AshMap
Overview
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe occupies a peculiar position in the premium cigar landscape — a vitola so refined and purposeful that its relative obscurity feels like an industry secret. Launched in 1994 to commemorate three decades of Padrón Cigars, the 1964 Anniversary line has become synonymous with Nicaraguan excellence, anchored by meticulous construction, aged tobacco, and a flavor profile that rewards patience and attention. The Príncipe, at 4.5 x 46, is the series' most approachable format, yet it commands none of the shortcuts that typically define smaller cigars. Every element — from the minimum four-year aging of Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos sourced from Jalapa, Estelí, and Choluteca, to the hand-rolled box press executed at Tabacos Cubanica in Estelí — speaks to an uncompromising philosophy.
What distinguishes the Príncipe is not brevity masquerading as elegance, but rather precision. The opening delivers immediate density: cocoa powder and roasted espresso establish dominance, grounded by dry cedar and a creamy texture that coats the palate without heaviness. As the cigar progresses, leather and toasted walnut emerge alongside baking spice — white pepper and cinnamon — while the Maduro expression develops a pronounced dark fruit character reminiscent of dried fig and prune. The final third strengthens into roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and peppered leather, with the retrohale rewarding the attentive smoker with cedar and cocoa dust. The construction is beyond reproach: the box press holds its shape flawlessly, the draw is effortless, and the burn runs laser-straight with a firm, light grey ash that holds confidently throughout the smoke.
The Príncipe deserves elevation in conversations that typically gravitate toward the Torpedo and Churchill. For the aficionado who finds larger vitolas occasionally demanding, or for the experienced smoker seeking luxury within a 45–55 minute window, this cigar delivers the full Padrón 1964 experience — aged complexity, box-press elegance, impeccable construction — in a format that remains controlled and precise. It is simultaneously an ideal entry point into the series and a refined choice for those who have already mastered the line. In a market often dominated by size and spectacle, the Príncipe whispers rather than shouts, and therein lies its greatest virtue.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro — both available — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos aged a minimum of four years, sourced from Jalapa, Estelí, and Choluteca |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $14–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | All tobaccos in the 1964 Anniversary Series are aged a minimum of four years before rolling; additional box aging is enc |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with dense cocoa powder, roasted espresso, and a grounding note of dry cedar. The box press delivers excellent smoke density immediately, with a creamy texture that coats the palate. A subtle sweetness — dark caramel in the Maduro — emerges within the first few draws.
Second Third
The body expands into rich leather, toasted walnut, and baking spice — white pepper and cinnamon sharing the stage. The Maduro expression develops a pronounced dark fruit character reminiscent of dried fig and prune. Complexity deepens with an earthy, loamy note that roots the profile without muddying it.
Final Third
The finish strengthens with roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, and a lingering peppered leather note. Sweetness recedes slightly, giving way to a more assertive espresso bitterness balanced by the cigar's inherent creaminess. The retrohale rewards with cedar and cocoa dust — a remarkably clean and satisfying close for the size.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — the box press holds its shape perfectly and the draw is flawless, typically requiring zero correction. The burn is laser-straight with a firm, light grey ash that holds one to one-and-a-half inches; smoke production is generous and dense throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva), or a Speyside single malt such as Glenfarclas 15 Year
Wine
An Amarone della Valpolicella or a California Zinfandel with jammy dark fruit characteristics to complement the cocoa and leather profile
Non-Alcoholic
A double shot of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe — its bright berry acidity plays brilliantly against the Maduro's dark fruit — or a pour of cold brew concentrate over ice
Who Should Smoke This?
The Príncipe is ideal for smokers with at least intermediate experience who appreciate complexity without lengthy time commitment. It suits the professional's mid-morning or post-lunch ritual — a moment to step away without surrendering the afternoon. Beginners with some foundation in medium-bodied cigars will find it welcoming; its creamy opening and balanced progression offer accessibility without compromising sophistication. Seasoned aficionados seeking a quick-hit luxury outside the predictable Torpedo-Churchill conversation will discover an underappreciated gem. This is the cigar for those who value precision, construction, and aged tobacco intensity in a format that respects time and attention rather than demanding it.
Bottom Line
The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe is a criminally underrated masterpiece that delivers the full complexity of its larger siblings in a format that respects both craft and schedule. At $14–$18 per cigar, it represents exceptional value for hand-rolled, aged Nicaraguan tobacco executed with flawless construction. Seek it out immediately.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Padrón 1964 Anniversary cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe a strong cigar?
Yes. With a medium-full strength rating of 4/5, it is decidedly robust. The body expands through the second third into leather, walnut, and baking spices, finishing with assertive espresso bitterness. It is not an entry-level smoke for newcomers to cigars, though intermediate smokers will find it balanced and rewarding.
What does the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe taste like?
The flavor arc opens with dense cocoa powder, roasted espresso, and dry cedar, moving into rich leather, toasted walnut, and baking spice in the second third. The Maduro expression develops pronounced dark fruit notes of fig and prune. The finish strengthens into roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and peppered leather, with a clean retrohale of cedar and cocoa dust. Throughout, a subtle caramel sweetness underlies the profile.
How long does the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe take to smoke?
Approximately 45–55 minutes. At 4.5 x 46, it is perfectly sized for a focused mid-morning or post-lunch session without the two-hour commitment required by larger vitolas in the 1964 line.
What is the best pairing for the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe?
Spirits: Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a Speyside single malt like Glenfarclas 15 Year. Wine: Amarone della Valpolicella or a jammy California Zinfandel. Non-Alcoholic: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or cold brew concentrate over ice, which complements the Maduro's dark fruit beautifully.
Is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe good for beginners?
Not for absolute beginners. It is a medium-full strength cigar demanding some foundational experience. However, smokers with intermediate experience will find it welcoming and instructive — an excellent next step into premium, aged Nicaraguan tobacco.
Where can I buy the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe?
Authorized premium cigar retailers and fine tobacco specialists carry the 1964 Anniversary Series. Given its status and hand-rolled construction, availability may vary by retailer and region. Direct inquiries to established tobacco shops are recommended.
What is the price of the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe?
$14–$18 per cigar. At this price point, you are paying for hand-rolled construction, minimum four-year aged tobacco, box-press execution, and the Padrón 1964 Anniversary pedigree — exceptional value in the premium segment.
Is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe worth aging?
Yes. While all tobaccos in the 1964 Anniversary Series arrive aged a minimum of four years, additional box aging is encouraged. The cigar's complexity will deepen further with 2–5 years of proper storage, making it an investment-worthy candidate for patient collectors.
What wrapper does the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe use?
Nicaraguan sun-grown wrapper, available in two expressions: Natural (Colorado shade, medium brown with silky sheen) and Maduro (Colorado Maduro, dark espresso, oily and toothy). Both deliver equal quality; choice depends on preference for lighter or darker flavor intensity.
Where is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Príncipe made?
Hand-rolled and box-pressed by Tabacos Cubanica S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua. The filler tobaccos are aged Nicaraguan long-filler from Jalapa, Estelí, and Choluteca. All production reflects meticulous Nicaraguan craft standards.