Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro

The Padron line was created in 1964 by the family’s patriarch, Jose Orlando Padron, who initially began making cigars for his friends and family throughout the Miami area. When his son Jorge took over, he soon began to expand the brand, and ever since the Padron brand has been known as one of the most consistent and balanced cigars in the world. Originally released in 1994 to commemorate Padron’s 30th anniversary, the Anniversary line is still making waves throughout the cigar industry for its nearly flawless construction, razor sharp burn, and complex flavors. This limited production cigar not only received a 95 rating from Cigar Aficionado but also ranked among its top 25 cigars in 2011. This Nicaraguan puro features a gorgeous, dark chocolate brown maduro wrapper, and long fillers from Jalapa, Condega and Estelí that have been grown in open sunlight and have all been aged to perfection for four years. Carefully boxed-pressed in true Cuban tradition, this Exclusivo size you have in your shipment today is a touch longer than your typical robusto and also a bit thinner than your average corona gorda. Full-bodied in strength, once lit, you’ll find bold, super smooth and complex flavors of coffee bean, cocoa, earth, and hazelnut. This is one of our panel’s favorite cigars and they usually keep a stogie or two in their humidor for special occasions. Due to its strength though, they recommend pairing it with a lightly sweetened coffee after a large meal.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.