The box-pressed Padron 1964 No.4 Maduro hits your humidor as a 6.5"x60 power unit wrapped in oily Nicaraguan Maduro leaf. This anniversary blend commemorates 50 years of Padron craftsmanship, priced at $474 per box of 20 - serious investment for serious smokers. That dense roll stays firm to the touch, promising 90+ minutes of slow burn through complex tobaccos.
Cold draw punches with black pepper. Initial puffs deliver espresso beans and 80% dark chocolate intensity. Smoke production stays moderate - no cannon clouds here. Retrohale stings slightly with baking spices while maintaining smooth combustion.
Cocoa powder texture coats the palate, transitioning into burnt caramel sweetness. Watch for transitions around the 40-minute mark: cedar wood emerges alongside mineral undertones. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the hefty ring gauge.
Leather and roasted nuts dominate as nicotine builds. Last 2 inches develop charred oak bitterness that some describe as "Cubanesque". Not for nicotine lightweights - the 60 ring gauge amplifies strength through extended smoking time.
The signature Padron box-press feels sturdy without being angular. Maduro wrapper gleams with visible tooth - no water spots or prominent veins. Double bands feature serialized authenticity codes, while the foot shows perfect tobacco alignment. Requires minimal relights if kept at 65% RH.
Padron's 1964 Anniversary Maduro lives up to its 94-point ratings with textbook execution. While not as sweet as some Nicaraguan puros, it delivers depth that outclasses similarly priced offerings. Best paired with aged rum or espresso. Let newer cigars rest 6+ months to mellow the initial pepper blast.
