Padron 1964 Anniversary Series

Size: 6 x 52 (Belicoso)

Tobacco: Nicaraguan Puro

Price: $20

My 40^th birthday turned out to be a lot of fun.  We began at Steve’s house with a glass of Wild Turkey 17 Year.  Smooth, but not a whisky any of us would recommend in the future.

We drove to the Madison Hotel in downtown Memphis for drinks at the rooftop bar.  It was an unseasonably warm night for December, and we had the roof all to ourselves. Two glasses of Talisker and a breathtaking view of the bridge and the Mississippi River.

Dinner at Itta Beena over the B.B. King Blues Club. The Spanish wine was superb.  I ordered the salmon, but should have gone with the lamb.

I wish could have appreciated the nuances of this cigar more fully.  But by the time Steve bought me this Padron 1964, I was already five drinks in.  There was a time when that would have been no big deal.  However, since I lost 30 pounds earlier this year, I just cannot hold the strong stuff like I used to.  I was hardly fit to walk the streets.

Even so, this was a phenomenal cigar. Flawless construction and burn.  Creamy smoke that seemed to dance in your mouth. It began with earthy oak flavors, then ever-so-gradually picked up spice and pepper. By the end, it was almost like a strong corojo with hints of fruit.

I will definitely try this cigar again, hopefully next time with a clearer head.

By the way, Michelle and I ended the night back at the Madison Hotel, then headed to Brother Juniper’s for breakfast the next morning. I had the “Lamb and the Garden Omelet”, which is an omelet stuffed with lamb, feta cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and tomatoes.