Imperio Maduro, 5" x 44 ring gauge, $7.40The Perdomo Estate Seleccion Vintage 1991 is one of the top-of-the-line cigars offered by Tabacalera Perdomo. They are made with Cuban-seed tobacco grown in Esteli, Nicaragua and are intended to have an "intricate blend" which will deliver "an elegant smoking experience of robust flavor and rich complexity with a smooth, silky finish"--according to Perdomo's website. The ESV 1991 is available in several sizes and two wrapper choices: Connecticut shade or Maduro. After rolling, the ESV 1991 is aged in-house for a minimum of 200 days before being shipped to stores.
The wrapper of this stick was medium-dark brown with some mottling. There were a couple strange-looking spots--almost like holes, but no actual opening. It was velvety and fairly oily to the touch, with a hint of plume when viewed at the correct angle. The wrapper smelled like cocoa and coffee with a hint of barnyard; the foot was rich with chocolate aroma. The cold draw was very good and had flavors of dried fruit and cocoa.
On initial light, the flavors were leathery and the smoke was full-bodied and oily, easily coating the mouth. There were also some cocoa and black coffee notes a few minutes in. As the first third progressed, the flavors became somewhat earthy but still full and pronounced. There was nice black coffee flavor and a bit of maduro/chocolate sweetness underneath. Because I tend to read a lot about cigars, including other reviews, it is not often that I get to smoke a stick with no preconceived notions. This one, though, slipped under my radar; it was a surprising, and pleasing, first encounter.
I find that the marketing descriptions for most cigars (and most non-cigar items, for that matter) are vast exaggerations, but this stick actually seemed to be fulfilling its role of robust, complex, and elegant. Even though it was quite full-bodied, it had a marvelous smoothness. The second third was still dominated by coffee, but the depth of the flavor, enhanced by pepper, cocoa, leather, and earth, was quite remarkable.
The final third was more earth and had some roasted nuts flavor come through as well, while still maintaining the coffee notes underneath. In short, I have a new favorite from Perdomo; granted, I have not yet explored their entire line, but this cigar was enjoyable from first to last as a full-bodied smoke. The flavors were as bold as promised and quite complex. The construction was first-rate throughout, needing no touch-ups or extra attention. This was a fine smoke that I intend to sample in other vitolas as soon as the opportunity arises.
Body: 9/10
Strength: 6/10
Complexity: 8/10
AFP Scale:
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 5/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 10/10
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