In 2023, Perdomo Cigars unveiled their 30th Anniversary line to such overwhelming acclaim that cigar shops reported sell-outs even before their stocks had arrived.
Thankfully, our partners at CigarPage agreed to send me this beautiful Connecticut Epicure for review, along with a selection encompassing every wrapper from this Perdomo 30th Anniversary collection. They even included some Torpedo vitolas!
This review kicks off a series of six, diving into what’s quickly become the most buzzed-about blend in regular production: the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut Epicure.
Join me as I explore this blend using our Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, covering several key categories.
Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut Overview
- Brand: Perdomo Cigars
- Range: 30th Anniversary Connecticut
- Reviewed Vitolas: 6 x 54 Epicure
- Wrapper: Bourbon Barrel Aged Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Factory: Tabacalera Perdomo (Estelí, Nicaragua)
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Full
- Estimated Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
- Pricing: $337 / Box of 30 [Buy Now]
Like the 20th Anniversary Connecticut & Maduro cigars that have been reviewed previously on Bespoke Unit, this 30th Anniversary Connecticut employs aged tobaccos for its wrapper.
More specifically, this Perdomo 30th Anniversary cigar boasts Ecuadorian Connecticut tobacco aged in bourbon barrels. This blend also contains tobacco aged as long as 15 years.
Perdomo 30th Connecticut: Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Cappuccino
- Rolling Consistency: Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Honey, Graham Cracker, Macadamia Nuts
At a glance, the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut looks expensive. It boasts a wrapper hue reminiscent of a rich cappuccino and is paired with impeccable rolling consistency.
Moreover, the spring is satisfyingly firm, hinting at the skilled craftsmanship behind its creation, while the aromas of honey, graham crackers, and macadamia nuts invite anticipation.
Overall, this Perdomo cigar exudes a sense of luxury; its wrapper is a flawless example of Ecuadorian Connecticut tobacco and possesses the ideal fill.
Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut Cigar Review
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Cookie Dough, Oat Milk, Cedar
The dry draw of this 30th Anniversary Connecticut is so good I almost don’t want to light it up. At this point, it offers sweet aromas of honey and graham crackers off the body and foot. There’s also a secondary note of macadamia nuts.
On the dry draw, I’m reminded of cookie dough, oat milk, and on the prelight retrohale cedar… if that’s even a thing. Lastly, the draw is effortless without being loose.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Cedar, Hay, Caramel
The Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut is notably milder than the typical Nicaraguan cigar. If you have ever smoked a Perdomo Champagne, you would know how that cigar is a secret powerhouse of strength; this blend takes a very different path. However, what this 30th Anniversary cigar lacks in strength, it more than makes up for in flavor.
The first third is characterized by earthy notes of cedar and hay, beautifully balanced with a layer of caramel sweetness. The retrohale introduces a delightful contrast, reminiscent of spicy hot honey.
Though the mouthfeel is on the coarser side, it falls short of being disagreeable, adding an interesting texture to the smoking experience.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Cappuccino, Walnuts, Honey
As the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut progresses into its second third, the experience becomes even more refined. A couple of inches in, the mouthfeel significantly smoothens, while the flavor profile remains impressively rich and complex.
The initial notes evolve into a delightful blend reminiscent of a roasty cappuccino, complemented by the richness of walnuts and the sweet subtlety of floral honey. On the retrohale, an inviting layer of butterscotch or toffee emerges, adding a decadent twist to the smoke.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Cream, Black Pepper, Honey
Entering the final third, the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut gently ramps up in strength, transitioning from a mild to a more pronounced medium body.
This segment introduces a creamy texture punctuated by the zest of black pepper yet maintains a thread of familiar honey sweetness throughout.
On the retrohale, a new dimension unfolds, echoing the taste of toasted coconut, adding a tropical warmth to the closing stages of the smoke.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
Premium cigars may be a classification for a cigar’s construction, but this Perdomo is a premium premium cigar.
The ash backbone is robust, supporting a straight burn angle and maintaining a cool temperature throughout a leisurely 90-minute smoke. While the ash might not have the pristine whiteness seen in some other cigars, its fluffy consistency and strong hold are nevertheless commendable.
Finally, I know that Perdomo draw tests every single cigar they roll; this one clearly passed with flying colors as it smoked and burned effortlessly.
Overall Experience
Perdomo truly excels in the art of branding, with each of their cigar bands exuding a distinctive and luxurious aura, and the 30th Anniversary is a standout in this regard.
The band captivates with holographic, sparkling gold details set against a sophisticated black and red backdrop, encircling the Perdomo insignia with fine craftsmanship reminiscent of a high-end Swiss watch.
The packaging of the 30th Connecticut harks back to the vintage charm of old-school cigar boxes, with a vibrant red that catches the eye and demands attention. The one caveat is the size of the box; containing 30 cigars, it poses a challenge for my personal humidor space, though it presents a perfect opportunity for sharing among friends or fellow aficionados.
Pairing Recommendations For Perdomo 30th Anniversary Cigar
There is no doubt that Perdomo’s 30th Anniversary series is perfect for a formal setting. Additionally, its flavor notes are perfect for a late-morning brunch.
For a sweet pairing, buttery, fluffy pancakes complement the 30th Anniversary Connecticut wonderfully, with its sweet and slightly earthy flavors invoking a desire for maple syrup. On the savory side, a plate of red sauce enchiladas, especially one featuring dried smoked chili peppers, would beautifully accentuate the cigar’s cedar and pepper nuances. And for dessert, a creamy flan would be an ideal match for the cigar’s caramel and sweet tones.
An interesting note not previously mentioned is Perdomo’s unique process of aging their tobacco in bourbon barrels. While these flavors might not be immediately apparent in the smoking experience, pairing the cigar with an espresso or a lowland scotch could enhance the vanilla notes. However, given my current craving for brunch, a pineapple mimosa tops my list as the perfect accompaniment to the Perdomo 30th Anniversary, adding a tropical twist to the sophisticated smoking experience.
Closing Thoughts
I’ve smoked quite a few Perdomo cigars, and this 30th-anniversary blend is an absolute highlight. This cigar’s appearance and smoking experience scream luxury, to the point where if someone handed me this cigar without context, I’d estimate its value at $40 a stick. Yet, astonishingly, it’s priced around $12 per stick, showcasing an exceptional value for money.
Keep an eye on Bespoke Unit as we delve into the rest of this distinguished line!
"A highlight of Perdomo’s anniversary series, this Connecticut Epicure looks and smokes incredibly premium."
Further Reading
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