Padrón 1926 No. 6 Maduro Review: A Small Stick with Big Character

• Brand: Padrón
• Line: 1926 Serie
• Size: No. 6 (4.75" x 50)
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Price: $415 per box of 24 cigars

The Padrón 1926 Serie No. 6 Maduro may be the shortest cigar in the 1926 line, but every time I light one up, I’m reminded just how much flavor and complexity can come from a small vitola. I’ve always admired how this compact, box-pressed stick delivers a full-strength, high-end experience. Let me walk you through why this cigar is a staple in my rotation and why it earns every bit of its reputation.

Look & Feel (19/20)

From the moment I take the No. 6 Maduro out of the box, it catches my eye. The wrapper is dark and oily, with a deep, almost espresso-like hue. It feels dense and perfectly packed in the hand, no soft spots, no gaps. The box press is classic Padrón: squared-off edges, sharp lines, and beautifully consistent. The seams are tight and nearly invisible, and the cap is flawless.

Pre-Light (18/20)

I always take a moment to enjoy the aroma of the foot, it’s one of my favorite parts of the ritual. With the No. 6 Maduro, I get rich notes of cocoa, cedar, and a touch of fig-like sweetness. The cold draw gives me more chocolate and earth, with a faint tingle of black pepper. It’s a promising start, and I know what’s coming is going to be flavorful.

Burn (18/20)

Lighting up is easy, and the cigar takes to flame quickly. Right away, it puts off thick, creamy smoke. The draw is smooth and consistent all the way through, and the burn line stays sharp with only one quick touch-up toward the end. The ash is sturdy and light gray, holding well for a short-format cigar. It never burns hot or uneven, and I’m always impressed by how much smoke this little stick produces. For a robusto under five inches, it really stretches its legs.

Flavor (19/20)

This is where the Padrón 1926 No. 6 Maduro really earns its keep. It’s bold, rich, and never muddled; each third flows seamlessly into the next with well-aged Nicaraguan tobacco driving the experience.

First Third (0–15 minutes):

• Opens with espresso, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice.
• Retrohale reveals roasted nuts and a light pepper presence balanced, never overwhelming.
• Silky texture and bold yet smooth flavors deliver that signature Padrón harmony.

Second Third (15–30 minutes):

• Flavors open up beautifully with notes of leather, molasses, and a hint of cherry sweetness on the finish.
• Pepper gently recedes, allowing cocoa and wood tones to shine.
• Everything feels precisely balanced and expertly blended.

Final Third (30–45 minutes):

• Espresso, charred oak, and a touch of black pepper return on the retrohale.
• A subtle anise note adds intrigue and complexity.
• Finishes rich, earthy, and full of depth, strong but never bitter or harsh.

While the transitions are subtle rather than dramatic, I never feel bored. Every puff feels intentional, and the flavors are deep and satisfying from start to finish.

Overall Experience (19/20)

For me, the Padrón 1926 No. 6 Maduro is one of those cigars that fits just right when I want full-bodied flavor in a shorter format. It smokes like a longer cigar, with all the refinement and complexity of its larger siblings, but wrapped up in a 45-minute experience. 

It’s perfect for weeknights, cold weather, or anytime I want something special without blocking off an hour and a half.

I’d recommend it to any seasoned smoker or Maduro fan who values construction, consistency, and depth. It's not a beginner’s cigar, but for those ready to level up, it’s a masterclass in how bold and smooth can go hand in hand.

Comparative Analysis

While the Padrón 1926 No. 6 Maduro is in a class of its own, I often find myself reaching for a few other cigars in the same tier depending on the mood I’m in, the time I have, or what I’m pairing it with.

What I loved most was its quiet confidence. The flavor was layered and rich without being overpowering, keeping me engaged to the end.

Pairings

Pairing this cigar is one of my favorite parts of the experience its rich flavor makes it versatile but calls for bold, dark, or warm complements. Here are a few of my personal go-to pairings:

• Aged Rum (Flor de Caña 12 or Diplomatico Reserva): The molasses and spice in these rums mirror the cigar’s cocoa and espresso beautifully. The combination is smooth and decadent.
• Single Barrel Bourbon (Blanton’s, EH Taylor): The vanilla and oak from these bourbons really enhance the cigar’s wood and leather notes. It’s a pairing that’s bold, balanced, and full of character.
• Espresso or French Press Coffee: A strong, black coffee sharpens the cigar’s dark chocolate and roasted notes. I love this pairing in the morning or during colder months.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: It might sound indulgent, but the cinnamon, cocoa, and slight heat in this drink bring out so much in the cigar’s second third. If you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out.

Summing It Up

The Padrón 1926 No. 6 Maduro is the kind of cigar that reminds me why I fell in love with smoking cigars in the first place. It’s rich, reliable, complex, and never lets me down. Whether I’m enjoying a quiet evening, celebrating a personal win, or just carving out a little time for myself, this cigar always fits the moment.

It may be small in stature, but it’s packed with flavor, confidence, and unmistakable quality, a true gem that I keep going back to, again and again.