Pre-light Experience

The rectangle pressed Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro Exclusivo has a dark brown wrapper with a bit of marbling, a decent sized but well pressed vein running down the front, a few wrinkles and a large water spot just above the band. The seams are a bit raised and easily visible while the lone cap I can see is well applied. There are two bands, with the primary being the traditional design for this line with the company and line name. The secondary band is under the primary and carries the serial number of the cigar. The aroma from the wrapper is a mix of wood and damp earth while the foot brings sweet wood and light baking spice. The pre-light draw brings cedar and mild baking spice along with a mild spiciness on my lips.

First Third

The cigar begins with musty, dark wood and a mid-level black pepper. At a half inch in, some dry earth joins the profile. The retrohale is musty and toasted dark wood. At an inch in, the dark wood gains a toast note. As the third comes to a close, the dark wood now has a decent level of toast to it along with some mustiness and the black pepper and dry earth are in the background. The strength in this third was slightly above medium.

Second Third

As the second third begins, the toast note transitions to a light char. At a half inch in, the black pepper has mellowed a bit. The retrohale remains musty and toasted dark wood. As the third comes to a close, the profile is musty and charred dark wood, dry earth and light black pepper. The strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Final Third

The final third continues on with the musty and charred dark wood, dry earth and light black pepper. At a half inch in, the char transitions back to a toasted note as the dry earth increases a bit. The retrohale is now musty and toasted dark wood with some dry earth mixed in. As the cigar wraps up, the profile is musty and toasted dark wood, dry earth and light black pepper. The strength remained at slightly above medium.

Burn

The burn was a bit wavy at times and the cigar went out once in the second third, requiring a re-light. The ash held on in inch and a quarter increments.

Draw

The draw was perfect, with just the right amount of resistance that I prefer.

Overall

The cigar began with a nice combination of flavors, but by the second third, became fairly average as the profile was a heavy wood note with toast and char accompanying it and dry earth as a supporting note. I found the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro Exclusivo to be a slighter better overall experience than the Natural, but it’s still not something that really intrigues me as it is just a bit too heavy on the dark wood and earth to be enjoyable over the whole smoking experience. If you’re a fan of the heavier wood and earth focused profiles, it’s definitely something that may fit your wheelhouse.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

5.90

Cost/Point

$2.15

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro Exclusivo