AshMap
Overview
In the pantheon of premium cigars, few names carry the weight of Padron. The 1964 Anniversary Series, launched in 1994 to mark thirty years of family craftsmanship, represents a turning point—a declaration that Nicaraguan tobacco could rival the Old World. Within that storied lineup, the Principe Maduro is the quiet masterpiece. At 4.5 inches with a 46-ring gauge, this petit corona might seem modest beside its larger siblings, but it is no compromise. It is a distillation. The Principe delivers the full architecture of the 1964 experience—the same aged long-fillers, the same sun-grown maduro wrapper, the same box-pressed precision—in a format that demands nothing more than a focused 50-minute interlude. It is, in every sense, the connoisseur’s sleeper. From the first cold draw, the cigar announces its character with sweet cocoa and dark earth. Once lit, it unfolds with the deliberate grace of a perfectly aged blend: espresso and bittersweet chocolate rise first, layered over toasted cedar and a subtle dried-fruit undertone that can drift toward raisin or dark cherry depending on the stick's temperament. The construction—that hallmark of Padron’s Estelí factory—is faultless. The box press affords an effortless draw, the burn line holds razor-straight, and the ash stacks in firm, layered columns. There is no fuss, no wasted motion. By the second third, complexity deepens as leather and roasted nuts integrate with the persistent cocoa-espresso core. The maduro wrapper contributes a gentle sweetness that never tips into cloying, while a restrained black pepper builds on the retrohale. In the final third, intensity peaks: dark roast coffee, dark chocolate, and a profound earthiness take command, yet the wrapper’s sweetness holds bitterness at bay, and the finish lingers warm and long. The Principe is not merely a shorter smoke; it is a disciplined argument against the notion that smaller vitolas sacrifice depth. For the aficionado who prizes efficiency without compromise, it is the definitive rebuttal. Priced between $12 and $16, it offers an approachable entry point into the 1964 line while delivering a smoking experience that rivals cigars twice its size. To overlook the Principe is to miss one of Padron’s most refined statements.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Maduro — sun-grown, aged — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos, minimum 4 years aged |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 46 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | All tobaccos aged a minimum of four years prior to rolling, consistent with the 1964 Anniversary Series standard |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cocoa and dark earth. Once lit, the first third delivers a rich combination of espresso, bittersweet chocolate, and toasted cedar with a subtle underpinning of dried fruit — raisin or dark cherry depending on the individual stick.
Second Third
Complexity increases as leather and roasted nuts emerge alongside the sustained cocoa-espresso core. A gentle sweetness from the maduro wrapper integrates beautifully, and a slight black pepper spice builds on the retrohale without ever becoming harsh or distracting.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark roast coffee, dark chocolate, and a deep, rich earthiness. Sweetness from the wrapper remains present and prevents bitterness, while the pepper on the retrohale reaches its peak — the finish is long, warm, and satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The 1964 Anniversary Series is among the most consistently constructed cigars in the premium market. The box press facilitates an effortless draw, the burn is razor-even requiring virtually no touch-ups, and the ash holds firm in tight, layered columns well past the first inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
An aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year Centenario or a light-to-medium Scotch malt like Glenlivet 15 — the sweetness in both spirits harmonizes with the maduro's natural sugars without overshadowing the tobacco.
Wine
A Zinfandel from Sonoma or a fruit-forward Malbec from Mendoza — the dark fruit notes in both mirror the cigar's raisin and dark cherry undertones exceptionally well.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a cold brew concentrate — the coffee notes in the cigar and cup create a seamless, layered experience that amplifies the chocolate profile significantly.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Principe Maduro is for the seasoned aficionado who understands that greatness is not measured in inches. It rewards those who appreciate the full 1964 complexity—aged tobacco, balanced strength, layered flavor—but who value a 45-to-55-minute commitment over a 90-minute marathon. It is ideal for an afternoon break, a post-lunch ritual, or any quiet moment when time is finite but standards are not. Beginners will find its medium-full strength approachable with some experience, but this is ultimately a cigar for the palate that already knows what it wants: precision, restraint, and depth. If you have ever doubted that a petit corona can deliver a complete narrative, this cigar will change your mind.
Bottom Line
The Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro is a masterclass in compression—every ounce of the 1964 character, no filler, no wasted draw. It is the perfect small cigar for the aficionado who refuses to compromise. Buy it, smoke it, and reconsider everything you thought you knew about petit coronas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro a strong cigar?
It is medium-full in strength—rated 4 out of 5—with a pronounced but balanced nicotine presence. It is not overwhelming, but it demands respect. Experienced smokers will find it satisfying; novices should approach with some acclimation.
What does Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro taste like?
Expect a rich core of espresso, bittersweet chocolate, and toasted cedar, with undertones of dried fruit (raisin or dark cherry). As it progresses, leather, roasted nuts, and a gentle black pepper emerge. The maduro wrapper contributes a sweet, balancing note that persists through the final third.
How long does Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro take to smoke?
At 4.5 x 46, this petit corona offers a 45-to-55-minute smoking session. It is designed for when you want the full 1964 experience but have limited time.
What is the best pairing for Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro?
An aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year Centenario or a light-to-medium Scotch like Glenlivet 15 highlights the cigar’s natural sweetness. For wine, a Sonoma Zinfandel or a Mendoza Malbec echoes its dark fruit notes. Non-alcoholically, a double espresso or cold brew concentrate creates a seamless chocolate-coffee experience.
Is Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro good for beginners?
It is approachable for a beginner who has some experience with medium-strength cigars, but its depth and complexity are best appreciated by those with a developed palate. Beginners should start slowly, as the nicotine can build.
Where can I buy Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro?
Authorized Padron retailers, premium cigar shops, and select online cigar merchants stock this cigar. Given its popularity, availability can vary, so checking with reputable sellers is recommended.
What is the price of Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro?
Expect to pay between $12 and $16 per cigar, depending on your location and retailer. This places it firmly in the premium tier, but it is one of the more accessible vitolas in the 1964 lineup.
Is Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of four years before rolling, so the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. However, additional aging of one to three years can further integrate the flavors and mellow the pepper. It will not transform dramatically, but it will reward patience.
What wrapper does Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro use?
It uses a Nicaraguan sun-grown maduro wrapper, classified as Colorado Maduro—deep espresso brown, lightly oily, with minimal tooth. This wrapper is aged before rolling and contributes the cigar’s signature sweetness and dark chocolate notes.
Where is Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Principe Maduro made?
It is entirely hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Padron’s own factory. Both the binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, making this a true puro from one of the country’s most respected producers.