Padrón 1964 Anniversary Cigar Review: A Box-Pressed Classic You Can Count On
Brand: Padrón
Line: 1964 Anniversary Series
Size: Exclusivo (5.5" x 50)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
Price: $375 per box of 25 cigars
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo Maduro is a rich, box-pressed gem that delivers smooth, chocolatey complexity with every draw. Let me walk you through why this classic never disappoints.
Look & Feel (19/20)
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo Maduro has a dark, oily wrapper with a deep chocolate hue that’s immediately eye-catching. Its box-pressed shape is clean and uniform, and the cigar feels firm with no soft spots. Seams are nearly invisible, and the triple cap is neatly applied.
Pre-Light (18/20)
Off the foot, I pick up inviting notes of cocoa powder, aged cedar, and a touch of raisin. The cold draw is smooth with medium resistance, right where it should be, and reveals hints of chocolate, walnut, and a faint whisper of black pepper.
Burn (18/20)
Lighting was easy, and the first few draws produced thick, creamy clouds of smoke. The cigar burned evenly for the most part, though I did need one minor touch-up around the halfway point, a small compromise, but expected with the thicker Maduro wrapper.
Flavor (19/20)
This cigar shines in the flavor department, offering a rich and satisfying profile from start to finish. It’s smooth, balanced, and leans into dessert-like notes with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
First Third (0–20 minutes):
- Cocoa, espresso, and roasted nuts right off the bat
- Honeyed sweetness on the retrohale
- Smooth texture with a hint of black pepper
Second Third (20–40 minutes):
- Leathery depth with cinnamon and dark cherry
- Toasted bread and molasses richness
- Flavors remain balanced and refined
Final Third (40–60 minutes):
- Espresso and cedar take the lead
- Black pepper and dark fruit emerge
- A smooth, bold finish with clove and earth
The transitions are subtle rather than dramatic, but everything flows with purpose. It’s the kind of flavor profile I never tire of: comforting, familiar, and expertly blended.
Overall Experience (19/20)
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo Maduro delivers on every front, flavor, construction, and consistency. It’s one of those cigars I keep in my humidor for moments when I want something indulgent but not overpowering.
While it may not deliver fireworks or huge transitions, that’s not necessary. This cigar knows exactly what it is: rich, reliable, and satisfying from start to finish. And for me, that’s more than enough.
Comparative Analysis
While the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo Maduro stands tall on its own, it’s worth seeing how it stacks up against other cigars in a similar price and flavor range. Below is a breakdown of comparable options I often reach for depending on my mood, pairing preference, or occasion.
| Cigar | Size | Price (approx.) | Strength | Flavor Profile | Construction | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padrón 1964 Exclusivo Maduro | 5.5" × 50 | $13–$15 (per stick) | Medium–Full | Cocoa, espresso, nuts, molasses, black pepper | Near flawless | Excellent for Quality |
| Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro | 5" × 52 (Robusto) | $12–$14 | Full | Dark chocolate, spice, leather, cedar | Excellent | Strong Value |
| Ashton VSG Robusto | 5.5" × 50 | $13–$15 | Full | Earthy, peppery, woody with bold spice | Excellent | Premium Tier |
| Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua | 5" × 50 | $10–$12 | Medium–Full | Nutty, earthy, with cocoa and a touch of sweetness | Very Good | Great for Complexity |
| Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto | 5.25" × 54 | $14–$16 | Full | Rich, chewy smoke with notes of espresso, dark fruit, and leather | Impeccable | Best for Intensity |
| Cohiba Nicaragua N54 | 5.5" × 54 | $13–$15 | Medium–Full | Woody, spicy, with chocolate and black pepper | Very Well Made | Balanced Option |
What truly defines a memorable cigar for me is how effortlessly it delivers depth, balance, and consistency. When all the elements align, it becomes more than a smoke. It becomes an experience worth revisiting.
Pairings
I’ve found that this cigar pairs best with options that highlight its rich, dessert-like profile and smooth medium-full body. Here are a few pairings that elevate the experience:
- Aged Rum: The toasted oak and dried fruit notes of a well-aged rum, like Flor de Caña 12, enhance the cigar’s cocoa, spice, and molasses sweetness.
- Dark Roast Coffee: A strong pour-over or French press brings out the cigar’s espresso and nutty undertones, adding warmth and depth.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: The cinnamon and chocolate blend in this drink mirrors the cigar’s complexity, especially in the second and third.
My Final Thoughts
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo Maduro never lets me down. It’s one of the few cigars I keep going back to for its rich flavor, smooth draw, and rock-solid construction.
It may not deliver big surprises, but that’s exactly why I love it; it’s consistent, balanced, and always satisfying. When I want something indulgent without being overwhelming, this is one of my go-to choices.
Whether I’m relaxing after a long day or celebrating something special, the Padrón 1964 always feels like the right call.
