Pairing Review: Old Grand-Dad 114 & Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series (Maduro)

This is a bold, full-bodied pairing for seasoned palates that enjoy deep complexity, spice, and a bit of fire. Here’s a breakdown of how they complement each other:

Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon

Distiller: Beam Suntory/Jim Beam
Mashbill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Proof: 114 (57% ABV)
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 years per TTB regulations)
Visual: deep mahogany 
Nose: caramel and cinnamon upfront with a good corn sweetness, seasoned oak, a touch of black pepper for spice, and a hint of crispy yellow apples. 
Profile: High-rye mash bill, has a bold spice, cinnamon heat, caramel, orange zest, and a touch of char.
Texture: Oily and warm with a sharp but manageable burn.
Finish: Long, peppery, with lingering vanilla and toasted oak.

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro

Cigar Reviewed: Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Hermoso Maduro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Robusto/Belocoso
Nose: chocolate, fresh fruits like cherries or blackberries, and some light buttery and spicy notes
Flavor Notes: Rich cocoa, espresso, dried fruit, earth, and a deep natural sweetness balanced by pepper and aged tobacco.
Body: Full
Construction: Top-tier—razor-sharp burn, firm draw, and consistent flavor throughout.

Pairing Synergy
• Initial Impact: The bourbon’s rye spice and high proof bring immediate heat, which is softened by the Maduro wrapper’s natural sweetness and creamy texture. First puff meets first sip with boldness, but they quickly find harmony.
• Mid-Palate: As the cigar develops more earthy coffee and cocoa notes, the bourbon’s citrus and vanilla open up. The heat from OGD 114 draws out some darker molasses tones from the cigar, creating a beautiful bitter-sweet interplay.
• Retrohale + Finish: The cigar’s pepper and dark fruit elevate the bourbon’s oak and spice, particularly on the finish. Retrohaling the Padrón after a sip of OGD 114 amplifies the chocolate and dried cherry tones, giving an almost cherry cordial profile.

Pairing Strengths
• Complexity: Both offer layers of flavors that evolve during the session.
• Balance: The cigar’s sweetness and richness tame the bourbon’s heat.
• Intensity Match: Neither overwhelms the other; they spar and dance instead of dominate.

 Score (out of 10)
• Flavor Harmony: 9
• Balance: 8.5
• Complexity: 9.5
• Enjoyment: 9
• Overall: 9/10

Rating: 9/10 

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