Padron Black PB-99 Natural

Padron Black PB-99 Natural

Released in 2025 to commemorate what would have been José Orlando Padrón’s 99th birthday, the PB-99 Natural represents a monumental achievement in Nicaraguan cigar craftsmanship. This impressive 6 3/4 x 60 gordo format marks one of the largest releases ever produced by the Padrón family, handcrafted in their signature round format rather than the traditional box-pressed style that defines most of their portfolio.

Key Features

• Commemorative release honoring José Orlando Padrón’s 99th birthday milestone
• Rare round format construction, departing from Padrón’s traditional box-pressed style
• Premium Nicaraguan puro blend featuring meticulously aged estate tobaccos
• Limited production quantities from select tobacco reserves
• Signature toothy natural wrapper with exceptional oil content
• Full-bodied strength profile with remarkable balance and smoothness
• Handcrafted by Padrón’s most talented rollers in Nicaragua

Detailed Description

The Padrón Black PB-99 Natural showcases the finest expression of Nicaragua’s volcanic soils through carefully selected tobaccos aged for several years in the Padrón family’s exclusive reserves. The smooth Nicaraguan Habano wrapper displays a beautiful milk chocolate brown hue with visible tooth and abundant natural oils, promising the complex flavor journey that awaits.

From the first draw, this full-bodied masterpiece delivers bold notes of espresso and dark cocoa powder, perfectly balanced with aromatic cedar and aged leather. As the smoking experience develops, layers of toasted almonds and cashews emerge, accompanied by a gentle honey sweetness that weaves harmoniously with baking spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, and subtle cardamom notes. The retrohale reveals measured black pepper and earthy undertones that add depth without overwhelming the palate.

Construction quality exemplifies Padrón’s legendary standards, featuring an effortless draw that produces dense, creamy smoke throughout the entire smoking experience. The burn line remains razor sharp, developing a firm white ash that holds confidently. Despite the substantial ring gauge and full-bodied strength, the PB-99 Natural maintains remarkable smoothness and balance, making it approachable for experienced enthusiasts while offering enough complexity to satisfy the most discerning palates.

This special edition release follows the original PB-97 in the celebrated Black Series, continuing the tradition of small-batch excellence that defines this exclusive line. Each cigar represents hours of meticulous hand-rolling by master craftsmen who understand the importance of preserving José Orlando Padrón’s vision of uncompromising quality and consistency.

Technical Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: 10
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Full
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Wrapper: Nicaragua Natural Habano
• Filler: Nicaragua

What makes the Padron Black PB-99 Natural different from other Padron cigars?

The PB-99 Natural features a rare round format instead of Padron’s traditional box-pressed construction, and it’s one of the largest formats ever released by the company at 6 3/4 x 60. This commemorative release uses exclusive aged tobacco reserves and delivers a fuller strength profile than most standard Padron offerings.

How long should I age the Padron Black PB-99 Natural?

While the PB-99 Natural is exceptional fresh from the box thanks to Padron’s extensive pre-release aging, these cigars will continue to develop additional complexity with 6-12 months of proper humidor storage. The natural wrapper tends to mellow slightly with age while the core flavors become more integrated.

What’s the difference between the PB-99 Natural and Maduro versions?

The Natural version offers brighter notes of toasted nuts, honey sweetness, and cedar with a slightly more nuanced spice profile. The Maduro delivers darker flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and black pepper with increased earthiness and a richer, sweeter finish.

Is the Padron Black PB-99 suitable for newer cigar smokers?

While exceptionally smooth for its strength level, the PB-99 Natural is a full-bodied cigar best appreciated by experienced smokers. Those newer to premium cigars might find the intensity overwhelming, though the balanced profile makes it more approachable than many other full-strength options.

How does the round format affect the smoking experience?

The round format provides a different mouthfeel and combustion profile compared to box-pressed cigars. It typically offers a slightly looser draw, more even burn characteristics, and allows the blend components to meld differently during the aging process, creating subtle variations in flavor development.

What occasions are best suited for smoking the PB-99 Natural?

Given its 90-120 minute smoking time and commemorative nature, the PB-99 Natural is perfect for special celebrations, milestone events, or leisurely weekend sessions when you can fully appreciate its complexity. Pair it with aged rum, single malt whisky, or strong black coffee.

How limited is the production of the Padron Black PB-99?

The PB-99 is produced in extremely limited quantities as part of Padron’s exclusive Black Series. Annual production numbers are not disclosed, but availability is restricted to select authorized retailers, making these cigars highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

What’s the best way to cut a 60 ring gauge cigar like the PB-99?

For optimal draw with this large ring gauge, use a sharp double-blade guillotine cutter or a quality V-cutter. Make a clean, decisive cut removing approximately 1/8 inch from the cap. Avoid punch cuts on cigars this size as they may restrict airflow.