Cigar Review - Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne
Perdomo - Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne
Vitola: Corona Extra
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 46
Wrapper: Triple-Fermented Connecticut
Binder: Cuban-Seed Nicaraguan
Filler: Cuban-Seed Nicaraguan
Pairing: San Francisco Bay Fog Lifter Coffee
When I got back into cigars a couple of months ago I started perusing various cigar forums and I came across a thread about "creamy" cigars. The OP was asking for advice on finding a creamy NC cigar. Overwhelmingly, the response trended to the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne. I immediately put it on my list of cigars to try. I did this primarily because I had never had a cigar that I would describe as creamy. Sure, I'd heard the legends of the "Creamsickle" CC's, told in dark back rooms in hushed tones of reverence, but I'd never experienced anything like that. And without a point of reference I still cannot say that I have. BUT, I now know what is meant by a "creamy" cigar. Read on my herfalicious friends...
Fit and Finish: This is a really attractive cigar. The wrapper is a nice light tan and as smooth as silk. Nary a seam to be found and virtually vein-free. It has a nice light aroma on the cold sniff (at home, of course!) and just smells fresh. The band is a little big, which I know is a turn off to some, but it is impressive.
Draw: Draw is slightly loose after a v-cut, but not so loose that I'm worried about it. Light taste of chocolate and tobacco on the cold draw. Slightly sweet, but not in a Drew Estate we-sweetened-the-cap way. Just pleasant and, again, fresh tasting.
Toast/Light: I was a little concerned about the toasting on this one before I began. I picked it up from a local ABC Liquors and I don't know how high they keep their rh. I needn't have worried. The toasting went well and the cigar was soon filling the air with that delicious cigar aroma. Excellent smoke production and a nice draw (it seems to have tightened up a little after lighting, which puts it right where I like it).
First third: OK, I'm ready for a creamsickle. And I get a cigar. Hmmm. Granted, it's a tasty cigar. On the milder side of things. Chocolate and a mild nuttiness. Delicious though. But where is the cream taste? And then...nope, not cream taste, but a creamy mouthfeel. Suddenly the light goes off in my head and I get it. It's that feel you get like after a sip of coffee with real cream. Now I can "taste" the creaminess of this cigar and my enjoyment goes way up (and I already liked it).
Second Third: As I'm heading into the second third this cigar continues to impress. Notes of cocoa, but really stronger on the nuttiness and now I'm starting to get more spice kicking in and then that creamy finish. The spice intensity is continuing to build as I go along but it never reaches a super-strong pepper kick. The burn has been flawless thus far. I am really surprised by this as I usually have more trouble with sticks right from the B&M.
Final Third: And now we begin a flavor carousel. The cocoa, nuts and spice come and go through the last third and the creaminess just blankets everything. Throughout it all the burn line is clean and the ash is tight and white.
Final Thoughts: This cigar was exceptional. It taught me what creaminess means in a cigar (unless there is something else I'm missing, which is more likely than not) and the flavor profile is right in line with what I like. It's this kind of cigar that makes me rethink my ideas of what my palate is. I tend to gravitate to maduro wrappers, but this one is just awesome with that nice light connecticut. This is one I want to keep around and always have a few on hand. I keep saying that. Man, I am going to need a walk-in wineador!
