Let's talk about the Perdomo 20th Maduro Epicure - this Nicaraguan puro comes in a hefty 6x56 Toro size priced at $9.45/stick ($226.80/box of 24). The bourbon barrel-aged maduro wrapper shines like a polished coffee bean, promising serious flavor depth from that 14-month aging process. I've had mine resting at 65% humidity for about six weeks, and the foot already smells like a baker's pantry after dark.
The initial puff delivers espresso bitterness that quickly mellows into molasses sweetness. Smoke production's moderate - not a cloud chaser's stick. Watch for occasional burn corrections needed on the slightly veiny wrapper.
At the halfway mark, the maduro really struts its stuff: dark chocolate ganache mingling with cashew butter. Retrohale brings a cinnamon kick that'll clear your sinuses. Ash holds firm in one-inch increments.
Last third introduces leathery notes with an underlying mineral tang. Strength ramps up noticeably - not quite nicotine knockout but you'll feel it in the cheeks. I tapped out with an inch remaining as charred oak tones started dominating.
Rolled in Estelí using tobaccos from Nicaragua's prime growing regions:
