Perdomo Lot 23 — Heritage & History

Perdomo Lot 23 was introduced in 2007 by Nick Perdomo, the son of founder and master blender Nick Perdomo Sr., at the family's Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The line was created to honor the Perdomo family's 23 years of cigar-making experience at the time, using only Nicaraguan tobaccos grown on the Perdomo family farms. Unlike many competitors who source leaves from multiple countries, Lot 23 is a fully Nicaraguan puro, with the wrapper, binder, and filler all originating from the Jalapa and Estelí valleys. The blend was designed to showcase the character of Nicaraguan sun-grown tobacco, and it quickly became a staple in the Perdomo portfolio. The line is offered in both Natural and Maduro expressions, with the Maduro version adding a layer of sweetness to the core profile. Lot 23 helped cement Perdomo's reputation for producing consistent, full-flavored cigars at accessible prices, and it remains a benchmark for Nicaraguan puros in the mid-market segment.

Blending Philosophy

Perdomo Lot 23 is built on a simple but rigorous premise: use only Nicaraguan tobaccos, grown and aged on Perdomo's own farms, and let the leaf speak. The filler and binder are aged for a minimum of 23 months, a practice that softens harsh edges and allows the tobacco's natural sweetness to emerge. The wrapper, a Nicaraguan sun-grown leaf from the Jalapa Valley (in the Natural expression) or a Nicaraguan Maduro (in the dark version), is aged separately for up to five years. This extended aging is unusual at this price point and contributes to the line's smooth, rounded character. Construction is handled at the TESA factory in Estelí, where Perdomo employs a team of torcedores who roll each cigar to exacting specifications, ensuring even burns and easy draws. The result is a blend that balances strength and nuance, with the Maduro offering a darker, sweeter counterpoint to the Natural's more savory profile.

Flavor Profile

Across the Lot 23 range, smokers can expect a core of earthy Nicaraguan tobacco, underscored by notes of cedar, leather, and a hint of white pepper on the retrohale. The Natural wrappers (sun-grown) deliver a medium-bodied smoke with flavors of dried fruit, toasted nuts, and a subtle sweetness that builds in the final third. The Maduro expressions, such as the Maduro Robusto, add dark cocoa, espresso, and a touch of molasses, while maintaining the same earthy foundation. The Lancero format, with its higher wrapper-to-filler ratio, amplifies the wrapper's influence, offering a more pronounced spice and a creamier texture. Strength ranges from medium (in the Corona, Lonsdale, Natural Toro, and Petit Corona) to medium-full (in the Belicoso, Churchill, Gran Toro, Maduro Robusto, Robusto, and Torpedo), but even the stronger vitolas remain balanced, with the pepper fading into a long, leathery finish.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Petit Corona is an ideal entry point. At $6–$9, it's the most affordable in the lineup, and its medium strength is approachable without being overwhelming. Expect flavors of cedar, mild leather, and a touch of dried fruit, with a gentle white pepper tingle on the nose. The smaller ring gauge and 4.5-inch length keep the smoking time to around 45 minutes, making it a perfect introduction to the Lot 23 character.

Perdomo Lot 23 Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Perdomo Lot 23 cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Gran Toro, Medium-Full · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium · $6–$9 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $9–$13 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Perdomo Lot 23 cigars made?

Perdomo Lot 23 cigars are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Perdomo's own Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. factory (also known as the TESA factory). This is the same facility where all Perdomo cigars are produced, under the direct supervision of the Perdomo family.

What is Perdomo Lot 23 known for?

Perdomo Lot 23 is known for being a fully Nicaraguan puro, using only tobaccos grown on Perdomo's own farms. It was introduced in 2007 to celebrate the family's 23 years in the cigar business, and it has become a benchmark for accessible, high-quality Nicaraguan cigars. The line is also notable for its dual Natural and Maduro wrapper options, each offering a distinct take on the same core blend.

Are Perdomo Lot 23 cigars strong?

Perdomo Lot 23 cigars range from medium to medium-full in strength. The Corona, Lonsdale, Natural Toro, and Petit Corona are medium-bodied, while the Belicoso, Churchill, Gran Toro, Maduro Robusto, Robusto, and Torpedo are medium-full. The Maduro expressions tend to feel slightly stronger due to the darker wrapper, but none are overpowering.

What is the best Perdomo Lot 23 cigar for beginners?

The Petit Corona is the best choice for beginners. It's the mildest and most affordable in the lineup, with a medium strength that won't overwhelm. Its smaller size also means a shorter commitment, making it perfect for those new to the brand or to cigars in general.

How much do Perdomo Lot 23 cigars cost?

Perdomo Lot 23 cigars range from $6 to $14 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petit Corona is the most affordable at $6–$9, while the Belicoso, Churchill, and Lancero sit at the top end at $10–$14. Most other sizes fall in the $8–$13 range.

What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 use?

Perdomo Lot 23 is offered in two wrapper expressions: Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) and Nicaraguan Maduro. The Natural wrapper is a sun-grown leaf from the Jalapa Valley, while the Maduro is a darker, aged version of the same tobacco. Some vitolas are available in both, while others are offered in only one expression.

Are Perdomo Lot 23 cigars Cuban?

No, Perdomo Lot 23 cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Perdomo's Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. factory. They are a Nicaraguan puro, meaning all tobacco is grown in Nicaragua, and they have no connection to Cuba.

Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 cigars?

Perdomo Lot 23 cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar cigar shops, as well as online retailers such as Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. They are also often found in cigar subscription boxes and samplers. Always ensure you're buying from a reputable retailer to guarantee authenticity.