Perdomo — Heritage & History

In 1991, Cuban exile and master blender Nick Perdomo founded Perdomo Cigars in Miami, Florida, before relocating production to Estelí, Nicaragua, where the family operates Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. (TESA). What sets Perdomo apart from other Nicaraguan powerhouses is its vertical integration: the company grows its own tobacco on farms in the Jalapa Valley and Estelí, then ages, ferments, and rolls everything in-house. Perdomo was among the first to champion the 'barber pole' cigar with the Habano Barber Pole, a dual-wrapper construction that remains a signature. The 10th Anniversary line, released in 2002, marked a turning point, showcasing aged Nicaraguan sun-grown tobaccos in a toro format that earned critical acclaim. Later, the ESV 2002 (Estate Selection Vintage) pushed the brand further into the premium tier, using a 2002 vintage wrapper aged for eight years. Today, Perdomo produces over 20 million cigars annually, yet each blend—from the budget-friendly Lot 23 to the celebratory 20th Anniversary—reflects a single family's control from seed to smoke.

Blending Philosophy

Perdomo's blending approach is defined by obsessive control over tobacco aging and fermentation. Unlike many manufacturers who buy aged leaf, Perdomo ages its own tobaccos in wooden pilones, often for 6 to 10 years before use. The ESV 2002 line, for instance, uses a wrapper aged eight years, while the 20th Anniversary incorporates a 20-year-old vintage. The brand also experiments with wrapper treatments: the Champagne series uses a sun-grown Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf that is fermented for 14 months, yielding a unique mild profile. Perdomo's construction standards are equally rigorous—each cigar is rolled under the supervision of Nick Perdomo Jr., who insists on a 'triple cap' and a perfectly packed foot. The Lot 23 line, named after the farm plot where the tobacco is grown, demonstrates a single-vineyard approach, while the Habano Barber Pole showcases a technical skill that few factories attempt. This is a factory that treats aging as a science and construction as a craft.

Flavor Profile

Across Perdomo's range, smokers can expect a core of Nicaraguan earth and sun-grown intensity, but the expression varies dramatically by wrapper. The Champagne series (e.g., Champagne Torpedo) is mild-medium, offering creamy cedar, light toast, and a hint of sweet hay, with a gentle white pepper on the retrohale. Moving to the Habano line, the natural wrapper delivers medium-full body with notes of leather, roasted nuts, and a touch of dark cocoa. The Maduro expressions, such as the 100 Coronas Maduros Gran Robusto, are darker and richer, with espresso, dried fruit, and a lingering black pepper spice. The ESV 2002 Epicure, with its aged vintage wrapper, adds a layer of complexity: baking spice, caramelized sugar, and a smooth, almost bourbon-like finish. Across the board, Perdomo's cigars are known for a clean burn and a consistent draw, but the flavor journey is always anchored in Nicaraguan terroir—earthy, bold, and unapologetically full of character.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Lot 23 Connecticut Toro is an ideal entry point. At $8–$12, it's affordable, and its mild-medium strength won't overwhelm. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers a smooth, creamy smoke with notes of cedar, light cream, and a subtle hint of white pepper. Expect a 60–90 minute smoke that builds gently, making it perfect for those still developing their palate. It's a cigar that rewards attention without demanding it.

Perdomo Cigar Lineup

Explore 42 Perdomo cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Perdomo cigars made?

Perdomo cigars are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the family-owned Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. (TESA) factory. The company also operates a second facility, Fabrica de Tabacos Perdomo S.A., also in Estelí. All production is vertically integrated, from tobacco farming to rolling and aging.

What is Perdomo known for?

Perdomo is known for its vertical integration—growing its own tobacco in the Jalapa Valley and Estelí—and for its extensive aging practices. The ESV 2002 line uses an 8-year-aged wrapper, while the 20th Anniversary incorporates a 20-year-old vintage. The brand also popularized the barber pole cigar with its Habano Barber Pole, a dual-wrapper construction that is a technical showcase.

Are Perdomo cigars strong?

Perdomo's strength range varies from mild-medium to medium-full. The Champagne series and Lot 23 Connecticut are mild-medium, while the Habano, ESV 2002, and 20th Anniversary lines are medium-full. The 100 Coronas Maduros Gran Robusto is also medium-full. There is no full-strength cigar in the current lineup, but the maduro expressions can pack a punch.

What is the best Perdomo cigar for beginners?

The Lot 23 Connecticut Toro is the best starting point. Its mild-medium strength and creamy, cedar-forward profile are approachable, and the $8–$12 price point is forgiving. The Champagne Torpedo is another option if you prefer a slightly more refined, sun-grown Connecticut Shade experience, but the Lot 23 Connecticut offers the smoothest introduction to the brand.

How much do Perdomo cigars cost?

Perdomo cigars range from $8 to $22 per cigar. The Lot 23 line and Champagne series sit at the $8–$12 tier, while the Habano and ESV 2002 are $10–$18. The 20th Anniversary Torpedo tops the range at $18–$22. Prices vary by retailer and region.

What wrapper does Perdomo use?

Perdomo uses a wide variety of wrappers, all Nicaraguan-grown except for the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade used in the Champagne and Lot 23 Connecticut lines. Common wrappers include Nicaraguan Sun-Grown Maduro, Nicaraguan Sun Grown (Natural), Nicaraguan Sun-Grown from the Jalapa Valley, and the aged Estate Selection Vintage 2002. The Habano Barber Pole uses a dual-wrap of Nicaraguan Sun-grown Habano (Natural) and Nicaraguan Habano Maduro. Some lines, like the Lot 23 Natural and Maduro, are offered in both expressions.

Are Perdomo cigars Cuban?

No, Perdomo cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. and Fabrica de Tabacos Perdomo S.A. The brand was founded by Cuban exile Nick Perdomo, but all tobacco is grown and produced in Nicaragua.

Where can I buy Perdomo cigars?

Perdomo cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly in the United States. Online retailers such as Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar carry the full lineup. For rare or aged lines like the ESV 2002, check specialty retailers or Perdomo's official website for authorized dealers.