Perdomo Double Aged Vintage 12yr Maduro

Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro Cigar review by @CigarKurt

Today I bring you my take on the Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro.  This is a special cigar that is bale aged for 10 years and then Bourbon Barrel aged for an additional 2 years in charred White Oak Barrels.  Hand selected and produced in Nicaragua, the Maduro version of this masterpiece is a Nicaraguan Puro meaning the binder, filler and wrapper are all from Nicaragua.  

It also comes in a Connecticut and Sungrown version and is produced in five vitolas.

Robusto 5 x 56

Epicure 6 x 56

Salomon 6 ⅛ x 54

Gordo Extra 6 ½ x 60

Churchill 7 x 56

Today I have the pleasure of smoking and reviewing the Epicure 6 x 56.  This Cigar was gifted to me for review by my local Cigar Lounge, Smokey Bear Cigars and Cafe in Blue Ridge Georgia.  If you find yourself in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia be sure to visit George and Iraima and you will feel like family from the moment you walk in the door.  Their beautiful log cabin cigar lounge, with a large humidor and great selection is a must stop for any cigar smoker.  Thank you George and Iraima!

For a Cigar of this caliber, I feel the price point on this Epicure is an exceptional value with a single coming in at an average of $10.35.  A box of 24 averages $234.00.  When I think about caring for a product for 12 years, coupled with the quality and consistency you get with Perdomo, it truly elevates my respect for this brand.

When I pick up this 6 x 56 Epicure, I am drawn to the beautiful embossed band that tells the story of the time and effort that has been put into this blend.  The wrapper is smooth with a slightly oily sheen that has a rich, medium brown color.  The weight of the cigar and the 56 ring gauge makes the cigar seem larger than it really is.

The initial aromas of the wrapper and foot fill my senses with the essence of hay, cedar and a slightly spicy leather.  At this point I am eager to begin my journey into this cigar.  The cap is removed using my favorite “perfect cut” cutter, and just like that another precision straight cut is achieved.  

Cold Draw

No draw issues are noted and airflow seems to be near perfect.  My palate is teased with cocoa, hay, spice and cedar.

1st Third

I carefully and properly toast the cigar with my double flame jet lighter working my way around the outside and finishing in the middle.  I prefer a single or double flame lighter because it allows me to pinpoint where I am toasting as I begin my ritual. The initial puffs reveal a wonderful cedar and white pepper.  As I get into the first third, a description of a premium smoothness fills my mind and notes of slight mint and cocoa mixed with leather and earthiness begin to emerge.  Whenever I can identify with a mint spiciness in a cigar, it immediately draws me in, because for me this is such a unique note.  This cigar is touted as a medium plus, but for me, in this initial third, I have it at a solid medium as a 5 out of 10 on my flavor strength profile.  So, I am eager to see where this will go.  The burn is almost perfect and the grayish, white ash is captivating.  

2nd Third

Moving into the second third, a very unique and dominant cedar note takes the lead and the white pepper has now changed to more of a black pepper coming in a close second.  The cedar notes are so unique, that they really have my attention. The mint has dissipated and the remaining notes consist of that smooth leather and earthiness.  This cigar is very, very smooth.  At this point it is still a solid medium profile for me.  I enjoy the Perdomo Habano, regular Bourbon Barrel, aged for 6 years, but this cigar is in another class.  With the Habano, I experience more of the Oak Barrel flavors, which I enjoy but it is not an everyday smoke for me.  For that cigar, I kinda have to be in the mood for those flavors, but this Vintage double aged cigar is so balanced that I could envision myself smoking this daily.  

Final Third

As I finish the second third and move into the final, that increase in intensity I have been anticipating arrives and I move it to a medium plus at a 6.5 on my 1-10 scale.  This is not overpowering by any means, but is a very nice transition as I enjoy the final third.  Black pepper leads the way and pleasantly fills my palate as that unique cedar compliments it in the back seat.  Much to my delight the slight mint spice returns and balances perfectly with that smooth leather and earthiness.

Final Thoughts

I have enjoyed many cigars from Perdomo to include the Lot23, Habano Bourbon Barrel Aged, the 10th, 20th & 30th Anniversaries and this Cigar is my new favorite over them all.  The smoothness and balance is something to be cherished.  Definitely a box worthy purchase consideration.  No draw issues throughout and the cigar burned perfectly with no touch ups.  Overall strength with the increase in the final third, I have this at a medium plus with a 6.5 out of 10 on my flavor strength profile.  My overall rating is 93 out of 100.  Smoking time on this magnificent Epicure has been 1:15.

If you have enjoyed this review and would like to see the review of me smoking it, I invite you to head on over to YouTube @cigarkurt to see it and all my other reviews.