In 1994, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their company’s establishment, the owners of the Padrón cigar firm — patriarch and founder José Orlando Padrón and his sons Jorge and Orlando — did something highly unexpected and unusual for their business, given that their enterprise was, until that time, a respectable but rather unspectacular Miami-based maker of cigars.
Padrón released a new line of sticks that was ultra-premium, making use of the very finest tobaccos the company could secure in all of Nicaragua. For Padrón, it was a radical departure, but for the industry, it was a revelation; Padrón had suddenly catapulted itself near to the apex of the trade (a position it ultimately topped in the years that followed).
All of the sticks in the Padrón 1964 Anniversary series are highly acclaimed, and this vitola — the Toro-sized Padrón 1964 Anniversary Monarca in a Natural wrapper — is no exception. The oily, silky, richly hued wrapper and superior construction of this puro Nicaraguan stick endow it with a lush, rewarding draw and an even burn. Medium-bodied and medium-to-full-strength, this stick is rich, smooth and delicious. Complex yet well-balanced, its toasty, earthy and woody flavors impart essences of roast coffee, cream, sweet vanilla, macadamia nuts and light cocoa powder, along with hints of sour cherry, licorice, cedar and coconut.
The Padrón 1964 Monarca Natural picked up a 93 rating from Cigar Aficionado in 2021 — not just once, but twice. It’s been rated 90 or above on no less than six other occasions by CA. This is an extremely well-made cigar that exemplifies the quality and the reputation of the 1964 Anniversary line. Order a box today, and savor one of Padrón’s best creations.