The Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro Epicure is a bold and complex cigar, featuring an 8-year-old Cuban-seed Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper that has been bourbon barrel-aged for an additional 10 months. This extra aging process enhances the deep, rich flavors, which pair beautifully with the Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.
Upon first glance, the cigar boasts a dark brown, rustic, and toothy wrapper with a double cap. Some visible veins add to its character, and it feels well-packed in hand.
The first third kicks off as a full-bodied chocolate bomb, reminiscent of Count Chocula cereal, delivering a rich and sweet profile. However, it doesn’t take long before a burst of cayenne and Szechuan pepper lights up the palate, giving off the impression that a “Firecracker Cigar grew up & became a dad.” Leather, cedar, and espresso round out this flavorful opening act.
As the cigar transitions into the second third, the chocolate sweetness remains, though the cayenne pepper mellows, making way for a lingering red pepper spice. Unexpected but welcome flavors emerge, including grilled steak, roasted vegetables, and a subtle touch of vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar—akin to the crust on slow-cooked barbecue ribs. The cedar fades while leather continues to provide a foundation for the blend.
The final third reintroduces the cayenne pepper, bringing back a punch of spice that plays well with the continued notes of charred meat, evoking memories of an outdoor BBQ. Graham cracker makes a surprising appearance, adding a touch of sweetness, while espresso notes linger in the background. Cedar subtly hangs on to close out the experience.
Overall, this was one of the most polarizing reviews in the STARS Cigar Review program, with scores all over the spectrum—especially when it came to strength. But most STARS say Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro Epicure delivers an impeccable balance of sweet and spicy flavors with bold intensity and a long finish. This is a cigar worth keeping in regular rotation for those who enjoy strong, dynamic flavor profiles.While some reviewers experienced minor burn/touch up issues, the overall construction was solid for most reviewers.
Overall Strength Score: 90.13 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 7.31 out 10 – The Highest Strength Score So Far By Over a Point!
This Blind Review (Cigar #20-A) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Paul Nabs, Scott Treptow, Chris Safranski, Drew Seruya, Joe Hallett, Brett Y., Chris Leboner, The Scuse, Rob Smith, Tom Coleman, Dan Johnson, Josh Wright, Lesley of The Corn, & My Cigar Pilgrimage
