The other night after we recorded The Cigar Authority episode with Jorge Padron, I went out for a drink with Mr. Jonathan at a local bar/restaurant. When we left Two Guys Smoke Shop we grabbed some cigars for the owner of Prelude and when asked what to bring, I shouted out Perdomo Champagne. It’s been a while since I smoked one myself, but when I lived in Miami I put away a couple a week, so I decided I would smoke one for review and here we are.
Cigar: Perdomo Reserve Champagne
Size: 6 x 54 (Epicure)
Wrapper: Champagne Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Mild-Medium
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: The Champagne on the shelf stands out as the cigar is packaged in yellow cello. Beneath the cello is a beautiful looking Connecticut wrapper that is seamlessly rolled to perfection. The cigar features a double cap which I always took to be more synonymous with the Dominican Republic rather than Nicaragua which has embraced the triple-cap. The cigar has a single band that looks like a dual band. It is yellow and black Perdomo Reserve Champagne as the focal point with black and gold underneath denoting 10th Anniversary. In the hand the cigar has a nice weight to it, no soft spots and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Perdomo Reserve Champagne is sweet with notes of molasses and caramel with the slightest hint of earth in the background. The foot of the cigar serves up some similar notes though not nearly has strong as off the draw.
Once the cigar is lit the sweetness continues from the first light with notes of caramel and nuts and the slightest hint of spice that keeps the cigar closer to the medium range. As the first third come to a close some earth notes are introduced.
In the second third of the Perdomo Champagne the cigar begins to take on notes of roasted nuts with some earthy components and the development of anise that is quite defined on the finish.
The last third of the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne returns tot he sweetness on the initial light and the cold draw with a slight caramel and continued notes of roasted nuts that are especially dominant in the aroma and retrohale. The finish is short, and extremely enjoyable.
The Burn: Every cigar rolled at the Perdomo factory is draw test to ensure that the experience is perfectly enjoyed and that was the case here. The ash is firm despite me knocking it off accidentally in the beginning sliding across the room to answer the phone. The burn line was thin and even as well and remained lit for the duration.
The Finish: When I moved back to the northeast I was like a kid in a candy store because so many of the boutique brands weren’t available in Florida. Now that I am here for a while, I find myself returning to the staples of the industry, brands like Perdomo. Consistent each and every time I light one up, it provides an experience of what you expect. The Champagne has been one of my go to cigars over the last couple of years and rightfully so.
Score: 91
Price: $7.59 / $155.99 Box of 25
Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne
Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne Foot
Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne Burn
