AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso that announces itself before the first draw. This is not a cigar that shouts for attention with aggressive spice or novelty; it is a study in patience, a blend that rewards the smoker who understands that the best Nicaraguan tobacco is not merely grown, but earned. The sun-grown wrapper, a Colorado-hued leaf with a fine tooth, feels like aged leather under the fingertips, and the belicoso tip promises a focused delivery of everything beneath it. This is the cigar Nick Perdomo built to mark twenty-three years in the trade, and it smokes like a man reflecting on a career well spent—measured, deliberate, and utterly sure of itself.
The pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet cedar and dried fig, a hint of cocoa that suggests richness without revealing the depth to come. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a dense espresso shot that anchors the palate, while toasted almond and a creamy vanilla-like sweetness weave through the smoke. The pepper is present but polite—a warm, tingling sensation on the retrohale that sharpens the senses without ever turning harsh. The ash holds firm, a pale grey column that speaks to the integrity of the roll, and the smoke itself is thick and white, coating the mouth with a texture that feels almost velvety. This is a cigar that demands you slow down, and it rewards the pause with layers of flavor that build like a slow tide.
By the second third, the narrative deepens. The espresso core remains, but now it is joined by a supple leather note and a dark cherry sweetness that cuts through the earthiness with a bright, almost tart edge. A molasses undertone emerges, rounding out the profile into something dessert-like, yet never cloying. The belicoso cap begins to work its magic here, concentrating the smoke as it passes through the narrowed tip, sharpening the spice and introducing a faint dried herbaceousness—think oregano and thyme—that adds a savory counterpoint to the sweetness. The balance is remarkable; each element seems to take its turn in the spotlight, then gracefully steps back to let another shine.
The final third is where the Lot 23 reveals its true maturity. The espresso deepens into a dark roast, the oak turns charred and smoky, and the chocolate shifts from milk to a bittersweet 70% cocoa. The fruit sweetness recedes, replaced by a more austere, contemplative bitterness that lingers on the finish alongside cedar and a touch of leather. There is no harshness, no ammonia, no bitter collapse—just a long, satisfying fade that leaves the palate clean and wanting more. This is the hallmark of properly aged leaf, and it is on full display here. The construction remains flawless to the nub, a testament to the factory's exacting standards, and the final inch burns cool and true. This is a cigar that tells a complete story from first light to last, and it is a story worth hearing again and again.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, aged a minimum of 3 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Belicoso |
| Size | 6.5 x 54 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years prior to rolling; finished cigars receive additional box-aging before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cedar, dried fruit, and a hint of cocoa. Upon lighting, the first third delivers rich espresso, toasted almonds, and a creamy sweetness layered over a foundation of dark earth. Pepper is present but measured — a warm spice on the retrohale rather than aggressive heat.
Second Third
Complexity builds considerably in the second third as leather and dark cherry emerge alongside the espresso core. A subtle molasses note develops, giving the blend a round, almost dessert-like quality. The tapered belicoso cap begins to concentrate flavors through the tip, sharpening the spice and adding dried herbs to the profile.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with deepened espresso, charred oak, and dark chocolate. The sweetness transitions from fruit-driven to more bittersweet cocoa territory. The finish is long and satisfying — lingering cedar and a touch of leather without any harshness, a hallmark of properly aged Perdomo leaf.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is impeccable, as expected from Tabacalera Perdomo's quality control standards — the belicoso tip lights evenly and the burn line stays ruler-straight throughout. Draw is ideal: effortless with dense, white smoke production and a firm, slow-building ash that holds to an inch or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 12 or 18 Year), or a wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 — the sweetness of either complements the cigar's cocoa and dried fruit notes without fighting the earthy core.
Wine
A Priorat or a bold Grenache-based Châteauneuf-du-Pape — the earthy minerality and dark fruit of these wines mirror the cigar's mid-palate beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a cold-brew coffee with a touch of raw cane sugar — amplifies the cigar's natural roast and cocoa notes without masking complexity.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has graduated from the chase for novelty and now seeks depth. Picture a man in his late forties, a veteran of the hobby who has a humidor full of rare finds but finds himself reaching for the same five cigars. It is a Sunday evening in late autumn, the light is fading, and he has a glass of Flor de Caña 18 at his side. He wants a smoke that will not demand his attention but will reward it when given. He already enjoys the earthy power of Padrón and the refinement of Arturo Fuente, but he is tired of the premium price tags. The Lot 23 Belicoso offers him a familiar Nicaraguan soul with a polish that feels like a secret handshake. It is a cigar for the man who knows that patience is a flavor, and who is willing to sit for ninety minutes to taste it.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso is a masterclass in aged Nicaraguan tobacco, delivering a complexity that rivals cigars twice its price. It is a contemplative, rewarding smoke that belongs in every serious humidor. Buy a box; you will not regret it.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo Lot 23 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5), which means it delivers a satisfying nicotine kick and a rich, weighty body, but it is not a palate-numbing powerhouse. The strength builds gradually, with the pepper and spice intensifying in the second third, but it never becomes harsh or overwhelming. It is a strength that complements the flavor rather than dominating it.
What does Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso taste like?
The flavor journey begins with sweet cedar, dried fruit, and cocoa on the cold draw, then opens with rich espresso, toasted almonds, and a creamy sweetness. The second third introduces leather, dark cherry, and a subtle molasses note, while the final third deepens into charred oak, dark chocolate, and a bittersweet cocoa finish with lingering cedar and leather.
How long does Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso take to smoke?
Given its belicoso vitola and 6.5 x 54 size, you should set aside 90 to 100 minutes for a full, unhurried session. The tapered head concentrates the draw, which can slow the burn slightly, and the dense filler requires a patient smoking pace to fully appreciate the evolving flavors.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso?
An aged Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña 12 or 18 Year is the ideal companion. The rum's inherent sweetness from sugarcane aging mirrors the cigar's cocoa and dried fruit notes, while its own earthy, oaky undertones complement the espresso and leather core without fighting for attention. A wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 also works beautifully for the same reason.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso good for beginners?
It is not the best starting point. The Medium-Full strength and the depth of flavor can be challenging for a novice palate that is still learning to identify individual notes. The $10–$14 price point also makes it a more significant investment than a starter cigar. A beginner would be better served by a milder, more forgiving blend before graduating to this level of complexity.
Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso?
This is a premium, limited-annual-release cigar, so your best bet is a well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconist that carries Perdomo's full line. Online retailers like Famous Smoke Shop, Cigar International, or Neptune Cigar are also reliable sources, but be aware that the limited batches can sell out quickly, so you may need to check availability periodically.
What is the price of Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso typically retails for $10 to $14 per cigar. This places it firmly in the premium tier, but its complexity and construction quality make it a significant value when compared to other cigars in the $15–$20 range.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso worth aging?
Yes, but with a caveat. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years before rolling, and the finished cigars receive additional box-aging before release, so they are ready to smoke upon purchase. However, the sun-grown wrapper and the balance of the blend suggest that another 1–3 years of humidor rest will allow the flavors to further integrate and the pepper to mellow, revealing even more of the underlying sweetness and earth.
What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) wrapper in a Colorado shade, which is a medium brown leaf with a silky texture and a slight toothiness. This wrapper is grown in Nicaragua and contributes a touch of natural sweetness, a subtle spice, and a rich, earthy character that forms the backbone of the cigar's profile.
Where is Perdomo Lot 23 Belicoso made?
It is hand-rolled at Tabacalera Perdomo, the company's own factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This is a significant detail, as it means the entire process—from growing the tobacco to rolling the final cigar—is controlled by the Perdomo family, ensuring a level of quality and consistency that is a hallmark of their production.