JC Newman Perla Del Mar Cigar Review

Perla del Mar Look & Feel

• Wrapper Hue: Khaki
• Rolling Consistency: Even
• Spring: Slightly Soft
• Aromas: Labdanum, Caramel, Raisins

First of all, you’ll notice that the Perla del Mar is a very smooth cigar. There are no discernible soft spots. Although, there may be a couple that are very well hidden. Therefore, the rolling consistency looks nice and smooth.

It’s a little bit soft in the spring if you give it a good pinch, which is not too surprising given that it’s a box pressed cigar. If you do them too tightly they tend to break. The hue has a lovely khaki colour and the sheen is somewhat oily, but it has a little bit of a matte finish. Meanwhile, the veins are very, very refined.

You won’t see many veins on the cigar and if there are a few, they’re far from rustic. Meanwhile, the aromas on the foot are very pleasant. It has a caramelized bouquet consisting of musky labdanum, a hint of caramel of course, and a sweet boozy raisin finish.

Perla del Mar Review

As is the case with all our cigar reviews, we smoked at least three in order to get the most accurate picture possible of the full experience. In this case, I enjoyed two Dumas vitolas as well as two Maltés cigars. Therefore, I’ll be able to compare the two throughout this review.

Pre-Lighting Experience

• Draw: Mild Resistance
• Aromas: Tonka Bean, Brioche, Cinnamon

Meanwhile, the pre-light reveals an ideal draw that gives you just a touch of resistance. The flavours are quite rich as well, which provides you a precursor into the cigar’s full experience with hints of sweet and gourmand tonka bean, a hint of yeasty brioche, and spicy cinnamon.

1st Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Butterscotch, Toasted Pine, Grilled Almond

The Perla del Mar opens up with a creamy butterscotch note, which quickly subsides to reveal some toasted pine and grilled almond. It also has hints of citrus, although I could not identify any particular citrus notes at this time.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Toasted Pine, Sandalwood, Vanilla

Once I transitioned into the second third, it became a little bit more aromatic with hints of toasted thyme, which was particularly prevalent on the retro-hale. Indeed, it had a hint of pepperiness, but there were no discernible notes of that.

Additionally, there was a sandalwood chord as well as a softened vanilla note, which extended the caramelized essence from the first third.

Final Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Tonka Bean, Nutmeg, Cedarwood

Once into the final third, you will experience perhaps some tonka bean, which I noted in the pre-light earlier. This note is quite verbose and somewhat gourmand, which pairs well with a spicy nutmeg note. It is still quite mild and pleasant on the tongue and it offers a long cedar wood finish.

Although this an easy-to-smoke cigar, it does have a complex bouquet as well as a variety of different notes that you can identify and spend time savouring. The mouthfeel is very smooth and velvety with a hint of creaminess in the texture.

Meanwhile, the astringency does cause a little bit of salivation. In terms of stimulation, it seemed a little bit focused towards the front, on the sides, as well as the centre front. Indeed, the stimulation didn’t really extend to the back.

Meanwhile, the lifecycle of the cigar did produce an evolution of flavour. It did have a good sense of consistency, but it did tell you a story nonetheless.

Finally, the finish is somewhat lingering but not too present on the palate after the cigar is finished.

Overall Burn

• Ash Backbone: Some Resistance
• Burn Angle: Mostly Straight
• Temperature: Cool
• Draw: Mild Resistance
• Final Smoking Time: 80 Minutes

With regards to the burn and combustion of the cigar, the draw remains consistent throughout the whole experience. It provides a nice and ideal level of resistance. Similarly, the temperature remains cool. That being said, you may start to experience some heat towards the nub.

The burn has a razor-sharp line with an angle can produce some waviness but it’s rarely enough to warrant touching up. Furthermore, it offers an impressively strong backbone and the ash may cling onto the cigar up to the half-way point.

Ideal Pairings With A Perla Del Mar Cigar

Firstly, this cigar would pair well with some types of white chargrilled meat. Although veal is a possible choice, pork ribs would be a better option. Alternatively, pair it with milk chocolate.

Most times we would say dark chocolate but since this is a very creamy cigar, you might extend those flavours with something milkier. For a sweeter option, consider caramelised roasted peanuts, which the French call “chouchou”.

Otherwise, in terms of drinks, I would consider a mild age rum. When I say mild, I mean something that hasn’t been overly flavoured. For example, a Flor de Cana 18 has a very complex but not overpowering bouquet, which would pair nicely with the cigar.

If you prefer whiskey, perhaps consider a Kentucky bourbon. Alternatively, I would personally go for a Lowland single malt. For example, a Glenkinchie 12 has a very floral and mild flavour that would go well with the cigar.

And if you’re a coffee drinker, as this is a great cigar to have your morning coffee, rather than go for an espresso consider a café au lait or a latte. These options would provide you with the creaminess that would produce harmonious experience with the cigar.

Overall Experience

The band has an attractive vintage vibe with eye-catching gold lettering. The only downside is that you’ll have to be very careful when removing it as the Connecticut wrapper is very delicate.

Meanwhile, the box has a very regal appearance to it quite prestigious. The Perla P features 28 cigars that are lined up against one another and separated with a cedar divider. Overall, the box is very well made and appears to be solid wood.

This is a very affordable cigar, which leads me to the value for money. The Très Grand can be picked up for $6.60 per single, which obviously goes down when you buy a box of 24.

Meanwhile, the Perla Petit can be found for just over $5. Occasionally you’ll find these on sale too, which makes the pricing even more attractive. For instance, the Petit comes in a 28-cigar box and the standard pricing brings it to around $5.50 each.

Given its price point, the Perla del Mar is extremely versatile. It can be enjoyed at a formal occasion or even a luxurious cigar lounge without feeling out of place.

You can also enjoy it at a wedding. It would fit right in there, especially that it’s very beginner-friendly. Otherwise, it’s a great cigar to enjoy in the morning with your coffee or with friends around a barbecue. Very versatile indeed with lots of ways to enjoy it!

Closing Thoughts

JC Newman’s Perla del Mar offers one of the most simultaneously affordable and versatile cigars that you can easily enjoy. Not only can a Perla del Mar provide you with a pleasant daily smoke as part of your morning routine but it can also be enjoyed for more lavish occasions.

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