Sippin' with Stogies
December 2021
Padron 1964 Exclusivo Maduro
Origin Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder and Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Exclusivo, 5 ½ x 50 (box press)
What makes it special:
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series line was a celebration of the Padrón family’s 30th anniversary as cigar producers, made with tobacco first aged for at least 4 years. It was a huge success when introduced to the market in 1994, and it could be said the Padrón 1964 is even more highly sought-after today. With respect to official accolades, few cigars can also boast that:
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The New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft celebrated their Super Bowl LI Victory by handing out Padrón 1964 Anniversary Cigars
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The 94-rated Exclusivo (Maduro) was awarded Fifth Place in Cigar Aficionado's "25 Best Cigars of 2011"
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The Diplomatico and Torpedo (Natural) were rated 90 and 91 (respectively) by Cigar Aficionado
: Padrón cigars have one of the most loyal followings of any cigar brand, and in many situations, smoking a Padrón is even seen as a status symbol. The Padrón 1964 was such a hit, in fact, that many say it’s the cigar that brought back to the cigar industry the old Cuban box-press trend. With such accolades and decades of undying customer loyalty, this cigar remains at an approachable price point – especially for special occasions, commemorative events and holidays. In other reviews I’ve often began describing a cigar by saying “This is what would be if a Padrón and a _____ were combined” because of Padrón’s reputation for consistency and quality. This review is of an Exclusivo, equitable to a robusto, but any vitola is sure to satisfy.
Visual / Pre-light Draw
My expectations were met, and they certainly began high. The construction is literally flawless, wrapped in a chocolate-brown, perfectly pressed wrapper. It’s toothy but smooth as silk to the touch, and the longer I hold it, the more my fingers take on the aroma of the wrapper – a very inviting mocha. The pre-light draw carried with it some earth, but cocoa and coffee dominated the cold draw.
First Third
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary delivers as promised in the cold draw with flavors of cocoa and coffee, but from the start it’s more complex than I expected. I remembered the chocolatey, nutty notes from Padrón 1964s I’ve smoked before, but not until a proper tasting have I discovered so many more layers. A tangy, zesty citrus accompanies the mocha flavor and reminds me of a French chocolate bar filled with orange marmalade. There are also notes of vanilla and cedar, but they serve more as supporting characters to an all-star cast of a palate.
Second Third
As Padrón is known for a perfect burn, my expectations of the 1964 Anniversary are again exceeded. Perhaps it’s the box press that keeps it so perfect, but whatever the reason, you won’t waste any time manicuring this cigar. Like its siblings, the Padrón 1964 Anniversary is consistent, and the second third is just like the first. I consider this a very premium, but low-effort cigar; he or she who smokes it won’t waste any time on touch-ups and there won’t be any concern about the palate changing to anything less desirable than how it began. The retrohale is smooth and delivers the same layers of flavor as the draw itself.
Final Third
The burn is still razor-sharp without a single hint of help, and unlike many cigars, the final third does not bring any bitterness toward its end. The draw, retrohale and palate are literally just as fresh as in the first third. For a full-bodied cigar, it’s clear that the blend was nothing less than perfect to commemorate the Padrón family’s 30-year cigar anniversary. This is definitely a cigar worth celebrating, and one fit for celebrating any occasion from a long day’s reprieve to a holiday or birthday gift, etc.
The Pairing:
I chose Elijah Craig Small Batch for the pairing; as a winner of two San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold medals there was no concern about quality, and the price point (~$30 USD) makes it a winner for any gift-giving or hosting circumstance. It is a sweet bourbon, with some baking spices like nutmeg on the nose but not enough to overpower a very honey-like introduction. The palate reminds me of the fruits I might find on a holiday table – apples and oranges – but slightly dusted with a cinnamon-honey mix. The finish brought the spices back to center stage along with some charred oak. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a caramel note that carries through consistently, from nose to finish, although it’s accompanied by different notes at each stage. As the Padrón 1964 Anniversary is flavorful but not sweet, the Elijah Craig Small Batch complements the flavors perfectly, with the bourbon and the cigar complementing each other with their respective differences in sweetness.
