Info:
Perdomo is another highly recognizable name in the cigar industry. I would say most cigar smokers have smoked their fair share of the 10th Anniversary Champagne, at least when they started out. Of course, they offer a lot more lines than that, but it is probably one of the most popular cigars of the last decade.
Last year, Perdomo released the Double Aged 12 Year Vintage line. First, it gets its name from a double aging process. The tobacco is aged in bales for 10 years, then moved to charred white oak barrels to age for 2 more years.
This cigar comes in three wrapper options: Connecticut, Sun Grown and Maduro. Each contains the same binder and filler and is intended for different flavor preferences. They come in 5 vitolas: Robusto, Epicure, Churchill, Gordo Extra and Salomon. Finally, only 250 retailers worldwide were chosen to carry this line. Fortunately, many of these retailers are available online, just in case no one near you has them.
This particular sample was purchased by yours truly. Fortunately, I was with Siz in the humidor at the time (just hangin out and such) and he pointed them out to me. He’s such a helpful guy!
Looks:
The Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro looks like quite the formidable opponent. It is a shorty, stocky cigar that has a slightly rough looking dark chocolate wrapper. There are some veins and visible seams as well as some tooth. It appears to be well packed and solid.
The band adds to the intimidation factor. Not that it has anything menacing on it, it’s just huge! It must take up half of the cigar. It has the traditional Perdomo sunburst logo in the center with a red and gold band across the middle that says vintage. The main colors are black and gold. It also says “Aged 12 Years” in red and white. Also of note is that it lists leaf information on one side and tasting notes on the other. I like having this information right there on the band. Besides, with it being that big, I’m sure they had to fill up the space somehow.
Function:
As it looked, the Double Aged 12 Year Maduro felt thick and a bit rough. However, there was a silky powdery feel as well.
The foot has earth and faint cocoa notes. The barrel is earth and beef jerky. After clipping the cap, I give the usual pre light test. I pretty much just get earth notes. The draw seems to be great.
Smoking:
Unlike the last cigar I reviewed, the Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro is not so easy to light. Of course, the ring gauge is on the large side for me and there is a lot of tobacco to ignite. Once I do, the burn starts out pretty even. It gets a tad wavy in the 2/3 section, requiring a slight touch up.
The draw on this cigar is fantastic! In fact, it is bordering on being too open. However, I like the openness because I can really load up on the flavor of each puff.
The ash is not so pretty on this one. It is gray with black and a touch of white. It looks flaky and toothy. It taps off easily around the 1” mark. In the final third, I have one fall in my lap. This one is not to be trusted!
Flavor:
Thanks to the handy tasting notes on the label (and there are even flavor indicators next to each leaf listed) I already know what to expect from the Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro. In a nutshell, smooth and sweet. We’ll see about that!
The first third kicks off with a blast of black and white pepper. This quickly gives way to sweet and salty notes. This combo is akin to salted caramel and goes well with the pepper. Next comes in wood and cocoa. I also get a hint of coffee. The retrohale is fragrant and salty. Overall, it has become sweet and spicy.
The next third continues with the sweet and salty/spicy theme. The cocoa and wood are also present, as well as a nutty flavor. The retrohale is still floral and there is a touch of earth on the finish. This section begins to really smooth out, toning the spiciness down a good bit.
The final third shows the smoothness at its peak. There is still the sweetness, wood, nut, coffee and cocoa. A creamy/buttery note has also developed. The retro has become saltier than floral. The last inch has a lot of cocoa, which is really nice. It finishes smoothly.
The Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro Robusto is a medium-full in strength, full flavored cigar that is definitely rich, sweet and smooth, just as advertised. What a treat! The smoke time was around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes!
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
It could be but I see it as more of a weekend smoke.
Would I Buy a Box?
Very possibly!
Conclusion
Let me say I was quite impressed with the Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro Robusto. It was a very hearty cigar that really nailed the advertised flavors. My only complaint would be that it didn’t last as long as I’d like. I know I smoke a little fast, but I think the open draw affected that as well. I believe the Epicure is the same ring gauge but an inch longer, so maybe I’ll try that next. Either way, I highly recommend this one!
