This cigar has a roar.
No two cigar smokers would ever agree on how the perfect cigar should taste. Some of us like our cigars strong, others mild, some spicy, some fruity…there are an infinite number of variables that make up the flavor of a cigar and we all have our preferences. That’s why when we use cigar reviews as a buying guide we must first understand the reviewer’s point of view in relation to our own. But sometimes a review will spark our interest in a particular cigar and set in motion a pursuit to experience the cigar first hand. For me, the Cigar Insider review of the Padilla Dominus Double Robusto really got me going. It was not the 92 score alone that piqued my interest, but rather that fact that it was coupled with the knowledge that it was made at Fabrica Tabacos Raices Cubanas…one of my favorite cigar factories.
Arsenio Ramos, the master blender at Raices Cubanas has a terrific track record. With cigars like Illusione, Viaje, AB Tempus, and Casa Fernandez to name just a
few, Ramos has created an identifiable flavor profile that is unmistakable. With rich tobacco flavors derived from multiple fermentations, many of his recent blends have garnered big numbers in the ratings, and those of us familiar with his blends certainly understand they are well deserved. With the introduction of the Padilla Dominus line, Ramos and Ernesto Padilla have created cigars that may be the pinnacle of their collaboration. This is not the first Padilla cigar to be made at Raices Cubanas. Other cigar lines include the Miami (second generation), 1932, and the 1948, all great cigars. But with the advent of the Dominus, the balance is so good and the flavor so deep that it stands out above even those other terrific blends.
The Padilla Dominus Double Robusto was chosen as a Joe’s Gem because of its nearly perfect Nicaraguan flavor profile. The spice is well proportioned, the tannins well rounded, the complexity high, and its flavors as deep as any cigar I’ve smoked. It is a very rich cigar that at times seems a bit strident, but in this case, it’s a good thing. Sometimes the smoothness of multiple fermentations can hide a cigar’s boldness, but in the Dominus, it is heard loud and clear. Caution, this is a strong cigar and not well suited for a novice smoker. Sometimes a cigar of this character can turn bitter at the midway point but the Dominus never makes that turn. Throughout the length of the stick it remains strong and aggressive but never to the point of being objectionable; it’s a cigar that never lets up.
If you like Nicaraguan puros, and enjoy strong, deep flavors, this is a cigar that is sure to satisfy. It is a beautiful example of the new breed of cigar coming out of the Nicaraguan/Honduran region and deserves all the praise it will garner. There is so much to love about this cigar that I just had to spread the word.
Brand: Padilla – Dominus
Vitola: Double Robusto 5×54
Wrapper: Corojo 2006
Flavors: Black pepper, espresso, earth, dark chocolate, tea.
Manufacturer: Fabrica Tabacos Raices Cubanas
X Factor: 9.2 (should increase with age)
Finish: Rich and creamy
Strength: Full
Price: $10
Joe,
Thank you for the above review of our Padilla Dominus. As you stated its made with our Cuban born friend Arsenio Ramos. Arsenio has over 60 years of experience from Pinar Del Rio Cuba. Its always great to speak tobacco and cigars with Arsenio a wealth of knowledge a great humble person. Arsenio works for AGANORSA Tobaco growers in Nicaragua. Aganorsa has lead the way in Cuban seed Nicaraguan tobaccos. Employing quality fertilizers and utilizing the best farms in Nicaragua. Eduardo Fernandez a fellow Cuban is not only a great business man, a graduate of Americas top business school, Wharton but a lover of the leaf. Eduardo sought out the best fields, best agranomist like Arsenio and Jacinto another a fellow Cuban to create some of the richest Cuban seed tobacco one can try.
It takes a lot skilled labor from the fields to a great factory like Raices Cubana that makes the Dominus. Hugo and his father Romay who run Raices Cubanas are sticklers for quality and im proud of the work they do on our Padilla blends. The great reviews and ratings are a great reflection of a patient dedication to super-premium cigars and tobacco.
If you enjoyed the Dominus staty tuned for a late spring release of other Padilla-Arsenio blends. The new Padilla Artemis is an amazing blend all Nicaragua Aganorsa tobacco made at Raices Cubana. We also have a unique and full flavored Maduro blended with Arsenio called Oscuro, this blend will surely catch Maduro smokers attention.
I look forward to your review of the many new quality Padilla blends.
Thanks again,
Ernesto Padilla
Padilla cigars
Miami
Nice read Joe,
I can’t wait to try one of these new smokes from Padilla and Raices Cubana. I am quite fond of the cigars they make for Illusione and AB.
W
Joe, spot on review of the Padilla Dominus. Ernesto and crew sure know how to make those cigars that we all love so much. Keep up the good work!
I’m kinda hesatant about sampling this one. Iv’e had several of the Obsidians that just did not want to burn any where near even. I just put the Edition Especial 2006 belecoso in my stinky ash tray and fired up a Padron 4000 to make me feel better.