Released in May 2025, the Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown Churchill is a project nearly five years in the making, spearheaded by Nicholas Perdomo III. It showcases a special Nicaraguan Shade Grown wrapper—developed from a unique hybrid of Cuban and Cameroon seed—cultivated at the Perdomo family’s Finca Natalie farm in Estelí. Paired with a Nicaraguan binder and filler, all aged for a decade, this cigar promises depth, richness, and balance.
Upon inspection, the Churchill is beautifully crafted. The wrapper has a reddish, dark brown hue with a fine tooth and a few visible veins, but no construction flaws. It’s densely packed and feels solid in the hand, setting expectations high before lighting.
The first third opens with a rich medley of flavors that immediately command attention. Bourbon barrel-aged vanilla sweetness and a burst of luxardo cherry deliver a profile reminiscent of a well-made Old Fashioned. Layers of baking spice—nutmeg and cinnamon—are intertwined with leather, black pepper, and a hint of toasted rye bread. There’s also a light citrusy note, like nectarine, rounding out the complexity.
As the cigar transitions into the second third, the flavor shift is dramatic and intriguing. The profile becomes more floral and citrus-forward—evoking Juicy Fruit gum—with the leather note staying consistent. White pepper softens, and there’s an emergence of honey, black tea, clove, and even a subtle jalapeño tingle. A bit more cedar shows up on the retrohale, giving this portion a refined and aromatic edge.
In the final third, the cigar leans into deeper and darker notes. Molasses and graham cracker sweetness lead, followed by a lightly toasted sourdough flavor and charred oak. The leather begins to morph into a nutty character, and the strength picks up without overpowering the experience. Coffee joins the profile to close the cigar with a warming, robust finish.
Overall, the Perdomo Legacy Nicaraguan Shade Grown Churchill is an impressive and memorable cigar. Its flavor profile is dynamic yet balanced, offering smooth power and remarkable complexity. The construction is flawless with a consistent burn and perfect draw. At over two hours of smoking time, it delivers long-lasting satisfaction. The strength never overwhelms, staying in the medium-full range with smooth delivery throughout. One STAR described it as one of the most unique cigars smoked of the year—rich, nuanced, and box-worthy for anyone with room in their cigar budget.
Overall Score: 92.33 out of 100 (The Highest Score In History Of STARS Reviews)
Overall Strength Score: 6.44 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #24-B) was scored by a panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Rev Eldon, Bill F, Jeff Endrizzi, Daniel, Jeffery Knipe, Ruby Cannoli, Ryan M., Vincent Cammarata, Chris V, MI_Cigar_and_Drink, & Joey Bagodonuts
