Padron Damaso No8
📌 Brand: Padrón
📌 Line: Dámaso
📌 Size: No. 8 (5 1/2" × 46 - Corona)
📌 Weight: 17.7 g
📌 Age: 3 years
📌 Origin: Nicaragua
Tasting Notes
Cedar – Clean and elegant foundation
Sweet Cream – Smooth, mellow character throughout
Toasted Cashew – Buttery nuttiness with subtle sweetness
White Pepper – Gentle spice lingering on the finish
First Impressions
The Padrón Dámaso No. 8 presents beautifully with its silky Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and flawless appearance. It feels lightweight in hand with an even bunch, while pre-light aromas reveal cedar, cream, toasted nuts, and a touch of white pepper. The cold draw is extremely open, immediately suggesting the cigar may burn faster than intended.
Smoking Experience
First Third – The cigar opens with smooth cedar, sweet cream, and toasted cashews. The flavors are refined and balanced, but the very loose draw produces more smoke than concentration, making the profile feel lighter than expected.
Second Third – Soft white pepper and subtle sweetness continue to complement the creamy core. Despite the pleasant flavors, the overly open draw causes the cigar to burn quickly and reduces the intensity and texture of the smoke.
Final Third – The cigar remains smooth without becoming harsh, but the loose construction continues to affect the experience. Flavors become increasingly diluted, leaving the finish less satisfying than the blend deserves.
Pairings
Alcohol – Diplomático Single Vintage Rum (Venezuela) - Notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and soft oak complement the cigar's creamy Connecticut profile without overpowering it.
Tea – Jin Xuan Milk Oolong - Its naturally creamy texture and delicate floral sweetness pair beautifully with the cigar's mild, nutty character.
Music Pairing
“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
Smooth, gentle, and effortlessly enjoyable, much like the cigar's flavour profile.
Final Thoughts
The Padrón Dámaso No. 8 delivers a pleasant combination of cream, cedar, toasted nuts, and gentle spice, showcasing the elegant side of the Padrón portfolio. Unfortunately, the very loose draw significantly impacts the smoking experience, preventing the flavors from developing the richness and concentration they are clearly capable of delivering.
Final Score: 7/10
Why not a 10?
The cigar's very loose draw caused it to burn too quickly and diluted the flavour intensity, limiting both complexity and overall enjoyment.