Perdomo 30th Maduro Cigar: Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Unofficial Obscuro
- Rolling Consistency: Slightly Bumpy
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Nutmeg, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Tea
The 30th Maduro exudes an intoxicating aroma that’s hard to ignore, with pre-light notes of nutmeg, dark chocolate, and sweet tea radiating from its body. Its wrapper is so profoundly dark that it stands toe-to-toe with the obscuro wrappers in my humidor.
Although Perdomo doesn’t officially label it as an obscuro, its color is more black than brown, making a bold visual statement.
Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro Cigar Review
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Hot Cocoa, Cream, Cayenne
The dry draw of the 30th Maduro instantly conjures the rich, indulgent flavors of Mexican hot chocolate, blending sweet cocoa and cream with a hint of cayenne pepper for a touch of warmth.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Black Pepper, Nutella, Vanilla
Upon lighting, the Perdomo 30th Maduro immediately unveils a dominant flavor of freshly cracked black pepper, a hallmark of Nicaraguan tobaccos, which comprise this all-Nicaraguan blend.
This peppery introduction lasts for the initial minutes before unfolding into the rich, chocolaty hazelnut spread of Nutella, accompanied by a subtle hint of vanilla. The retrohale evokes the distinctive aroma of donning a new leather jacket for the first time.
Despite its robust flavor profile, the strength of this cigar hovers around a 4, making it richly satisfying yet not overpoweringly strong. However, it might still prove a bit intense for those with a more sensitive palate.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Hazelnuts, Dark Chocolate, Pretzel
In the second third of the Perdomo 30th Maduro, the flavor profile deliciously morphs, conjuring images of indulgent German chocolate.
The initial sharpness of black pepper gives way to a smoother, richer blend of hazelnuts enveloped in a veil of dark chocolate. A subtle saltiness emerges, akin to biting into a crunchy pretzel, adding an intriguing layer of complexity. Meanwhile, the retrohale brings to mind the warm, inviting scent of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven.
It’s worth noting that the ash of this particular blend is darker than what’s observed in other Perdomo 30th cigars. While some might find this noteworthy, it doesn’t detract from the smoking experience; the ash is resilient, clinging well and exhibiting a flaky rather than crumbly texture.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Almond, Raisins, Black Coffee
In the final third of the Perdomo 30th Maduro, as we near the band, there’s a noticeable upsurge in sweetness.
The dominant flavor shifts to unsalted almonds, beautifully complemented by a raisin-like sweetness that carries a fruity finish reminiscent of black coffee.
On the retrohale, the experience is enriched with the inviting aroma of a toasted coconut macaron, rounding off the smoking journey with a sophisticated blend of flavors.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
Overall Experience
The Perdomo 30th Maduro tops my list for aesthetics within the anniversary range, with its band’s blue, red, and white hues echoing the Cuban flag and golden accents highlighting its premium status.
The cigar box’s dark brown shade complements the cigar’s wrapper, emphasizing the theme of quality and consistency.
As noted in previous Perdomo reviews on Bespoke Unit, the factory’s draw testing ensures unmatched consistency, while a box count of 30 is ideal for sharing among aficionados.
Pairing Recommendations For Perdomo 30th Maduro Cigar
Envisioning the perfect moment for the 30th Maduro, it slots seamlessly into that special time between dinner and dessert.
Its initial black pepper notes and the gradual shift to sweeter undertones make it an ideal precursor to dessert, enhancing the flavors of a peppery carbonara followed by a creamy tiramisu, with roasted nuts as a delightful interlude.
For drinks, the Zaya 16-year rum has proven to be a sublime match, complementing the cigar’s evolving taste profile with its sweet, refined character. This cigar also harmonizes wonderfully with Disaronno or a dry cappuccino, each beverage adding a unique dimension to the smoking experience.
Closing Thoughts
Reiterating my initial thoughts, the Perdomo 30th Maduro stands out as one of the most complex and intriguing blends I’ve ever tasted, reminiscent of the layered mystery in a Coca-Cola. Its depth of nuanced flavors makes each smoking session unique, yet it remarkably maintains consistency in both strength and flavor.
Down To The Nub!
Against the backdrop of many Cuban and premium cigars, this blend competes fiercely, offering exceptional value at a fraction of the price. Faced with choosing between this and a $65 cigar, the Perdomo wins every time.
Having experienced the entire 30th anniversary line, my respect for Perdomo’s craftsmanship has only grown. These cigars are a celebration in themselves, making you want to don a tuxedo for the occasion. The Maduro, in particular, captivates with its complexity and demands your undivided attention. I look forward to revisiting this line, focusing next on the torpedo vitola, which presents its own set of blending and wrapping challenges. Stay tuned!
