Padron 1964 Anniversary Series: A Masterpiece of Heritage and Flavor

The Essence of the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series

Released in 1994 to celebrate Padron’s 30th anniversary, the 1964 line was created to honor the brand’s origins while showcasing the highest level of Nicaraguan cigar making. Each cigar is handcrafted with sun-grown Nicaraguan tobaccos aged for four years and finished in the brand’s signature box-pressed format. This shape is not only elegant — it promotes an even burn and a comfortable feel in hand.

The series is offered in both Natural and Maduro versions, each delivering its own nuance. What they share is Padron’s trademark: consistency, depth, and a flavor that is unmistakably Nicaraguan.

Expert Tasting Review

Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan sun-grown (aged 4 years) — Natural or Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Format: Box-pressed

Appearance & Construction

The Padron 1964 presents a flawless, box-pressed silhouette with sharp edges and a smooth, lightly oily wrapper. Veins are minimal and the seams are almost invisible — a sign of careful hand-rolling. The double band, with its classic Padron look, reinforces the anniversary character of the line.

On the pre-light aroma, you’ll pick up cedar, cocoa husk, and aged tobacco, with a faint sweetness. A cold draw reveals espresso, nuts, and soft baking spice, signaling the layered profile to come.

First Third

The cigar opens with immediate balance — no harshness, no “warming up.” You get dark cocoa and roasted coffee right away, followed by a light black pepper on the retrohale. The smoke is dense and creamy, medium-bodied at this point, and the burn line is razor-straight — a classic Padron trait.

The ash is compact and holds well past the 1-inch mark, showing impeccable bunching.

Second Third

As the cigar settles, the flavors deepen. Cocoa becomes more like bitter chocolate, and a distinct toasted nut note appears — almond, cashew, or even pecan depending on the palate. A gentle sweetness — like brown sugar or caramelized oak — rounds out the profile. Strength moves to medium-full but stays very controlled.

This is where the 1964 shows its quality: the flavors don’t fight each other, they meld.

Final Third

Toward the end, the cigar gains a bit more intensity. Espresso, leather, and warm spice (nutmeg, clove) rise to the top, while the underlying sweetness keeps the smoke elegant. Some smokers may also pick up a dark-fruit nuance — like dried fig — especially on the retrohale.

Despite the added strength, the temperature stays cool and the cigar remains smokeable down to the nub — a clear result of well-aged tobacco and expert fermentation.

Performance & Smoking Time

Estimated smoking time: 70–85 minutes (depending on vitola and pace).
Draw: Ideal — neither too tight nor open.
Burn: Even, minimal touch-ups.
Best pairing: aged rum, Nicaraguan coffee, or a soft single malt (Balvenie, Glenmorangie). A sugar-heavy drink is not necessary — the cigar already brings sweetness.

Why Choose the Padron 1964?

Because it delivers what many premium cigars only promise: consistency. Every stick tastes like a Padron. Every stick burns like a Padron. Every stick feels like a carefully aged Nicaraguan cigar made by a family that actually smokes what they roll.

It’s an ideal choice for:

• Celebrations and milestones (it looks and smokes like a special-occasion cigar).
• Gifts for cigar people (it has name recognition).
• Aficionados who love box-pressed Nicaraguans with cocoa, coffee, and oak notes.