Perdomo Reserve Champagne Noir Cigar Review

Perdomo Champagne Noir Look & Feel

• Wrapper Hue: Mottled Tawny
• Rolling Consistency: Mostly Straight
• Spring: Firm
• Aromas: Tonka Bean, Cacao, Raisin

The cigar’s body has a couple of minor soft spots but the construction seems pretty good overall. Its spring is firm but leans slightly on the soft side.

The wrapper features a sort of a mottled tawny hue with occasional black splotches if you look really close. There is an oily sheen that reflects the light. Meanwhile, the veins are somewhat refined, but you can find some rustic coarseness in certain areas.

As for the aromas on the foot, it’s quite rich in fragrance. You’re looking at a combination of tonka bean, some cacao, and a hint of fruity raisin.

Perdomo Champagne Noir Review

As with all the cigars that we review, the Perdomo Champagne Noirs were stored in a Boveda acrylic humidor for a period of three weeks and were monitored with a Boveda Butler.

Pre-Lighting Experience

• Draw: Ideal
• Aromas: Raisin, Hickory, Tonka Bean

The Champagne Noir’s airflow is excellent and produces a perfect draw. Its flavours are very rich on the dry draw and they consist of the same raisin and tonka bean as experienced earlier. Yet, we also have an addition of hickory.

1st Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Espresso, Cedar, Caramel

In terms of flavour, we’re looking at quite a simple accord of espresso and cedarwood. There is also a certain caramelized booziness. What’s quite interesting about this note is that we had Perdomo’s 20th anniversary range were aged in a similar process but didn’t reveal similar flavours.

There is a velvety mouthfeel as well. It’s quite creamy on the tongue and you’re looking at a medium to full body experience.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Cacao, Earth, Nutmeg

The second third reveals cacao, earth and nutmeg. The caramelized booziness from the first third has somewhat dissipated to instead reveal spiciness. The espresso has faded, but to reveal another gourmet note of cacao, with the cedar turning into a more earthy profile.

We’re still at the medium to full body in terms of intensity. It hasn’t really increased all that much, but we’ll see if that changes once we get into the final third.

Final Third Smoking Experience

• Notes: Curcuma, Oak, Cacao

There is a distinctive change in body when you approach the nub in the final third. Indeed, we’re now looking at a full-bodied cigar.

We also have a change in the flavour profile. There are some new notes such as turmeric. We also have some oaky, woody notes, which are deep and verbose. As well as the cacao from the second third that has persisted and stays there in a lingering capacity.

The Perdomo Champagne Noir isn’t overly complex and produces simple accords throughout each third. However, the mouthfeel is wonderfully smooth and velvety throughout.

Its astringency is quite balanced. That being said, you might get a little bit of salivation towards the end, near the final third. When it comes to the finish, it lingers nicely on the palate. It does last for a while on the tongue, which leaves you with a good opportunity for a palate cleanser.

As for the residual scent in the room, its odour is somewhat potent, but not unpleasant.

Overall Burn

• Ash Backbone: Quite Strong
• Burn Angle: Some Waviness
• Temperature: Mostly Cool
• Draw: Ideal
• Final Smoking Time: 100 Minutes

The Perdomo Champagne Noir produces a mottled dark grey ash, which holds well before plopping off into the ashtray. You can expect just over an inch of ash before it weakens. Meanwhile, the burn line has a tendency to be quite wavy. While it will often correct itself, it never straightens out completely.

As for the smoke’s temperature, it’s usually cool but it can warp up some. Nevertheless, the draw produces an excellent airflow throughout the whole experience.

Overall Experience

The Champagne Noir is decorated by a regal orange and black band. While stylish, it does feel a touch dated and may merit a facelift in the near future.

The box is very elegant and well-made. It’s crafted from composite wood and solid cedar with rich attention to detail throughout the design.

The value for the cigar is excellent to say the least. Expect to pay around $8.75 for a single epicure like this. And if you buy a box of 25 cigars, you could probably get each single for a little bit less. I’ve seen some prices that go as far down as $7.50 a stick.

Then when it comes to the occasion of the cigar, this is quite versatile. It can be used for a variety of different moments. I would especially suggest that you sample it at night. You can also consider it for occasions with friends or reserve it for more lavish moments.

Perdomo Champagne Noir Pairings

I’d first suggest that you enjoy the Champagne Noir as a digestif following a large dinner. Dishes like osso buco, black pudding, or boudin would all be excellent choices. Otherwise, it pairs well with dark chocolate.

Meanwhile, if you’re fond of pairing Scotch whisky with cigars, it would marry well with some from the isle of Islay. A high-quality bourbon would also be a great option in that it may reveal more of the cigar’s caramelised flavours.

Needless to say, coffee will provide a great accord, too.

Closing Thoughts

Best suited for more experienced cigar smokers, the Perdomo Champagne Noir is a rich and full-bodied experience that delivers lavish flavours and harmony.

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