The first instalment of Perdomo’s 20th Anniversary range, the Connecticut is the mildest of the three with delectable spicy notes.
In this article, you will discover the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut as we review it according to the following considerations:
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Overview
- Brand: Perdomo
- Range: 20th Anniversary [Connecticut]
- Reviewed Vitolas: 6 x 56 “Epicure” Toro
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
- Filler: Nicaraguan Cuban Seed [Estelí, Condega, Jalapa]
- Factory: Estelí, Nicaragua
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Medium
- Estimated Smoking Time: 95 Minutes
- Pricing: $9.25 / Single [Shop On CigarPage]
Produced at Perdomo’s Estelí factory, which is known as “El Monstro” due to its 8,500 m² of factory floor surface, this cigar is the first instalment of the brand’s 20th Anniversary range. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper was aged for eight years before spending an additional eight months in bourbon whiskey barrels.
Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Cacao Nib
- Rolling Consistency: Mostly Straight
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Tonka Bean, Cinnamon, Pizza Dough
The beautifully presented Connecticut cigar has a few hidden soft spots under the body. Nevertheless, its spring is firm when pinched. Furthermore, its wrapper delivers a healthy sheen compared to most Connecticuts. Similarly, the veins are quite refined.
There’s quite an interesting bouquet among the foot’s aromas. You have some delectable tonka bean, which is quite gourmand as well as some cinnamon and yeasty pizza dough. As somebody who likes making pizza themselves from scratch, the latter seemed particularly discernible to me.
Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut Review
As with the vast majority of our reviews, the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut has been stored using a Boveda acrylic humidor for three weeks. This step ensures that it has been properly acclimated and reviewed in the same conditions as other cigars. Humidity was maintained with Boveda 69% packs and closely monitored with a Boveda Butler.
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal Resistance
- Aromas: Garam Masala, Brioche, Milk Chocolate
Once cut, the cigar presents a good draw with decent airflow and resistance. Meanwhile, the aromas on the dry draw were very rich. The first, most intriguing note is garam masala, an Indian spice mix. While rich and overt in flavour, it wasn’t spicy in the “hot” sense. This note was contrasted by some yeasty brioche and a hint of milk chocolate.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Rosewood, Curcuma, Bay Leaf
The first third is dominated by spices, which are rendered quite mild thanks to the Connecticut wrapper. I’d like to note that this will be a reoccurring theme throughout the cigar.
It opens up with some overt notes of curcuma or tumeric, which is quite spicy, but at the same time, zesty and a little bit bracing. This note is contrasted by some fragrant rosewood as well as some aromatic bay leaf, especially charred bay leaf, which delivers an aromatic component.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Clove, Brioche, Molasses
In the second third, you’ll the curcuma transitions to clove. This persistent spiciness is offset by yeasty brioche as experienced in the dry draw. There are also notes of syrupy molasses. Nevertheless, the mouthfeel in both thirds still remains quite creamy, which I’ll talk about a little bit later.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Honey, Cumin, Black Pepper
Once you’re into the final third, the molasses has transitioned into a rich honey fragrance. Meanwhile, the clove shares a striking resemblance to cumin. Black pepper has also emerged, which is particularly noticeable on the retrohale.
Overall, this is quite a complex cigar with a diverse variety of notes. Despite its overt spiciness, the mouthfeel remains creamy and doesn’t come across as coarse. Indeed, the Connecticut wrapper helps restrain the spiciness to make it quite a medium-bodied experience overall.
In terms of astringence and the palate stimulation, salivation in the back of the palate is counterbalanced by dryness at the front. Swallowing or drinking something helps combine the two to improve its harmony.
As for its lifecycle, the notes and body evolve but the cigar remains consistent in its flavour profile’s theme. Meanwhile, the finish lingers for a good 15 minutes before fading to a generic flavour. It works well with a palate cleanser so feel free to consider a shot of espresso or a grappa Ammazzacaffè to wash your mouth.
Finally, the residual scent in the room leaves hints of cream and yeastiness as well as a touch of spice.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Mostly Strong
- Burn Angle: Wavy
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal Resistance
- Final Smoking Time: 95 Minutes
First of all, the draw stays consistent throughout the whole smoking experience. You don’t get any tightening or loosening of the roll. It stays very pleasant and gives you just the right level of resistance. Similarly, the temperature remains very cool.
That being said, I am smoking a 6 x 56 Epicure, which does have quite a large ring gauge, which certainly helps. The burn line can get a little bit wavy but it rarely requires touch-ups as they tend to correct themselves once into the second third.
As for the ash backbone. It does produce a lovely steely grey ash that hangs on quite healthily onto the cigar and it doesn’t drop off. You get a decent “ash stack” quite easily up until the halfway point.
Overall Experience
It can’t be denied that the band is very loud and quite large. While it may appear to be two separate bands at a distance, you’ll note that it’s just one when up close. Given its very shiny colour, it may come across as somewhat ostentatious. Nevertheless, it is beautifully presented.
Rather than a 24-count box, you’ll note that I have a 5-cigar presentation box. Each cigar is individually packaged and the box folds open. As a result, it’s a great celebratory cigar which can be taken to special events such as a wedding or a bachelor party. It’s also a wonderful idea as a gift.
A single cigar is $9.25, so it’s quite reasonably priced if you were to offer someone a 5-cigar box or even take one along to an event. Nevertheless, it’s a cigar that you could consider when entertaining guests at a barbecue, dinner party, or even New Year’s Eve.
Although potent in flavour, the body is comparatively mild and medium-bodied overall. Therefore, even inexperienced smokers will likely enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed.
Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut Pairings
First of all, I would suggest to prime rib steak, grilled, ideally, and lightly seasoned. Since the cigar is going to offer a lot of seasoning with all its different spices, it would offer additional seasoning itself.
Otherwise, you could consider dark chocolate, which will extend the mouthfeel’s creaminess while bridging together the dryness and the salivation it causes. Alternatively, I suggested cashew nuts as this is a feint note that wasn’t mentioned but can be experienced around the first and second third.
As for drinks, consider an añejo rum such as a Flor de Caña 18. Its aromatic and floral character will contrast the cigar’s spiciness and even render it smoother. Otherwise, consider an Americano coffee, as it won’t be as strong as espresso and won’t drown out the cigar’s flavour.
Closing Thoughts
Surprisingly spicy and rich in diverse flavours, the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut is a refreshing and complex experience. However, while its body is stronger than typical Connecticut blends, it’s far from overpowered. If you’re fond of cigars with these wrappers, consider sampling this one for something a little different!
"A uniquely spicy Connecticut wrapper cigar."
Further Reading
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