64 Principe Maduro - Wham, bam, thank you PAM!

[rumballs]

The Padron 1964 Principe Maduro is an extraordinary smoke.

To me, the interesting thing is not that the Anniversarios are so good - it's that the Principe is so much better than the other vitolas (at least in the maudor wrappers). Don't get me wrong, they're all good. But compare this one to any of the larger ones, and they're surprisingly different.

The Principe has the most incredible burn, about the densest, silkiest smoke of any cigar I've had, and a more smooth, focused flavor than the others. I last had one at Christmas, along with a glass of Port (which incidentally was a very good accompaniment). They seem to offer a bit of everything as far as flavor goes - very smooth, slightly musty, a bit sweet but not overly so, and a nice hint of spice. Consistently delicious. The only problem is, it's a small cigar to begin with, and on top of that, it burns quickly.

It's so good while it lasts, but then it's over before you know it. Hence the title - "Wham, bam, thank you PAM".

The only other PAM I've had that came close to this one was the Monarca. It seems that the RG is the important factor, since both the Principe and the Monarca are a 46. The Monarca started off a bit slow, but soon began to taste almost like a Principe. Perhaps just slightly less balanced, the spiciness stuck out above the other flavors more than in the Principe. But then again, the really enjoyable part was perhaps an inch longer than in the Principe.

I think a box is in my future...