Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Natural: A Benchmark Revisited
After thirty years, this Nicaraguan legend continues to set the standard
Score Breakdown
Few cigars have maintained their reputation over decades the way the Padrón 1964 Anniversary has. We revisit this benchmark to understand why it endures.
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series was created to commemorate the founding of Padrón Cigars in 1964. More than thirty years after its introduction, it remains one of the most consistently excellent cigars in the world.
What Makes It Special
The 1964 Anniversary uses aged Nicaraguan tobacco — both in the filler, binder, and wrapper — that has been aged for a minimum of four years. This extended aging process is what gives the cigar its remarkable smoothness and complexity.
The Natural Wrapper
The natural (colorado claro) wrapper is a beautiful medium-brown with a silky, slightly toothy texture. The construction is, as always with Padrón, flawless.
Flavor
The 1964 Anniversary Natural opens with a sophisticated blend of roasted nuts, cedar, and a gentle earthiness. The smoke is incredibly smooth — there is no harshness whatsoever, even in the final third. Notes of cocoa, leather, and a subtle sweetness develop as the cigar progresses.
Score: 94/100
Tasting Notes
First Third
The 1964 Anniversary Natural opens with remarkable smoothness. Roasted nuts and cedar dominate the first third, with a gentle earthiness and creamy texture that speaks to the quality of the aged tobacco. There is no harshness whatsoever.
Second Third
The middle third reveals the cigar's true complexity. Cocoa and leather emerge alongside a subtle sweetness that is distinctly Nicaraguan. Toasted oak and coffee notes develop as the cigar progresses, adding depth without overwhelming the palate.
Final Third
The final third is the most complex. The sweetness from the second third deepens into dark chocolate, and the earth notes become more pronounced. The finish is remarkably long and creamy — a testament to the four-year-aged tobacco.
Pairing Recommendations
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon
The vanilla and caramel of Blanton's mirror the 1964's natural sweetness and create a harmonious, satisfying pairing.
Nicaraguan Dark Roast Coffee
A coffee from the same volcanic soil as the cigar creates a beautiful terroir-driven pairing.
Tawny Port (20 Year)
The nutty, dried fruit character of aged tawny port complements the 1964's roasted nut and cocoa notes perfectly.
Final Verdict
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Natural is the benchmark by which all Nicaraguan cigars are measured. After thirty years, it remains as relevant and impressive as ever. The four-year-aged tobacco delivers a smoothness and complexity that is simply unmatched at any price point. This is a cigar that every serious aficionado should smoke at least once a year.
Expert Pro Tip
The 1964 Anniversary is available in both natural and maduro wrappers — smoke them back to back to appreciate how dramatically the wrapper changes the character of the same blend. The maduro is richer and darker; the natural is more nuanced and complex.
Buying Guide
The 1964 Anniversary Natural is widely available at $22–$30 per stick, making it exceptional value for a cigar of this quality. The Exclusivo (robusto) vitola is the classic choice, but the Torpedo and Churchill are equally excellent.
Reviewed By
Elena Voss
Senior Reviewer & Pairing Specialist
Elena discovered cigars during a research trip to the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua and never looked back. She holds a Level 3 Certificate in Spirits from the WSET and specializes in cigar and beverage pairings. Her reviews are celebrated for their literary quality and sensory precision.
Recommended Products
Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Sampler
A curated sampler of the legendary Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series — both natural and maduro wrappers across three vitolas. The perfect way to explore the full range.
Xikar Xi2 Cigar Cutter
The gold standard in cigar cutters. The 1964's pressed construction benefits from a clean, precise cut.
Boveda 69% RH 2-Way Humidity Control (12-Pack)
Keep your Padrón collection at the ideal humidity. The 1964 smokes best at 65–69% RH.
