To commemorate 20 years of business, Perdomo Cigars released the Perdomo 20th Anniversary at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show in Sun Grown and Maduro wrapper options. It is hard to believe a player like Perdomo is only 25 years old now. They are a staple in most retail shops and humidors I come across. Even though I have been around longer than the company, their history in tobacco and cigars far out dates me. Reaching 20 years in any business is milestone in and of itself and should be celebrated. And I am sure that 80 years plus of knowledge went into the creation of the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro that I will be reviewing today.

Manufactured at Tabacalera Perdomo in Nicaragua, the 20th Anniversary Maduro is a Nicaraguan puro utilizing tobacco grown on their own farms in Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa Valley. The wrapper is not only aged over 6 years, it is fermented for an additional 14 months in bourbon barrels. Available vitolas include: Corona Gorda (6 1/2 by 48) Robusto (5 by 56), Torpedo (6 1/2 by 54),  Epicure (6 by 56), Gordo (6 by 60), Pyramid (61/2 by 60), and Churchill (7 by 56).

For under $8.00, you can pick up the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro from our good friends at Fox Cigar.

THE FACTS

Price: $7.79
Vitola: Semi Box-Pressed Robusto R556
Size: 5 by 56
Wrapper:Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler:Nicaraguan
Smoke Time:

PRE-LIGHT

At first glance, the wrapper on the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro appears consistent in its dark brown color. But as I look closer, I can see some mottling. But the veins and bumps remain difficult to see on the dark leaf that has some decent oils. 

An aroma of vinegar and chocolate comes across from the wrapper that is somewhat pungent. The aroma from the foot is beautiful with silk chocolate and graham cracker. The draw is free with that same chocolate, rich cedar and baking spices.

FIRST THIRD

The Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro is underway pouring out a copious amount of smoke with its free draw. The profile starts off with earth, a brandy fruit-like flavor, black pepper and a mild sweetness. There is medium spice heat, but the black pepper flavor is full lingering on the finish, along with black coffee. As the cigar progresses, the spice picks up, especially on the retro-hale. The burn is not overly pretty with a significant wave, but the white ash is stunning. 

MIDDLE THIRD

Into the second third of this Nicaraguan puro, a woodsy flavor begins to push out the earthy note. The spice is into the medium/full range and the brandy-like flavor is holding strong and bringing a lot of depth to the smoke. The wood develops into a more identifiable charred oak. The charred flavor is now sitting on the finish and the sweetness is more of a caramelized sugar.

FINAL THIRD

Before I can enter the last third, the large band has to be removed. It comes off with ease. The charred oak, brandy, and black pepper flavors are balanced and meshing well.

Wrap-Up

As I mentioned earlier, I see Perdomo cigars just about everywhere and they always seem to come with a wallet-friendly price. But somehow I rarely reach for them. I fall into the trap of “what’s new” just like the next guy. So maybe that’s why I evade them. Or maybe I figure they will be at the next shop I stop in so I better reach for something else that I know I won’t come across later. Whatever the reason, each time I smoke one, I ask myself “why don’t you smoke more Perdomo”? The Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro was not overly complex in terms of an evolving profile, but it was complex in the depth and specific flavors that presented themselves. The brandy-like flavor and charred oak made for a very enjoyable and a somewhat sophisticated profile. Both samples smoked for review had some major waves going on with the burn and a touch-up here and there, but not something that would stop be from smoking another one. This is a very good cigar to reach for under $8.00.