The Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro brings accessible elegance in a 6"x50 parejo format. Priced at $172.80 for 24 cigars, this Nicaraguan puro wears an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper aged in bourbon barrels - a clever twist on classic mild-medium profiles. Perfectly rolled in Esteli factories, it's the cigar equivalent of breaking in new leather shoes: comfortable from first light but secretly hiding some character.
The cold draw whispers baking spices - cinnamon sticks dipped in fresh cream. Initial puffs deliver hay and cashew butter with zero pepper bite. Burn line stays razor-sharp, ash holding firm for two inches. Mild doesn't mean bland here - there's actual flavor development instead of just "not strong".
At the halfway point, the Nicaraguan core flexes gently. Toasted cedar emerges, like sniffing a humidor shelf. Retrohales carry whiffs of malted milk balls without the cloying sweetness. Smoke output stays medium but never feels thin. Construction remains flawless - no relights required even with slower pacing.
Last third introduces white pepper tingle on the lips. The bourbon barrel-aging shows up fashionably late with vanilla bean nuances. Despite mild strength, nicotine accumulates enough to notice during longer sessions. Nub it confidently down to 1.5" if you've got 90 minutes to spare.
Pair with light rum cocktails or oolong tea to amplify the delicate sweetness. Boxes need minimal humidor adjustment - these roll off the line at perfect 65% RH. While marketed as "new smoker friendly", the Lot 23 actually rewards patient smoking better than most Connecticut alternatives. Just don't expect Perdomo's typical boldness here - this is their Sunday morning smoke.
