If you’ve read through my reviews, you’ll probably notice I am a fan of Perdomo cigars. In fact, some have called me a Perdomo ho, in addition to a maduro ho. So....one can only assume that a new maduro from Perdomo would get me pretty excited....and one would be 100% correct.
The maduro leaf used by Nick Perdomo is very unique. Cultivated from Esteli, Nicaragua, this broadleaf is grown in full sun, producing a thick, leathery texture and dark, toothy appearance. After an extensive fermentation process - three fermentation processes to be exact - this leaf achieves a black, oscuro hue with ample oils. It is then draped around a bold mixture of aged long-fillers grown throughout Nicaragua to create the Perdomo Reserve Oscuro Limited.
I guess this write-up is more of a recommendation than a review. Truth is, I’ve been burning these cigars at a feverish pace for a couple months now – probably 1-2 a day. If you like maduros, or that classic flavor of Nicaraguan cigars, add Perdomo Reserve Oscuro Limited to your must-try short list. The cigar is a little rough after lighting, but within a minute or two, the flavor opens up to impart a rich and hearty bouquet. Dark notes of tobacco dominate a subtle series of black coffee flavors mixed with smokey nuances and earth. The finish is both spicy and sweet, a product of the enjoyable wrapper leaf. These flavors are balanced, but pack some punch....especially after hitting the midway point. The aroma is bold and plentiful, filling the room with a deep and smoky charcoal aroma. The burn is moderately slow, producing a white ash that requires some assistance getting into the ashtray. The last few puffs are eventful, smacking the palate with a robust array of toast and pepper – a fitting finale. Truth be told, this cigar reminds me of the old, box-pressed version of La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve Maduro. A cigar I loved and miss....the one that turned me onto Perdomo cigars in the first place.
This cigar is good for several reasons. First, the quality is awesome. Despite the thick and oily leaf, each cigar burns even and draws like a dream. Second, the outer oscuro leaf promotes a genuine maduro sensation – sweet spices, rich, and chewy, with a toasty, charcoal-like aroma. Third, the Nicaraguan tobaccos impart a rich, Nicaraguan flavor – black tobacco flavors, coffee bean, earth. It’s all of Perdomo’s best qualities wrapped up into one cigar.