AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is a cigar that speaks with the quiet authority of a vine-aged reserve — a release that embodies the maturation of an idea as much as it does a tobacco leaf. The ESV designation, standing for Estate-Selección Vintage, is not a marketing flourish but a declaration of provenance: these tobaccos were grown on Perdomo’s own estates in the Jalapa Valley, harvested in the landmark 2002 season, and then aged a minimum of three years before ever reaching the roller’s bench. That 2002 vintage, prized by Perdomo’s field masters for the density and aromatic complexity of the Jalapa leaf, sets the stage for a cigar that feels less like a production blend and more like a solera release — a snapshot of a specific time and place in Nicaraguan terroir. The Epicure vitola, a short 5.5-inch by 56-ring gauge format, is a deliberate construction choice: the wide ring concentrates the filler core, which includes a substantial proportion of ligero, ensuring that combustion proceeds slowly and evenly, drawing out the full arc of the blend’s development. Once lit, the cigar announces itself with a commanding profile of roasted espresso, dark earth, and cedar — a textbook Nicaraguan entry, but executed with unusual refinement. As the ash lengthens, the complexity deepens: leather and dark molasses take the lead, while a creamy texture cushions the palate, and dried fig and dark chocolate add ballast. By the final third, the strength climbs to the upper end of medium-full, yet remains balanced, finishing with a lingering bittersweet cocoa and aged-rum sweetness that rewards the smoker’s patience. This is not a cigar for the hurried or the distracted; it demands, and repays, a full 60 to 75 minutes of unhurried attention. The ESV 2002 line stands as one of Perdomo’s most serious statements — a vintage-dated, estate-grown expression that proves Nicaragua’s terroir can stand shoulder to shoulder with the great traditions of Cuba. The Epicure vitola, often overlooked by those who gravitate toward longer formats, is perhaps the most compelling size in the lineup: that 56-ring gauge opens the blend beautifully, allowing the ligero core to breathe while still delivering the concentration that vintage-aged leaf deserves. At a retail price ranging from $12 to $16, it represents a significant value in the premium tier — a cigar that smokes well above its price class. If you find it at the lower end of that range, the advice is simple: stock up.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Jalapa Valley) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos from Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega, aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Epicure |
| Size | 5.5 x 56 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years; the ESV designation (Estate-Selección Vintage) indicates estate-grown and vintage-da |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers dark cocoa and dried cherry. Once lit, the first third opens with a commanding blend of roasted espresso, dark earth, and cedar — a classic Nicaraguan introduction. Subtle notes of toasted walnut and white pepper emerge at the retrohale.
Second Third
Complexity deepens considerably as leather and dark molasses move to the forefront alongside a persistent cedar backbone. A creamy texture coats the palate, and the pepper notes mellow into a warming spice, while dried fig and a hint of dark chocolate add body to the profile.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with rich espresso and leather doubling down, joined by a distinctive earthy sweetness reminiscent of aged rum barrel and dark caramel. Strength climbs to the upper end of medium-full without becoming harsh, finishing long and satisfying with a lingering bittersweet cocoa note.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is characteristically tight and precise for a Perdomo ESV — the draw is effortless, producing dense, white smoke. The burn line is largely self-correcting with a firm, slow-building ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year or a single-barrel bourbon like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof — both complement the dark earth and molasses notes without overpowering the cigar's complexity.
Wine
A Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva or a Malbec from Mendoza — the dark fruit and cedar in the wine echo the cigar's mid-palate without clashing.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark roast Guatemalan or Nicaraguan single-origin coffee — the shared terroir with the tobacco creates an almost symbiotic pairing.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is built for the experienced enthusiast who values provenance, complexity, and a deliberate smoking pace. It will reward the smoker who has developed a palate for Nicaraguan terroir — particularly the earthy, espresso-driven character of Jalapa leaf — and who appreciates the nuanced interplay of leather, molasses, and dark fruit that emerges across the three thirds. Intermediate smokers who are comfortable with medium-full strength and have some experience with larger ring gauges will also find it accessible, provided they approach it with the time it deserves. This is not a cigar for a quick break or a casual evening on the go; it demands a dedicated 60- to 75-minute session — best reserved for an unhurried afternoon or evening when you can sit, sip, and let the smoke unfold. If you are a collector of vintage-dated releases or a fan of Perdomo’s estate-grown lines, this vitola belongs in your rotation.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is a masterclass in vintage-dated, estate-grown Nicaraguan blending — complex, balanced, and stunningly refined for its price point. It delivers a smoking experience that rivals far more expensive offerings and rewards the patient smolder with a finish that lingers long after the ash is tapped. Buy it with confidence, smoke it with purpose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure a strong cigar?
Yes, the Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is rated medium-full on the strength scale (4/5). The concentration is significant, particularly in the final third, but it remains balanced and never harsh — suitable for experienced smokers who enjoy a robust profile without overwhelming intensity.
What does Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through three distinct acts. The first third delivers roasted espresso, dark earth, cedar, toasted walnut, and white pepper. The second third introduces leather, dark molasses, dried fig, and dark chocolate with a creamy texture. The final third intensifies with aged-rum sweetness, dark caramel, rich espresso, and a lingering bittersweet cocoa finish.
How long does Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure take to smoke?
The Epicure vitola (5.5 x 56) is designed for a dedicated smoking session of 60 to 75 minutes. The wide ring gauge and dense filler construction encourage a slow, patient pace — do not rush this cigar.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure?
For spirits, aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year or a single-barrel bourbon like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof complements the dark earth and molasses notes. For wine, a Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva or a Mendoza Malbec echoes the cigar's dark fruit and cedar. For non-alcoholic, a double espresso or dark roast Guatemalan or Nicaraguan single-origin coffee creates an almost symbiotic pairing through shared terroir.
Is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure good for beginners?
This cigar is best suited for experienced to intermediate smokers. The medium-full strength and complex flavor progression can overwhelm a novice palate, and the 56-ring gauge requires some technique to keep burning evenly. Beginners should start with a milder, smaller ring-gauge cigar before approaching this blend.
Where can I buy Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure?
Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, that carry the Perdomo portfolio. We recommend checking with trusted retailers like Famous Smoke Shop, Cigar.com, or your local tobacconist. Due to the vintage-date nature, availability may vary by season.
What is the price of Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure?
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is priced in the premium tier, typically ranging from $12 to $16 per cigar. At the lower end of this range, it represents exceptional value for a vintage-dated, estate-grown cigar.
Is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure worth aging?
Yes, the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, but the blend's structure — particularly the ligero-rich filler and the oily, toothy Colorado wrapper — suggests it can continue to evolve gracefully for another 2–4 years in a stable humidor. Additional age will likely soften the pepper and deepen the sweetness, though it is already highly enjoyable upon release.
What wrapper does Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure use?
The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown leaf from the Jalapa Valley, finished in a Colorado shade (rich toffee-brown with a light oil sheen and fine tooth). The Colorado wrapper is a hallmark of the ESV line, adding both color and flavor depth.
Where is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure made?
Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is hand-rolled at Perdomo's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, using Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers from Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega, with a Jalapa-grown binder and the signature Colorado wrapper from the same valley.