Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
From Cigar Aficionado
The Padrón family with the Padron 1964 Exclusivo Maduro continues to impress the cigar world with their complex, flavorful and eminently balanced cigars. Family patriarch José Orlando Padrón began making cigars under his name in 1964. His original efforts were made solely for his fellow Cubans living in Miami. His son Jorge began expanding the company’s sales to new markets, and the 1994 introduction of the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series took the brand to new heights, making them a must-have in the humidors of top cigar shops.
The Exclusivo size is a bit thinner than the typical corona gorda, and longer than the typical robusto. The smokes are packed with Nicaraguan tobaccos from Jalapa, Condega and Estelí, all of it grown in the open sunlight. Then they are sharply pressed in a distinctive style. In maduro wrapper, the cigar is dark, with that trademark rich Padrón cocoa flavor. The Padróns have never failed to have a cigar in Cigar Aficionado’s top five, and have won Cigar of the Year on several occasions.
Review:
From the moment you pick up the Padrón 1964 Exclusivo Maduro, its impeccable construction is evident. The box-pressed shape is firm and uniform, and the dark Maduro wrapper is seamless, with a subtle sheen. The cold draw offers tantalizing hints of rich earth, dark cocoa, and a whisper of sweet spice.
Upon lighting, the Exclusivo Maduro immediately announces its presence. The first puffs are incredibly smooth, delivering a creamy texture that coats the palate. Dominant flavors of dark chocolate and espresso emerge, quickly followed by a distinct earthiness and a pleasant, subtle black pepper on the retrohale. The burn is razor-sharp, and the draw is effortlessly perfect – a true hallmark of Padrón Cigars.
As we transition into the second third, the Padrón 1964 Exclusivo Maduro truly begins to unfold its complex layers. The initial boldness mellows slightly into a more harmonious symphony of flavors. The dark chocolate and espresso notes remain prominent, but new dimensions of sweet cedar and roasted nuts begin to emerge. There’s a beautiful balance between the sweetness of the Maduro wrapper and the inherent spice of the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.
The body settles firmly into a medium-full, providing a satisfying kick without ever becoming overwhelming. The burn continues its flawless journey, producing a dense, grey ash that holds on remarkably well. This is where the aged tobacco truly shines, offering a refined and incredibly smooth profile that belies its strength.
The final third of the Padrón 1964 Exclusivo Maduro is a masterclass in consistency and evolution. The flavors intensify once more, bringing back a more pronounced earthiness and a deeper dark cocoa. Hints of leather and a lingering sweetness round out the profile, making each puff a profound experience. Even as the cigar burns down, it remains cool and smooth, never harsh or bitter.
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a delightful aftertaste of rich coffee and a touch of spice. This cigar truly delivers from start to finish, showcasing why it’s considered a top-rated cigar globally.
MIKEY LIKES IT 👍 : 93