AshMap
Overview
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial stands as a monument to patience — both in its construction and in the experience it demands. Named to commemorate José Orlando Padrón's founding of his legendary factory in 1964, this nine-by-fifty Churchill represents the largest and most ambitious statement in a line celebrated for uncompromising quality. Every element of tobacco — wrapper, binder, and long-leaf filler sourced from the prized Jalapa and Estelí valleys — is aged a minimum of four years before the hand-rolling process begins, a commitment to maturation that manifests immediately in the complexity and refinement of the smoke.
From the first light, the Imperial announces itself with an orchestral richness that few cigars in any price range achieve. Dark roasted espresso and bittersweet cocoa form the foundation, underscored by Nicaraguan cedar and a natural sweetness of dark brown sugar and dried fruit. As the cigar develops through its second third, the profile expands with notes of dark cherry, toasted almond, and cracked black pepper, while leather transitions from subtle to assertive and mineral earthiness characteristic of Estelí terroir deepens the composition. The box-pressed construction delivers an effortless draw despite the substantial fifty-ring gauge, and smoke production is generous without pretension.
The final third consolidates into a creamy, full-flavored crescendo where espresso, aged leather, dark fruit, and molasses sweetness achieve a remarkable equilibrium — never harsh, never one-dimensional. For Maduro enthusiasts, the Colorado Maduro expression adds compelling layers of dried fig and dark chocolate in the home stretch. This is a cigar that rewards the 90 to 120 minutes of uninterrupted time it demands, a meditation in tobacco rather than mere consumption. The Imperial is the Padrón 1964 for those who refuse compromise, where a slightly larger vitola becomes not indulgence but the proper canvas for the blend's full statement.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro — both expressions available — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos aged a minimum of four years, sourced from Jalapa and Estelí valleys |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 9 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $24–$30 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | All tobaccos — wrapper, binder, and filler — are aged a minimum of four years prior to rolling; additional cellophane-fr |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The Imperial opens with an orchestral wave of dark roasted espresso, bittersweet baking cocoa, and rich Nicaraguan cedar. A backbone of natural sweetness — dark brown sugar and dried fruit — emerges beneath the woodsy structure. The draw is immediately impressive given the substantial ring gauge.
Second Third
Complexity increases with notes of dark cherry, toasted almond, and cracked black pepper gaining prominence alongside the continuing cocoa and coffee foundation. Leather transitions from subtle to assertive, and a mineral earthiness characteristic of Estelí-grown tobacco deepens the profile. Smoke production is generous and the blend shows masterful balance.
Final Third
The final third consolidates into a rich, creamy, and full-flavored crescendo — espresso, aged leather, dark fruit, and a lingering sweetness of molasses hold steady without tipping into harshness. The Maduro expression adds layers of dried fig and dark chocolate in this section. The strength nudges toward full here, but never becomes punishing.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — consistent with Padrón's legendary quality control. The box press contributes to an effortless, open draw; the burn is razor-even and produces a dense, firm ash that holds for 1.5–2 inches before dropping cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18 Year or Ron Zacapa 23), a single malt Scotch from Speyside (Glenfarclas 15), or a well-rested Kentucky straight bourbon such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Wine
A robust red with depth to match — Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Stag's Leap, Caymus Special Selection), Amarone della Valpolicella, or a Priorat Garnacha blend
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a single-origin dark roast pour-over (Guatemala or Nicaragua origin preferred) — the terroir harmony is remarkable
Who Should Smoke This?
The Imperial is crafted for the experienced aficionado with patience and time. Beginners should consider shorter vitolas in the line first; this cigar's full-bodied character and marathon length demand a seasoned palate and the luxury of uninterrupted hours. It's ideal for the collector who finds other Padrón 1964 formats slightly truncated, those celebrating a meaningful occasion, or the contemplative smoker who uses cigar time for reflection. Weekend afternoons, post-dinner sessions, or leisurely evenings in good company are the natural habitat for this Churchill. Maduro devotees in particular will find it among the finest large-ring expressions in production.
Bottom Line
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial is an unquestionable benchmark — a masterwork of Dominican-crafted tobacco that justifies every minute of its considerable smoking time and every dollar of its $24–$30 price. This is essential for any serious cigar collection.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Padrón 1964 Anniversary cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial a strong cigar?
Yes. The Imperial carries a medium-full strength profile (4/5) that builds toward full-bodied territory in the final third, though it never becomes punishing. It's substantial without being aggressive — appropriate for experienced smokers.
What does the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial taste like?
The Imperial opens with dark roasted espresso, bittersweet baking cocoa, and Nicaraguan cedar, layered beneath dark brown sugar and dried fruit. The middle evolves with dark cherry, toasted almond, black pepper, and assertive leather. The finale deepens into espresso, aged leather, dark fruit, and molasses. The Maduro adds dried fig and dark chocolate throughout.
How long does the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial take to smoke?
Expect 90 to 120 minutes for the full experience. This is a true marathon cigar — reserve uninterrupted time and treat it as a deliberate, leisurely session rather than a quick smoke.
What is the best pairing for the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial?
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18 Year, Ron Zacapa 23), Speyside single malts (Glenfarclas 15), or Kentucky straight bourbon complement the profile beautifully. Wine pairings include Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Amarone, or Priorat Garnacha. For non-alcoholic pairing, a double espresso or single-origin dark roast achieves remarkable terroir harmony.
Is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial good for beginners?
Not recommended. The medium-full strength and 90-120 minute commitment make this a cigar for experienced smokers. Beginners should explore shorter vitolas in the 1964 line before advancing to the Imperial.
Where can I buy the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial?
Authorized premium cigar retailers and specialized tobacconists carry the Padrón 1964 line. The Imperial's prestige tier status ensures availability at established merchants; purchase from reputable sources to verify authenticity.
What is the price of the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial?
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial retails between $24 and $30 per cigar, positioning it as a prestige offering that reflects its four-year aged tobaccos and hand-rolled craftsmanship.
Is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial worth aging?
Yes. While the Imperial is excellent fresh from the humidor, the already-aged tobaccos (minimum four years) will continue to mellow and deepen in complexity with additional cellophane-free storage in proper humidity. Collectors may age for 3–5 additional years.
What wrapper does the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial use?
The Imperial is offered in two wrapper expressions: Nicaraguan Sun-Grown Natural (Colorado shade, medium-brown with silky sheen) and Nicaraguan Maduro (Colorado Maduro, dark espresso to black with oily, toothy texture). Both deliver distinct character.
Where is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Imperial made?
Hand-rolled at the Padrón factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The filler tobaccos are long-leaf varieties aged minimum four years, sourced from the Jalapa and Estelí valleys — some of Nicaragua's most prized growing regions.