Some cigars exist on a tier where reviewing them almost feels superfluous — like writing a review of Coltrane's A Love Supreme. The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro is one of those. It is the benchmark against which every other premium maduro is measured. But after three weeks and nine vitolas, I have new things to say about it — and a clear recommendation on which size to start with.
Construction and Wrapper
The box-pressed construction across the 1964 line is impeccable. The Maduro wrapper is a dark, oily Colorado Maduro with visible oil sheen — the kind that leaves a faint sheen on your fingers when you handle the cigar. No hard spots, no soft spots, no visible seams or veins of concern. The pre-light draw shows mild resistance, a touch of dark chocolate and raisin from the wrapper alone.
First Third: Ignition
The opening draws establish the Padrón signature immediately — roasted nuts, dark earth, a gentle pepper that sits at the back of the palate rather than attacking it. The smoke production is exceptional, the draw perfect. The Maduro wrapper adds layers of dark cocoa and dried fruit that you do not get from the Natural wrapper version. By the time you are an inch in, the pepper has dialed back and the sweetness of the wrapper is taking over.
Second Third: The Core
This is where the 1964 makes its case. The transition from the first third is smooth and adds complexity rather than subtracting it — espresso joins the profile, along with leather and a whisper of something almost floral. The burn has remained razor sharp. The smoke is dense and creamy. At this point in a lesser cigar, the profile often goes flat. The 1964 does the opposite.
Final Third: Long Finish
As the cigar tightens in the final third, the pepper returns — not aggressively, but as a counterbalance to the sweetness that has dominated the previous inches. The finish is exceptionally long, coating the palate for ten to fifteen minutes after the final draw. No harshness, no bitterness, no loosening construction. The cigar that started beautifully ends the same way.
Which Vitola?
The Imperial (6.5 × 54) is the showstopper — you have the most time with the profile at its peak, and the extra ring gauge opens the draw perfectly. But the Torpedo (6.25 × 52) is the connoisseur's choice — the taper concentrates the flavor slightly in the final third in a way that aficionados love. For a first time with the 1964 Maduro, the Exclusivo (6.25 × 50) is the most forgiving and the most widely available.
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Maduro is a perfect cigar in every measurable way. If you are building a collection, it belongs in it. If you are giving someone their first premium cigar, this is the answer. Score: 98/100.
About the Author
PYRE Cigars
Editorial Team
The PYRE team is made up of cigar enthusiasts, tobacconists, and tasters dedicated to finding the best smoke for every occasion.