AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro is a study in quiet confidence—a cigar that doesn’t need to shout to prove its worth. In a market flooded with over-hyped blends and gimmicky releases, this is Perdomo’s answer to the question: what happens when you take four-year-aged Nicaraguan tobacco, wrap it in a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf, and price it for the everyday smoker? The result is a cigar that feels like a well-tailored suit—understated, precise, and effortlessly elegant. From the first cold draw, there’s a promise of cream and subtle sweetness, a prelude to the symphony of restraint that follows.
Lighting up, the first third unfolds with a clean, creamy profile that’s almost pastoral in its simplicity. Fresh cream and toasted bread lead the charge, with a whisper of white pepper dancing on the retrohale—just enough to remind you this is Nicaraguan tobacco at heart. Within the first inch, a delicate floral note emerges from the wrapper, like wildflowers brushing against a cedar fence. The smoke is voluminous and soft, coating the palate with a gentle, almost buttery texture. It’s a morning smoke that feels like a deep breath of fresh air, uncomplicated yet far from boring.
As the second third begins, the cigar’s body fills out with a quiet confidence. Roasted cashew and light vanilla bean take center stage, while a grassy sweetness lingers in the background, evoking memories of sun-drenched meadows. The Nicaraguan binder and filler start to assert themselves, introducing a mild earthiness and a quiet peppery backbone that adds depth without disrupting the smooth character. This is where the Lot 23 reveals its craftsmanship—the balance is impeccable, each note finding its place in the ensemble without overpowering the others. It’s a masterclass in restraint, a blend that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything more.
The final third transitions gracefully, returning to a warm creaminess with hints of toasted almond and a touch of hay. The strength remains restrained, never spiking into harsh nicotine territory, and the draw stays consistent through the nub. A light, pleasant cedar and mineral note lingers on the palate, a subtle reminder of the journey you’ve just taken. The construction is flawless—a firm, dense white ash holds for over an inch, and the burn is even from foot to cap. This is Perdomo doing what it does best: delivering a cigar that overdelivers on value, offering a smooth, composed smoking experience that’s as honest as it is enjoyable. It’s not a cigar that demands your full philosophical attention, but it rewards those who take the time to appreciate its quiet brilliance.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf blend — Jalapa and Estelí primings, aged minimum four years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of four years prior to rolling — a Perdomo house standard across the Lot 23 line |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a clean, creamy profile — fresh cream, toasted bread, and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. A subtle floral note emerges from the Connecticut wrapper within the first inch, complemented by mild cedar.
Second Third
The body fills out slightly with notes of roasted cashew, light vanilla bean, and a gentle grassy sweetness. The Nicaraguan binder and filler begin asserting themselves with a mild earthiness and a quiet peppery backbone without disrupting the smooth character.
Final Third
The finish transitions toward warm creaminess with a hint of toasted almond and a touch of hay. Strength remains restrained — no harsh nicotine spike — and the draw stays consistent through the nub. A light, pleasant cedar and mineral note lingers on the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably solid given Perdomo's factory discipline — burns even with a firm, dense white ash that holds an inch or more. Draw is open and effortless, producing voluminous, creamy smoke without any plugging.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Light aged rum — Diplomatico Mantuano or Flor de Caña 7 Year; alternatively a smooth wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 that won't steamroll the delicate Connecticut wrapper
Wine
Unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or a Viognier from the Rhône — the wine's stone fruit and cream align beautifully with the cigar's vanilla and floral notes
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast single-origin Ethiopian pour-over or a lightly sweetened Colombian café con leche — the fruity acidity and cream complement without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel, a 34-year-old software developer who’s been smoking cigars for about two years. He started with machine-mades and has recently begun exploring premium hand-rolled options, but he’s still intimidated by the heavy-hitting, full-bodied monsters that dominate his local lounge’s humidor. On a lazy Sunday morning, after a hearty breakfast of huevos rancheros and a cup of Ethiopian pour-over, Daniel wants something that won’t knock him out before noon. He’s looking for a cigar that’s approachable yet satisfying—something that won’t punish him if he smokes too fast or takes a few minutes to answer a text. The Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro is his perfect companion: mild enough to ease him into the day, but with enough complexity to keep his palate engaged. It’s the cigar that makes him feel like he belongs in the lounge, without the pressure to dissect every note. By the time he reaches the nub, he’s already planning his next purchase.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro is a masterclass in approachable excellence—a cigar that proves you don’t need to sacrifice quality for affordability. It’s a must-have for anyone who appreciates a smooth, well-constructed smoke that delivers every time.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro a strong cigar?
No, it’s rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. This means it provides a gentle, smooth smoking experience with no harsh nicotine spike, making it ideal for morning or early-afternoon sessions. Even for newer smokers, the strength is unlikely to cause any discomfort.
What does Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through the smoke: the first third offers fresh cream, toasted bread, white pepper, and a subtle floral note. The second third introduces roasted cashew, light vanilla bean, and a grassy sweetness with mild earthiness. The final third brings warm cream, toasted almond, hay, and a lingering cedar and mineral note.
How long does Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro take to smoke?
Given its Toro vitola and 6 x 60 size, expect a smoking time of approximately 60–75 minutes. The open draw and even burn make it a leisurely smoke, perfect for a relaxed weekend morning or a long lunch break.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro?
A light aged rum like Diplomatico Mantuano or Flor de Caña 7 Year is an excellent choice, as its subtle sweetness and smoothness complement the cigar’s vanilla and floral notes without overpowering them. Alternatively, a wheated bourbon like Maker’s Mark 46 works well for those who prefer whiskey.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro good for beginners?
Absolutely. With its Mild-Medium strength and approachable flavor profile, it’s an ideal gateway cigar for those transitioning from machine-mades. The price point of $8–$12 per cigar also makes it a low-risk investment for newcomers exploring premium hand-rolled options.
Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar cigar shops, as well as online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Since it’s a consistent production line, it’s widely available and rarely out of stock.
What is the price of Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro typically retails for $8–$12 per cigar, making it an excellent value for a hand-rolled, four-year-aged Nicaraguan blend. Some retailers may offer discounts on boxes of 20, bringing the per-stick cost down further.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of four years prior to rolling, this cigar is designed to be enjoyed fresh. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate and may lose some of its subtle floral and creamy notes with extended aging. It’s best smoked within a year or two of purchase to experience its intended profile.
What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is pale golden straw in color and silky with a light toothy texture. This wrapper is known for contributing creamy, floral, and slightly sweet notes, while keeping the overall strength mild and approachable.
Where is Perdomo Lot 23 Connecticut Toro made?
It’s hand-rolled at Perdomo’s own factory (TPNF) in Estelí, Nicaragua. This gives the brand full control over construction and quality, ensuring a consistent, well-built cigar every time.