AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is a cigar that speaks in a language of deliberate, unhurried intensity. It arrives in the hand with a weight that promises substance—a 5.5 x 56 format that feels like a coiled statement rather than a casual smoke. The wrapper, a Jalapa Valley sun-grown leaf the color of polished toffee, is lightly oily and finely toothed, hinting at the richness within. This is not a cigar that whispers; it opens with a firm handshake of roasted espresso and dark earth, a classic Nicaraguan declaration that sets the tone for a session of deepening complexity. The cold draw offers a sweet prelude of dark cocoa and dried cherry, a promise of the layered sweetness that will emerge later, but the first light is all about power and place—a commanding blend of cedar and walnut that anchors the smoke in the terroir of Estelí. The retrohale introduces white pepper, a sharp, clean note that cuts through the richness and keeps the palate alert. This is a cigar that demands attention from the first puff, not through aggression, but through sheer presence. As the first third settles, the pepper mellows into a warm, enveloping spice, and the profile begins to shift. The second third is where the ESV 2002 Epicure reveals its true character. Leather and dark molasses move to the forefront, wrapping around the persistent cedar backbone like a well-worn jacket. The texture turns creamy, coating the palate with a luxurious mouthfeel that carries notes of dried fig and dark chocolate. This is the heart of the cigar, where the blend's maturity—those tobaccos aged for a minimum of three years—becomes evident. The flavors are not just layered; they are integrated, each note supporting the next in a seamless progression. The pepper, once sharp, now warms like a slow-burning ember, adding depth without overwhelming. The final third is a masterclass in resolution. The espresso and leather return with renewed vigor, but now they are joined by a distinctive earthy sweetness that evokes aged rum barrels and dark caramel. The strength climbs to the upper end of medium-full, a satisfying crescendo that never tips into harshness. The finish is long and contemplative, leaving a lingering bittersweet cocoa note that invites reflection. Throughout, the construction is impeccable—a draw that is effortless, producing dense, white smoke, and a burn line that self-corrects with a firm, slow-building ash. This is a cigar that rewards patience, each third unfolding like a well-structured narrative. The ESV 2002 line is Perdomo's tribute to a landmark vintage, and the Epicure vitola, with its wide ring gauge, is the perfect vehicle for showcasing the blend's depth. It is a serious cigar for serious moments, a reminder that Nicaragua's tobacco can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's best.
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?
This is for the smoker who has graduated beyond the search for novelty and now seeks depth—someone who has spent years exploring the broad spectrum of Nicaraguan puros and has developed a palate for the subtle distinctions between Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega leaf. Picture a collector with a humidor full of vintage-dated releases, who appreciates the story behind the blend as much as the smoke itself. They are settling into a leather armchair on a cool autumn evening, with no pressing engagements, ready to dedicate a full hour to a single cigar. They have enjoyed the complexity of a Padrón 1964 Anniversary or the earthy power of a My Father Le Bijou, and they are looking for something that offers both refinement and a sense of occasion. This cigar will give them a journey—a slow, deliberate evolution from bold opening to sweet, contemplative finish—that rewards their patience and their palate. It is not for the rushed or the distracted; it is for the connoisseur who understands that the best smokes are those that ask for time and give back memory.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure is a masterful expression of Nicaraguan terroir, offering a complex, rewarding smoke that punches well above its price point. For the seasoned enthusiast seeking a serious, contemplative session, this is an essential addition to the rotation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on our strength scale. You will feel a satisfying nicotine presence that builds through the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering. The strength is balanced by the creamy texture and sweet notes, making it approachable for experienced smokers but not recommended for those sensitive to nicotine.
What does Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure taste like?
The flavor profile evolves significantly across the smoke. The first third opens with roasted espresso, dark earth, cedar, toasted walnut, and white pepper on the retrohale. The second third introduces leather, dark molasses, dried fig, and dark chocolate, with a creamy texture. The final third intensifies with espresso, leather, aged rum barrel sweetness, dark caramel, and a lingering bittersweet cocoa note.
How long does Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure take to smoke?
Given its Epicure vitola (5.5 x 56), you should set aside 60 to 75 minutes for a relaxed session. The wide ring gauge and dense tobacco burn slowly, so do not rush it—this cigar rewards a leisurely pace.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure?
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year is an ideal match. Its dark molasses and oak notes complement the cigar's earthy sweetness and leather without overpowering the palate. Alternatively, a single-barrel bourbon like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof adds a warming spice that echoes the cigar's pepper notes.
Is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. With a Medium-Full strength rating and a price point of $12–$16 per cigar, it is best suited for smokers with some experience who can appreciate its complexity and have developed a tolerance for nicotine. Beginners should start with milder, more affordable options before approaching this blend.
Where can I buy Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure?
You can find this cigar at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists, online cigar retailers like Cigar.com or Famous Smoke Shop, and occasionally at high-end cigar lounges. Since it is a premium, limited-production line, availability may vary, so checking multiple sources or signing up for stock alerts is recommended.
What is the price of Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure?
The Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure typically retails between $12 and $16 per cigar. At the lower end of that range, it offers exceptional value for the quality, so if you find it for around $12, consider stocking up.
Is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, and the ESV designation indicates estate-grown, vintage-dated leaf from the 2002 growing season. This cigar has the structure and balance to benefit from additional aging—expect the pepper to mellow further and the sweet, rum-like notes to deepen over 2–3 years in a humidor.
What wrapper does Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown wrapper from the Jalapa Valley, with a Colorado color. This wrapper contributes a rich toffee-brown appearance, light oil, and fine tooth, and imparts notes of dark earth, cedar, and a subtle sweetness that underpins the entire blend.
Where is Perdomo ESV 2002 Epicure made?
It is hand-rolled at Perdomo's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, with long-leaf tobaccos sourced from Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega, ensuring a true expression of Nicaraguan terroir.