Padrón Dámaso No. 12

The Padrón Dámaso No. 12 offers a lighter expression of the Padrón style. Handmade in Nicaragua, this 5 × 50 Robusto combines an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The result is a mild-to-medium cigar with a tobacco-forward profile, balanced by cedar, toast, gentle spice and sweetness.

The Dámaso Series honors Dámaso Padrón, an ancestor of the family who travelled from the Canary Islands to Cuba in the late 1800s. Padrón created the series for smokers who prefer a gentler blend. The No. 12 also has a traditional round shape, giving it a different appearance from the square-pressed cigars many smokers associate with the brand.

Its Robusto size provides a comfortable 50-ring-gauge draw without the longer smoking commitment of a Toro or Churchill. Cigar Aficionado awarded the Padrón Dámaso No. 12 89 points, recognizing this Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped cigar among its selection of milder smokes. View the Cigar Aficionado rating.

Key Features

• Brand: Padrón
• Series: Dámaso
• Vitola: Robusto
• Dimensions: 5 inches × 50 ring gauge
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Country of manufacture: Nicaragua
• Strength: Mild to medium

Tobacco Composition

Wrapper

The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper gives the cigar its light-brown appearance and helps define the Dámaso Series’ gentler character. It brings a softer impression to the Nicaraguan blend while allowing flavors of cedar, toast and light sweetness to come through.

“Connecticut” describes the wrapper’s tobacco type; the leaf used for this cigar is grown in Ecuador. The Padrón Dámaso No. 12 Connecticut therefore has a different wrapper origin from a cigar made with Connecticut-grown leaf.

Binder and Filler

A Nicaraguan binder holds the cigar together around its Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. These leaves provide the tobacco character beneath the lighter wrapper, including woody, earthy and gently peppery impressions. Together, the three components give the cigar flavor without the heavier strength associated with some other Padrón blends.

Flavor Profile

Opening

The first draws may bring toasted tobacco, cedar and a touch of pepper. Depending on the cigar and smoking pace, the opening can also show hay or a light tea-like note. The flavor is present from the start but remains measured rather than forceful.

Middle

As the Robusto develops, wood, hay and earth may become more noticeable. A softer texture and occasional creamy sweetness can balance those savory notes. Some smokers may find that the pepper settles into the background, leaving the tobacco and cedar at the center of the experience.

Final Section

Toward the final section, the flavors can become warmer and slightly more concentrated. Cedar, sweeter tobacco and gentle spice may remain, sometimes accompanied by a faint caramel impression. Keeping a relaxed pace helps prevent heat from masking these subtler notes.

Finish

The finish is generally tobacco-led, with lingering impressions of wood, toast and restrained sweetness. Tasting notes are subjective and may vary between cigars.

Why Choose This Cigar?

Choose the Padron Damaso No 12 Robusto if you want to explore Padrón’s Nicaraguan craftsmanship in a milder format. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and 5 × 50 size make it an approachable choice for smokers who prefer balance over strong pepper or heavy-bodied flavor.

The No. 12 also gives existing Padrón smokers a distinct option within the brand: a round Robusto with a gentler profile. Its 89-point Cigar Aficionado rating provides a useful reference when comparing Connecticut-wrapped cigars, while the blend and format remain the reasons to choose it for your own humidor.

Cutting and Lighting Guidance

Use a sharp straight cutter to remove a small portion of the cap, taking care not to cut below the shoulder. Toast the foot gradually and rotate the cigar while lighting it. An even light helps the wrapper and filler burn together from the beginning.

Smoking Guidance

Take gentle draws and leave time between puffs. Smoking too quickly can make a mild-to-medium cigar taste hotter and sharper than intended. If that happens, allow the No. 12 to rest briefly before continuing.

Storage Instructions

Store the cigar in a maintained humidor at approximately 65–70% relative humidity and a stable, cool temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight, excess heat and strong surrounding odours to protect the wrapper and preserve its aroma.