Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Diplomatico (VVRW#3)

[saltbox]

This was one of the first 5 packs I bought a while back when I got back into cigars. Rested at 65RH for just over 9 months. Was waiting to smoke through these to decide if I wanted to pick up a full box or not, so was interested to see how these had evolved since it's been about 5 months since I last smoked one.

First third: Opens with strong cedar and black pepper, as per usual. A bit of burnt dark cocoa appears about 2 inches in but it's faint, and the flavor profile remains mostly cedar and pepper with tiny hints of cocoa and coffee. Not looking good, as normally the cocoa dessert notes appear by this point in my past experience.

Middle third: Cedar, leather, and earth. Again, intermittent notes of dark cocoa and coffee, but they're faint, and there's not much accompanying sweetness.

Last third: Basically more of the same through to the end.

Overall: This was a line I have smoked quite a few of, in different sizes. I've found that the 50RG vitolas tend to be the sweet spot for getting those nice dark chocolate notes that are less noticeable in both larger and smaller ring gauges. It's unfortunate to see that after 9 months, though, the dark chocolate seems to have faded. I've got one more I'll smoke soon to see, but if even 9 months is enough to cause the dark chocolate notes to age out of these, that's a bad sign. I've found other non-Cubans to not age as well either, to my palate. Arturo Fuente Hemingways fresh have a nice sweet cedary spice that I've always enjoyed, but as they hit half a year or longer the sweetness seems to fade and get replaced by a more boring almond nuttiness. 81/100

[smbauerllc]

Nice review.
Actually just ordered my first ever Padron which was a 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo Natural.
Also got a 1926 belicosos.

I read lots of good reviews of the 1964 and 1926, so I expect I will enjoy them

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[Monterey]

Padron anniversario's age very well.  They are one of the best cigars out there.  My only complaint of them is that they are often very loose draws.  You often need to make the smallest cut (smaller than a small punch) to make it work.

[saltbox]

Just now, Monterey said:

Padron anniversario's age very well.  They are one of the best cigars out there.  My only complaint of them is that they are often very loose draws.  You often need to make the smallest cut (smaller than a small punch) to make it work.

I'm very curious about what you think changes as they age. It's possible this one cigar was destined to be a bit worse than others because of natural variation, but as the oldest one I've smoked so far I found the dark cocoa notes to be far weaker than in previous younger smokes. I've got one more from the five pack, and I was planning on buying a 25 box of the Exclusivo (same ring gauge but shorter length, similar flavor profile) afterwards but given the pace at which I smoke, I'm worried that the cocoa will age out before I even put a dent in the box.

[smbauerllc]

Padron anniversario's age very well.  They are one of the best cigars out there.  My only complaint of them is that they are often very loose draws.  You often need to make the smallest cut (smaller than a small punch) to make it work.

Good to know they age well.
If I like the ones I bought I will get some more to set aside for aging and see how they go.
Fortunately, I prefer a pretty open draw, so that shouldn't be an issue for me

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[Mickey D]

The Padron is one of the most consistent even burning cigar I’ve ever enjoyed. Love both the nat and Maduro 64 anniversary.

[Monterey]

Chocolate doesn't age out of them.  The 1926 ages better/longer than the 64, but I prefer the 64.   The 26 can be very strong fresh.  When I speak of age, I mean shorter term age.  I find in general, non-cubans age poorly.  So when I say it ages well, I can expect this cigar to be still great 4-5 years down the road.  But I aim for 2-3 years.   Beyond that, I have no idea.  I smoked an aged Opus X over the weekend.  Probably 5 years old, it tasted like a well aged (7+ years) Cohiba.  It was phenomenal.  Most of my non-cubans I smoke within the year I buy, where my Cubans aren't touched for 4+ years.  YMMV.

As to what I get from a 1964 aged, just more complex.  The sweetness seems to blend well.  Young I get more dominate chocolate.  With some age, I get more of a chocolate cake taste.  With white frosting.  Ages to a very dessert like taste. 

As to which one specifically, I tend to gravitate towards the 1964 diplomatico.  Last year I had the TAA46  1926, but I had to age it for 3 years as it was too strong before.  Ruined the cigar.  After 3 years the strength faded and the sweet flavors took over.. 

@smbauerllc @philipl