Padron Black 97 Maduro

Name: Padrón Black PB‑97 Maduro
Origin: Nicaragua — a pure Nicaraguan blend using tobaccos from the Padrón family’s private stock
Wrapper: Rich, dark Maduro wrapper from Nicaragua—textured, slightly toothy, and oily in appearance
Binder: Nicaraguan long-filler binder aged for several years on Padrón estates 
Filler: Nicaraguan puro blend sourced exclusively from Padrón’s aged harvests
Size / Shape: Torpedo (figurado) measuring 6¾″ × 54 ring gauge
Strength: Medium‑Full to Full—body builds gradually into a robust, complex profile

Flavor Profile & Smoking Experience

• Pre‑light: Earthy barnyard aroma with cocoa and cream; cold draw delivers mocha, hay, and earth notes

• First Third: Dominant mocha (coffee‑chocolate fusion) emerges with supporting hints of pepper, hay, cream, and cedar; retrohale brings sharp black pepper and subtle cherry sweetness

• Second Third: Mocha shifts toward a straight coffee note; cedar and pepper intensify, cream fades; earth and dry woodiness develop

• Final Third: Unsweetened mocha, charred oak, and pepper dominate; retrohale still pepper-forward but softened; finish reveals cocoa and graham cracker sweetness with a firm, cool nub

• Construction: Carefully balanced draw with consistent, bold smoke output. Burn line is generally sharp but may require occasional touch-ups during the second half 

• Strength Evolution: Starts at medium, climbing to full strength as the cigar progresses; body increases steadily while maintaining Padrón’s signature finesse 

Story & Accolades

The PB‑97 Maduro is the fourth release in the exclusive Padrón Black line, unveiled at the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show to retailers who placed orders during the event. It commemorates the brand’s heritage and continues the tradition of honoring José O. Padrón’s milestones through limited-production blends.
Launched in March 2024, it carries a suggested price of US $40 per cigar (US $400 per 10‑count box) and received a 91-point rating from halfwheel as one of the top cigars of the year.

Ideal Pairings

• Spirits: Bold bourbons (e.g. Bulleit, Four Roses Single Barrel) or aged añejo rum to complement coffee and oak notes

• Coffee: Espresso or French roast, especially suited to the mocha and charred aspects

• Dessert: Dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, or graham cracker–based sweets to echo the retrohale's sweet finish

Summary

The Padrón Black PB‑97 Maduro is a prestigious limited-edition torpedo offering that balances bold strength with refined complexity. Presented in a striking figurado format and boasting flawless craftsmanship, this cigar opens with intense mocha and spice, transitions through coffee, cedar, and oak, and closes with a sweet and earthy finish. With striking construction, evolving body, and rare availability, it stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition found in Padrón’s most coveted releases.

Let me know if you’d like a side-by-side comparison with the Natural version, deeper tasting notes by third, or curated pairing suggestions for your tastes.