AshMap
Overview
The Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 Torpedo stands as a monument to what happens when a family cigar maker refuses to compromise. Launched in 2004 to commemorate the birth year of José Orlando Padrón, this prestige offering represents the culmination of five-plus years of tobacco aging and a production philosophy centered on intentional scarcity rather than volume. Hand box-pressed at Padrón's Estelí factory, the No. 2 Torpedo is the vitola that best showcases why this Nicaraguan house commands a tier above its peers—the tapered head focuses smoke with surgical precision, concentrating flavors in ways that parejos simply cannot achieve.
From the first light, the No. 2 announces itself with authority: deep roasted espresso and bittersweet cocoa establish the foundation, layered with aged cedar, toasted walnut, and leather that arrives without fanfare. The maduro variant intensifies this introduction with dark spice and dried fruit through the retrohale, a creamy delivery that signals refinement rather than aggression. The second third is where complexity peaks—dark chocolate and leather interweave with black pepper, earthy loam, and dried fig, while the cigar's body deepens into velvet without ever edging toward harshness. The maduro trends toward molasses and dark cherry, a sweetness that feels earned rather than imposed. By the final third, the No. 2 tightens into a bold, cohesive finish of espresso grounds, charred oak, and lingering spice, with the maduro adding candied fruit notes that persist to the nub. Strength builds firmly throughout, but never overwhelms—a hallmark of the entire 1926 Series.
Construction borders on obsessive. The box press holds its shape across the entire 90-minute experience, the burn is razor-even, and the draw is calibrated to produce dense, voluminous smoke without resistance. Ash holds tight and salt-and-pepper well past an inch. This is not a cigar that demands constant attention or apology. This is Padrón firing on all cylinders, a masterclass in what five years of aging and impeccable Nicaraguan terroir can accomplish when paired with a family legacy of consistency that refuses to bend.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown or Nicaraguan Maduro (available in both presentations) — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos from Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega, aged a minimum of 5 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.125 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $25–$32 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | All tobaccos in the 1926 Series are aged a minimum of five years before rolling; finished cigars are box-aged prior to r |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The No. 2 opens with deep, roasted espresso and bittersweet cocoa on a foundation of aged cedar. Secondary notes of toasted walnut and a whisper of leather establish themselves quickly, with a creamy retrohale carrying dark spice and dried fruit in the maduro version.
Second Third
Complexity peaks here — dark chocolate and leather interweave with notes of black pepper, earthy loam, and dried fig. The torpedo shape channels smoke concentration beautifully, amplifying a velvety body that is rich but never harsh. Sweetness becomes more pronounced in the maduro, trending toward molasses and dark cherry.
Final Third
The final third tightens into a bold, cohesive finale of espresso grounds, charred oak, and lingering dark spice. The maduro adds a candied fruit undertone that persists to the nub. Strength builds firmly but never overcomes the refinement — a hallmark of the 1926 Series.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable — the box press holds its shape throughout the smoke, the burn is razor-even with minimal touch-ups required, and the draw is firm but perfectly calibrated, producing dense, voluminous smoke. Ash is tight and salt-and-pepper, holding well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) or a peated Scotch single malt such as Lagavulin 16 — the smoke and earth of both align perfectly with the cigar's depth
Wine
A bold Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23) or an Amarone della Valpolicella — the dark fruit and tannic structure mirror the cigar's complexity
Non-Alcoholic
A double-shot Nicaraguan single-origin espresso or a cold brew concentrate — the roasted bitterness is a natural extension of the cigar's core flavor profile
Who Should Smoke This?
The No. 2 Torpedo is for the experienced aficionado who understands that premium cigars demand premium occasions. This is not an everyday smoke—it requires 90 uninterrupted minutes and the right frame of mind: a celebratory evening, a milestone conversation, or meaningful solitude. Beginners should approach with caution; at full strength and considerable complexity, this cigar rewards an educated palate. Reserve it for occasions that warrant the investment, the time, and the attention. This is a cigar for those who view smoking as ritual, not habit.
Bottom Line
The Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 Torpedo is arguably the most satisfying expression in the 1926 lineup—proof that Padrón's obsession with aging, terroir, and restraint produces cigars of genuine refinement. At $25–$32 per cigar, this is not a casual purchase, but it is an essential experience for anyone serious about understanding what premium Nicaraguan cigars can be.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Padrón 1926 Series cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes—it rates 4/5 in strength, placing it firmly in full-bodied territory. However, the strength never overwhelms the refinement. This is a full cigar with manners, built on a foundation of five-plus years of aging that provides structure and complexity rather than raw power.
What does the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 taste like?
The journey begins with roasted espresso, bittersweet cocoa, and aged cedar. The maduro variant introduces dark spice and dried fruit. As it progresses, expect dark chocolate, leather, black pepper, earthy loam, and dried fig. The final third delivers espresso grounds, charred oak, and lingering spice, with the maduro finishing on candied fruit.
How long does the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 take to smoke?
Expect approximately 90 minutes. This cigar rewards patience and uninterrupted attention—it is not designed to be rushed.
What is the best pairing for the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2?
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva) or a peated Scotch single malt like Lagavulin 16 align beautifully with the cigar's depth. Wine drinkers should consider a bold Napa Cabernet or Amarone della Valpolicella. For non-alcoholic pairings, a double-shot Nicaraguan espresso or cold brew concentrate mirrors the roasted core.
Is the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 good for beginners?
No. At full strength (4/5) and considerable complexity, this cigar is best approached by experienced aficionados with developed palates. Beginners should work their way up before investing in the 1926 Series.
Where can I buy the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2?
The 1926 Series is produced in intentionally limited quantities, which makes availability variable. Reputable authorized retailers and premium cigar shops specializing in Nicaraguan cigars are your best options. Availability can be sporadic given production constraints.
What is the price of the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2?
Retail pricing ranges from $25–$32 per cigar, placing it in the prestige tier. This reflects the five-plus years of aging, limited production, and hand box-pressing required for each cigar.
Is the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 worth aging further?
The 1926 Series arrives already aged a minimum of five years, with cigars receiving additional box-aging before sale. Further cellaring will deepen complexity and soften edges, but the cigar is mature and ready to enjoy upon purchase. Age it if you wish to explore deeper evolution, but it does not require it.
What wrapper does the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 use?
The No. 2 is available in two presentations: Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (natural, Colorado shade—medium brown, silky and slightly toothy) and Nicaraguan Maduro (Colorado Maduro—dark espresso, oily and smooth). Both showcase wrapper leaf contribution beautifully and reward comparison smoking.
Where is the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 2 made?
Hand box-pressed by Padrón at their factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The filler tobaccos are long-filler varieties sourced from the Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega regions, all aged a minimum of five years before rolling.