Today the cigar industry lost a legend. A little after midnight this morning, founder of The Padron Cigar Empire, José Padrón, passed away at 91.
Jose was born June 10, 1926 in Cuba to a family intertwined in the tobacco industry. He left in 1961 during the Cuban Revolution, and like many, moved to Miami. He was given a small hammer and worked as a carpenter saving money until he had enough to begin his own cigar company.
Padron cigars are one of, if not the personal favorite brand of mine. The consistency, quality, and all out perfection of their smokes will have any cigar smoker hooked upon lighting up the first.
Anyway, tonight I toast one of my favorite Padron Cigars, the 1926 80 year perfecto. Not cheap at $33, their highest priced cigar, but at a time like this it seemed fitting.
As with any Padron, I say always worth the price tag.
RIP Jose Orlando Padron, what a legacy you have created in the cigar industry. I'm sure he would be even more proud of his wonderful family that surrounded and loved him, even during his last breaths. That is what he took the most pride in.
Here's to Jose Orlando Padron.
Cheers Steemians
-Greg