Foundation Olmec Maduro
If I would’ve smoked this cigar with my eyes closed, I would’ve sworn it were a Padrón blend. Olmec’s retro hale is delightfully punishing, its flavor explodes with intensity in all the right ways, and the box-pressed vitola is just icing on the cake.
Foundation also created an Olmec Claro for an ever-so-slightly more approachable experience (not unlike the Padrón natural/maduro portfolio) if you like your Olmec with a side of caution. I love this approach as it surely cuts down costs and allows for two unique expressions in the market. Olmec was blended by Nicholas Melillo and crafted once again by A.J. Fernandez.
Valacari Nobility
One of the best values of the bunch, Valacari’s Nobility also uses a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan guts like everything else so far. I was floored when I first smoked one of these overseas and was only able to pair it with Coke Zero in a dry country. Valacari as a whole deserves more attention, and this blend might be the best introduction to the brand.
If you recall from a previous reel on Instagram, one of my favorite pours to pair with heavy Padrón cigars like the Family Reserve and 50th Anniversary blends is The Dalmore’s Cigar Malt. Nobility also pairs exceptionally well with this scotch, and I’m acutely aware right now that I need to restock my personal humidor with these as soon as possible.
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua
Last but certainly not least, the 1935 Nicaragua by Montecristo is different from every other cigar on this list because it is solely comprised of Nicaraguan tobaccos. This blend was first brought to my attention when a dear customer on Facebook commented that it was their go-to when they wanted their Padrón fix and I have to agree that it’s a solid contender.
View 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua
I’ve recommended this cigar to quite a few people after lighting it up myself, and it has always been well-received as an alternative to the Padrón flavor profile. I find that the 1935 Nicaragua is a bit sweeter in the second half but that’s value-added for me. This is the third cigar in this article that was crafted by the legendary A.J. Fernandez, earning a No. 2 Cigar of the Year award for 2021. “It’s no secret, however, that Fernandez likes to make bold, strong cigars, and that theme plays out beautifully here with a spicy, earthy backbone refined by notes of leather, coconut and malted milk.” – Cigar Aficionado
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