AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill is a study in patience, a cigar that asks you to slow down and appreciate the quiet confidence of tobaccos that have waited half a decade to meet your flame. It arrives in the hand with a heft that feels substantial, not cumbersome, and the pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet earth and hay, a promise of the depth to come. This is not a cigar that shouts for attention; it earns it through a slow, deliberate unraveling of flavor that feels less like a performance and more like a conversation with an old friend who happens to be exceptionally well-traveled.
From the first light, the profile is anchored by a toasted cedar plank that carries a faint, sweet resin, immediately joined by a roasted espresso note that is dark but not bitter, like the last sip of a pour-over that has cooled to perfection. A light cream coats the palate on the retrohale, softening the edges of a white pepper that announces itself with a tingle rather than a burn. Beneath it all, a foundational earthiness from the Jalapa leaf grounds the experience, a reminder that this is a Nicaraguan puro with a clear sense of place. The burn is razor-sharp from the outset, and the ash, a pale grey, holds with a stubborn integrity that speaks to the roll.
As the Churchill settles into its second act, the narrative deepens. The cedar recedes slightly, making way for a dark cocoa that is more powdered than molten, its bitterness balanced by a dried fruit sweetness—raisin and fig—that emerges like a hidden memory. A subtle leather note, soft and supple, weaves through the retrohale, adding a savory complexity that keeps the smoke from becoming one-dimensional. The creaminess of the opening transforms into a distinct toasted almond nuttiness, while the white pepper mellows into a warm, enveloping spice that lingers on the finish. This is the heart of the cigar, where the aged tobaccos from Estelí and Condega begin to sing in harmony, each note distinct yet perfectly blended.
The final third is a bold, satisfying crescendo. The strength, which has been building steadily, now asserts itself as a firm medium-full, a gentle pressure rather than a forceful push. The flavors turn darker and more brooding: a rich, dark roast coffee takes center stage, its bitterness tempered by a molasses-tinged sweetness that clings to the lips. The cedar and earth return for a final bow, their presence more pronounced and resinous than before, leaving a long, lingering finish that is both savory and sweet. The cigar never loses its composure, never becomes harsh or acrid, a testament to the five years of aging that have smoothed the rough edges and allowed the true character of the tobacco to shine. It ends not with a whimper, but with a resonant, satisfying final note that invites you to sit back and reflect on the journey you've just taken.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro — offered in both expressions — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, aged a minimum of 5 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 7 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 5 years prior to rolling, a hallmark of the Lot 23 line |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a refined blend of toasted cedar, roasted espresso, and light cream on the retrohale. White pepper announces itself on the draw without aggression, and a foundational earthiness from Jalapa tobacco grounds the profile immediately.
Second Third
Complexity ramps up considerably — dark cocoa, dried fruit (raisin, fig), and a subtle leather note weave together. The creaminess from the first third transitions into a nuttiness, reminiscent of toasted almonds, while the pepper softens into a warm spice.
Final Third
The final act turns bolder and fuller-bodied, with dark roast coffee, molasses-tinged sweetness, and a lingering cedar and earth finish. Strength builds to medium-full but never overcomes the refined character Perdomo's long aging imparts.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is characteristically solid for Perdomo — the draw is open and effortless, the burn line even with minimal need for touch-ups, and the ash holds firm in long columns of light grey.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A medium-aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12-year, or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — both complement the cocoa and dried fruit notes without overwhelming
Wine
A fruit-forward Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, or a Rioja Reserva — the dark fruit and soft tannin structure mirror the cigar's mid-palate
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a medium-roast Ethiopian pour-over — the bright acidity of the coffee plays beautifully against the cedar and cocoa spine
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has cut their teeth on milder blends and is ready to understand what a well-aged Nicaraguan puro can truly offer, but isn't yet ready to wrestle with a full-throttle powerhouse. Picture a weekend afternoon, the chores are done, and you have a clear 90 minutes before dinner. You're someone who appreciates the ritual—the careful cut, the even toast—and you're looking for a smoke that will reward your attention without demanding it. You've enjoyed the creaminess of a Connecticut shade, but you find yourself craving more depth, more earth, more of that distinct Nicaraguan terroir. This cigar will give you a masterclass in balance, showing you how strength and finesse can coexist, and it will leave you feeling satisfied, not overwhelmed, with a newfound respect for what patience can achieve.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill is a masterclass in accessible complexity, delivering a refined and engaging smoke that belies its modest price point. It is a must-try for any smoker seeking a flavorful, well-constructed Churchill that showcases the best of Nicaraguan tobacco without breaking the bank.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo Lot 23 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on our strength scale. This means you will feel a satisfying nicotine presence and a building body, particularly in the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering. The five-year aging process smooths out the strength, making it a robust yet refined experience suitable for a smoker with some experience.
What does Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill taste like?
The flavor profile evolves significantly. The first third offers toasted cedar, roasted espresso, and light cream with a white pepper tingle. The second third introduces dark cocoa, raisin and fig sweetness, and a soft leather note, alongside toasted almonds. The final third is bolder, with dark roast coffee, molasses sweetness, and a lingering cedar and earth finish.
How long does Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill take to smoke?
Given its Churchill vitola and 7 x 50 dimensions, you should set aside approximately 90 minutes to fully enjoy this cigar. It is a slow-burning format that rewards a leisurely pace, so plan for a dedicated session rather than a quick smoke.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill?
A medium-aged Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña 12-year is an excellent choice. Its inherent sweetness and notes of caramel and oak complement the cigar's cocoa and dried fruit flavors without overpowering them. Alternatively, a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 will bring out the toasted almond and vanilla notes.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill good for beginners?
While it is a premium, well-crafted cigar, its Medium-Full strength may be challenging for a novice. The nicotine and body build noticeably in the final third. A beginner would be better served starting with a milder Connecticut shade wrapper. However, an adventurous smoker with a few cigars under their belt will find it an excellent step up in complexity.
Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill?
This is a widely available premium cigar. You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, as well as major online cigar retailers. Given its popularity, it is rarely hard to source, but checking a few reputable online shops will ensure you find the best price.
What is the price of Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill is priced between $10 and $14 per cigar. This price point positions it as a premium offering, but one that delivers exceptional value given the five-year aged tobaccos and consistent construction.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of five years prior to rolling, this cigar can benefit from additional rest in your humidor. A year or two of aging may further meld the flavors and soften the pepper, but it is already highly enjoyable upon purchase. The blend is balanced enough that it won't fall apart with time, but it is not a cigar that requires extensive cellaring to be appreciated.
What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill use?
This cigar is offered in two wrapper expressions: a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) which is a medium-brown Colorado color with a silky texture and subtle tooth, and a Nicaraguan Maduro which is a dark espresso brown and lightly oily. Both wrappers are grown in Nicaragua and contribute distinct flavor profiles—the Natural offering more cedar and pepper, the Maduro providing deeper cocoa and earth notes.
Where is Perdomo Lot 23 Churchill made?
It is hand-rolled at Perdomo's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This is the heart of the company's production, where they control the entire process from their own estate tobaccos to the final roll, ensuring a high level of quality and consistency.