The Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro Belicoso hits the sweet spot for Nicaraguan cigar lovers craving a tapered figurado. This box-pressed beauty measures 6" x 54 with a bourbon-barrel-aged maduro wrapper that glistens under sunlight. At around $7.50 per stick in 24-count boxes, it's positioned as an affordable luxury for daily smokers.
Pre-light aromas reveal barnyard earthiness with a touch of molasses. The cold draw feels slightly resistant - typical of torpedo-shaped caps. Lighting reveals immediate dark cocoa powder notes through thick, chewy smoke.
First Third: Burnt espresso beans dominate, with maple-sweetened cedar undertones. Retrohale carries white pepper tingle without harshness.
Middle Third: Savory transition brings beef jerky umami layered over peanut brittle. Smoke output increases noticeably.
Final Third: Charred oak emerges while nicotine strength ramps up. Recommend stopping at 1.5" nub to avoid bitterness.
Grown in Nicaragua's volcanic Jalapa Valley soils, the "Lot 23" designation refers to specific fields where wrapper leaves develop extra oil content. Perdomo's barrel-aging process adds subtle bourbon vanilla notes without flavouring additives. Boxes bear production dates for tracking age - 2021 or earlier editions show optimal maturation.
