Cigar Review: Padron Anniversary 1964, Monarca Maduro (6.5" x 46)

Body: 8 / 10
Strength: 8 / 10
Complexity: 10 / 10

First things first: I have to declare my motto: "I'll try anything twice!" (TM) Okay, not anything, but at least where cigars are concerned, I've learned that sometimes you just get a bad stick the first time around and it's only fair to let highly-rated smokes get another chance if you didn't like it the first time (unless what you experienced was exactly what everyone else did, and you just didn't care for it). I have never been impressed by a Padron, not even the 1964 I received at last year's Big Smoke Las Vegas. I have been dying to give the '64 another chance, but they're always so darned expensive that I just didn't seriously consider it. I found this vitola for only $13, so I decided to "give leaves a chance"...so to speak.

I will start out by saying that the appearance is nothing special--a bit lumpy and veiny, fairly rustic, but maybe that's in the "Cuban" tradition (haven't smoked enough of those to really know). There's nothing about it I'd specifically mark it down for, but nothing I would give it full points for, either. The prelight flavors are very faint--maybe some sweet spice...nutmeg, cinnamon, or something like that.

After a few minutes into the first third, the cigar is pleasant and medium-bodied. The best terms that come to mind for flavor are earthy and leathery, with maybe a little floral note as well. Not bad at all, but not blowing me away at this point. The burn is perfect so far and the draw is about as good as you can get--just the right amount of resistance.

Into the second third, the first thing I notice is that the body of the smoke is increasing. The earth is more pronounced and the leather is receding. I'm also getting just a bit of black pepper on the finish. If this keeps up I will no longer be able to say "I've never had a Padron I've liked."

Talk about a cigar that changes--this has turned into quite the full-bodied smoke by the end of the second third. It's also starting to show its strength and the flavor is getting some subtle nutty notes along with the strong earthiness.

So...if you've read this far it should come as no surprise that I liked it. Not my favorite smoke by a long shot, but I'm definitely glad I gave it another chance. And I'm looking even more forward to trying a Padron 1926 when I can find one for a price that is somewhat reasonable.

Prelight: 1.5 / 2
Construction: 2 / 2
Flavor: 4 / 5
Value: .5 / 1
Total: 8 / 10