Review Notes: Perfect!

 Review Notes: With Christmas cash from the family, I purchased a box of the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Monarca Maduros. After a soaking for a month in the coolidor, I just had to smoke one! At 6.5 x 46 it is an excellent size for full enjoyment. This cigar is a beautiful box pressed stogie with no voids, few veins and a look and sheen that is classic. The cold smoke was of rich tobacco and had a delicious taste with a nice draw. After enjoying just holding it for a while, it was lit and volumes of smoke poured out of this small stogie. The first taste was delicious with flavors of rich tobacco and coffee and was almost mocha like. The first third was rich, creamy, and smooth with a razor burn and nice gray ash which didn’t fall until 1 ½ inches into the experience. The body was medium to full which went well with the flavors that rested nicely on the pallet. During the second stage the base of rich tobacco and coffee continued and I then noticed a hint of roasted nuts in the background. The body was still medium to full and there was also a kick in the way of some pepper which tingled the tongue. As I wound down this wonderful experience, the burn was still sharp, the draw was just right, and the creamy, richness of tobacco, coffee, and then some added cocoa made this one of the best cigars I have ever enjoyed. There was never any harshness or twang, just a delicious, smoothly consistent, very favorable smoke. Many have said that the price is a little stiff. No matter, put it on your “Bucket List” and savor the flavor! But after the experience, I’m sure it won’t be the last Padron 1964 you enjoy!

 Review Notes: Great cigar! smooth all the way down to about the last inch!

 Review Notes: Can be, but isn't always. I've always raved about this being one of the world's finest cigars, regardless of price - with wonderfully complex flavor, elegant smooth wrapper, superb draw and huge smoke. I'd normally rate these a 10 on every scale, which I did here. That I've met, eaten and smoked with Jorge doesn't bias me to that position. However, the most recent box is noticeably different [less good] flavor, rougher coarse wrapper, somewhat tight draw with less smoke. At first I thought they had to be counterfeit, but they had the proper serial numbered bands, so I sent the serial numbers to Jorge, who confirmed they were genuine. So, even Padron Anniversary's can have a bad hair day. If it happens again, this rating will have to change.

 Review Notes: This is the quintessential grand corona. I normally prefer a robusto size, but this is my favorite grand corona - hands down. While this may not have the most beautiful wrapper, that is the only drawback. Gotta love the box press! And the flavors.... WOW!!! The one delivers from start to finish, gaining in complexity and spice as you smoke it. Keeping the band on is not an option, you will smoke down beyond it - without a doubt. chocolate, leather, pepper, and spice