Cigar Review: Padron 1964 Anniversary Esclusivo

For over 40 years. Jose Padron has had the reputation of building ultra high quality, hand rolled cigars. After a long week at work, my treat was an hour with a Padron 1964 Anniversary Esclusivo. I had heard quite a bit about these cigars, but due to the popularity and limited availability, finding one was a challenge. It was a challenge that was definitely worth the reward.

The Padron 1964 Anniversary Esclusivo is a Robusto shaped, 50 ring gauge x 5 ½" box pressed cigar. Upon inspection, I was presented with a nearly flawless, dark, oily maduro wrapper. Its dark wrapper combined with it's ultra sharp box press was a thing of beauty. Padron has always been well known for its attention to detail and its presentation.

Sitting down in my favorite chair, with a glass of my favorite single malt, I had very high expectations for this particular stick . With the waiting and anticipation finally over, I used my favorite silver guillotine cutter, and gently cut the end and toasted the foot of this cigar. Upon lighting this cigar, I was excited to find the volume of aromatic smoke produced by this cigar from its maduro wrapper, and its sharp, cool burn.

Upon taking the smoke into my mouth, I received the presents that I had long anticipated. The smoke left the flavors of cedar, cocoa, spices, coffee and mild leather flavors on my palette, the flavor transitions that were readily evident between each of the thirds of this cigar, were dramatic and extremely pleasant. The multitude of flavors that abound were of a consistent volume throughout the cigar and the texture of this cigar could only be described as heavenly. Due to the quality construction of this stick, the draw was nearly flawless, and the volume of smoke was exquisite. The Nicaraguan wrapper, filler and binder produced what could only be described as the ultimate in pleasure and relaxation. The quality of this cigar of evident from the moment you light it, and flavors that are nearly impossible to find in a mild to medium flavored cigar. With a price point of $10 to $15 per stick, the Padron 1964 Anniversary Esclusivo would be a bargain at twice the price. These are a great addition to any humidor.