I used to think the Padron Anniversario Maduro was the best smoke out there - then I got a Padron Anniversario Natural by accident at a restaurant. What a revelation. I found the flavor of the natural wrapper to be so mellow and complex and rich that it compared favorably to the best Cubans out there. Anyone else had both and prefer the naturals?

I've had quite a few of each,and I like them both.I did smoke a 1926 nat #1 that was awsome!One of the best cigars I ever smoked.I bought a box of Exclusivos (nat.wrap)while on vacation(239$)and I'm really loving them.So as you can see I would be torn to have to pick one or the other...Dave

I've had both and I like them for different times. I haven't had a natural for some time now and am always on the lookout for them. I guess they are not as popular as the PAMS.

I have smoked both. I am a gigantic fan of the maduro 64s. The natural I find the natural to not be as flavorful, and I am not sure I would compare it to any of the 40 or so different types of Cubans I have tried from either a flavor or strength profile. I love the naturals on a warm day when I am playing some nice golf course where I want to bring out a little something special. They have their place, but I prefer the maduros.

I have had both in different vitolas and have found that I tend to like the richness of the maduros though you miss some of the more nuanced elements that seem to be present in the PAN.

It may just be an unrefined palate, though - maybe I should add that as a tagline to my sig to set the correct level of expectation for everyone.

Yes, I agree, they are one of the best cigars in the world, current production of course. I smoke them on a regular basis switching between mad and nat. They both have their unique qualities ,especially the 1926, an incredible smoke.

Tab

Had both and definately prefer the naturals as well. The maduros are good but in my opinion, the maduro wrapper lends too much of its flavor to the Anni's, thereby masking the subtleties and complexities that set this cigar apart from almost every other cigar on the market. Dont get me wrong, the maduros are also great but the naturals are so much more enjoyable in my opinion.

Like them both though i think they are overpriced. I would give the nod to the Mad btw

I believe I'd have to choose Maduros. Like yourself daveo, I smoked a #1 nat. and it was outstanding! However, I started out with a #6 maduro, and it was in my opinion one of the best smokes ever. Sorry, my lips are with Maduro.