Padron Family Reserve No. 96 Maduro

Description

The Padrón Family Reserve No. 96 Maduro marks the seventh installment in Padrón’s celebrated Family Reserve line — commemorating what would have been company founder José Orlando Padrón’s 96th birthday.

Construction & Origin

Unveiled at the 2022 PCA Trade Show, the No. 96 was offered exclusively to retailers who attended before reaching wider release the following spring. This 5¾ x 52 cigar is 100% Nicaraguan tobacco, built from some of Padrón’s oldest and most exceptional leaf, hand-rolled at Tabacos Cubanica S.A. Unlike earlier box-pressed Family Reserve releases, the No. 96 carries a rounder shape — part of a newer design direction in the line’s recent chapters.

Flavor Profile

Reviewers consistently describe a rich, evolving smoke — dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper, earth, and leather, with a creamy texture balancing the spice throughout, and cocoa powder and dried fruit notes on the cold draw. Halfwheel scored it 91, praising its “refined retrohale” and flavorful opening puffs, while Cigar Coop landed at 90 with mocha, cedar, and cherry notes standing out. Construction draws consistent praise — reviewers note a flawless, razor-sharp burn requiring no touch-ups.

Why It’s Sought After

As a genuine PCA Trade Show exclusive tied to honoring José O. Padrón’s memory, the No. 96 carries real significance beyond its flavor — and Padrón’s Family Reserve line remains built from the company’s oldest stockpiled tobacco, aged up to a decade before ever reaching a blend. For collectors following Padrón’s numbered birthday tributes, this is a genuine, well-reviewed addition to one of the most respected release traditions in the industry.