ReviewsConnecticut & Mild
Padron Damaso No. 12 Review: The Mild Corona Gorda
Reviewed cigar
Padrón Dámaso No. 12
- Brand
- Padrón
- Line
- Dámaso
- Vitola
- No. 12
- Wrapper
- Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder
- Nicaraguan
- Filler
- Nicaraguan
- Size
- 5.5 inches × 48 ring
- Strength
- Mild
- Origin
- Nicaragua
- Price
- $11–14
- Smoking Time
- 55 min
August 14, 2026
By Elena Cruz
Last updated: August 14, 2026
The sweet-spot size of the Damaso line
The Padron Damaso No. 12 is a mild corona gorda - 5.5 by 48 - in an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over Nicaraguan filler, the middle size in Padron's gentle Damaso line. It smokes cream, cedar, almond and a light buttery sweetness with just a whisper of white pepper. Sitting between the slim No. 8 and the fat No. 15 and No. 17, it's the size I find best balances the delicate profile against enough smoke to enjoy.
What makes it the pick of the line is that moderate 48 ring. It gives a slightly fuller, cooler, rounder mouthful than the tight No. 8 without the dilution a big gauge brings to a mild blend - the flavors stay delicate but feel more substantial. The Padron pedigree shows in a clean, refined delivery with more nuance than most mild cigars, and construction is flawless as always: clean draw, straight burn, tight pale ash. It's the Damaso in its most balanced form.
My reservations are honest. This is a genuinely mild cigar - a full-bodied smoker will find it too light, and it's best as a morning or afternoon smoke rather than an evening reward. And at roughly $11-14 a stick it's premium money for a mild corona gorda, asking you to value refinement over strength. If you want the same profile slimmer and shorter, the No. 8; bigger and a touch fuller, the No. 15 or No. 17. For an everyday refined mild smoke, though, the No. 12 is the one I reach for.
Where it fits is the daytime cigar, the coffee or afternoon companion, or the palate that prefers cream and elegance over power. It suits a smoker who appreciates a well-made mild cigar with enough body to satisfy. It's not an evening powerhouse and not for strength chasers. As a balanced mild corona gorda, it's the heart of the Damaso range.
Frequently asked questions
Which Damaso size should I start with?
The No. 12 is my usual suggestion - the 48-ring corona gorda balances the delicate profile against enough smoke and time to enjoy it properly. The No. 8 is slimmer and shorter, the No. 15 and No. 17 bigger. The No. 12 sits right in the sweet spot.
Is the Damaso really a mild Padron?
Yes. Padron is famous for full Nicaraguan cigars, but the Damaso is a genuinely mild Ecuadorian Connecticut blend - cream, cedar, almond. If you want the brand's power this isn't it; it's the refined, gentle side of the house, and the No. 12 shows it well.
Is it worth the premium price?
It depends what you value. At $11-14 you're paying for Padron's construction and refinement in a mild cigar, not for strength. If you appreciate a beautifully made gentle smoke it's worth it; if you measure value by power, cheaper Connecticuts will look like better deals.
Is it a good daytime cigar?
Ideal for it. The mild, creamy profile pairs well with coffee and won't overwhelm, and the corona gorda gives you a satisfying fifty-five minutes without the commitment of a big cigar. It's exactly the kind of smoke I reach for in the morning or afternoon.
How is the No. 12 different from the No. 15?
The No. 15 is bigger at 6 by 54 and nudges toward medium body, giving more smoke and a touch more presence. The No. 12 stays mild and delicate in a more moderate size. If you want the Damaso profile with a bit more cigar, step up to the No. 15.
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