AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona represents a deliberate and admirable defiance of the conventional wisdom that age costs money. In an era where the premium cigar market is glutted with young, aggressively priced blends, Nick Perdomo’s Lot 23 line stands as a quiet monument to patience. The premise is elegantly simple: take a core of Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos from the three pillars of the country’s growing regions—Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega—age them for a minimum of five years, then wrap them in a choice of two distinct Nicaraguan wrappers: a silky, medium-brown Sun Grown Natural or a dark, lightly oily Maduro. The result is a cigar that, at a price point of between eight and twelve dollars, offers a depth and refinement typically reserved for blends commanding twice the tariff. This is not a cigar that relies on novelty or flashy marketing. It is a cigar that trusts its tobacco to tell the story, and it does so with a quiet, measured confidence. The corona vitola, at 5.5 inches by a 44-ring gauge, is arguably the most focused expression of the blend. The smaller ring gauge concentrates the smoke, intensifying the interplay between the regions’ terroirs and the wrappers’ contributions. The Natural wrapper yields a profile that opens with toasted cedar and mild earth, underpinned by a clean, creamy sweetness. A hint of roasted nuts emerges quickly, with gentle floral notes on the retrohale. The Maduro counterpart leans into darker territory: dried cocoa, aged leather, and a subtle caramel sweetness that builds on a creamy base. Both versions share a structural integrity that speaks to Perdomo’s factory in Estelí, where construction is consistently excellent. The burn line is razor-even, the draw open but not loose, and the ash a firm, light grey that holds for over an inch. In the second third, the corona’s smaller ring gauge concentrates the smoke, intensifying the earthy and slightly spicy character of the Jalapa tobacco. The final third tightens into dark espresso, dried herbs, and a pleasant black pepper spice on the finish. The strength builds modestly but stays within medium bounds. This is a cigar that asks for nothing more than a quiet moment and a clear palate. It is the kind of release that reminds the enthusiast that value and quality are not mutually exclusive—they are merely rare, and worth celebrating.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro — line offered in both — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos aged a minimum of 5 years from Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega regions |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | All tobaccos in the Lot 23 line are aged a minimum of 5 years before rolling, a hallmark of Nick Perdomo's philosophy |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The corona opens with toasted cedar and mild earth, underpinned by a clean, creamy sweetness characteristic of well-aged Nicaraguan leaf. A hint of roasted nuts emerges quickly, with gentle floral notes on the retrohale.
Second Third
The mid-section develops more complexity — aged leather, dried cocoa, and a subtle caramel sweetness build on the creamy base. The burn slows slightly as the smaller ring gauge concentrates the smoke, intensifying the earthy and slightly spicy Jalapa tobacco character.
Final Third
The final third tightens into dark espresso, dried herbs, and a pleasant black pepper spice on the finish. Strength builds modestly but stays within medium bounds; the long finish lingers with toasted oak and a touch of molasses.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction on the Lot 23 Corona is reliably excellent — Perdomo's factory quality control shows in a razor-even burn line and a draw that is open but not loose. Ash is firm and light grey, holding an inch or more without issue.
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 creamy sweetness without overpowering the tobacco
Wine
A medium-bodied Tempranillo from Rioja Crianza — its dried cherry, earth, and vanilla notes mirror the cigar's profile without competing
Non-Alcoholic
A double shot cortado or a Colombian medium-roast pour-over coffee — the natural sweetness and body echo the cigar's creaminess perfectly
Who Should Smoke This?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona is for the enthusiast who values craftsmanship over cachet. It is an ideal daily driver for the seasoned smoker who demands consistency and depth in a shorter format, but it is equally suited to the curious beginner who wants to explore what well-aged Nicaraguan tobacco can deliver without committing to a full Churchill. Given its 45-to-55-minute smoke time, it is perfect for a focused lunch break, a quiet evening porch sit, or as a prelude to a longer session. It rewards the thoughtful smoker who appreciates the interplay of a concentrated ring gauge with complex, aged fillers. If you are a devotee of medium-bodied puros, or simply someone who believes that a great cigar should not require a second mortgage, this corona deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona is one of the most compelling value propositions in the premium cigar market today. It delivers five-year-aged Nicaraguan puro complexity at a price that borders on the ridiculous, and its smaller ring gauge offers an unusually focused, balanced smoke. Reach for it when you want quality without ceremony—it consistently punches well above its weight.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo Lot 23 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona a strong cigar?
No. The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona is classified as medium strength, rated 3 out of 5. It builds modestly in the final third but remains comfortably within medium bounds, making it approachable for most smokers.
What does the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona taste like?
The Natural wrapper version opens with toasted cedar, mild earth, and a clean creamy sweetness, evolving into roasted nuts, aged leather, dried cocoa, and subtle caramel. The final third tightens into dark espresso, dried herbs, and a pleasant black pepper spice. The Maduro wrapper leans toward darker notes of espresso and cocoa.
How long does the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona take to smoke?
At 5.5 inches with a 44-ring gauge, the corona vitola provides an estimated smoke time of 45 to 55 minutes, depending on your pace. It is an ideal length for a focused break or short session.
What is the best pairing for the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona?
For spirits, a medium-aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 complements the creamy sweetness. In wine, a Tempranillo from Rioja Crianza mirrors the cigar's earth and vanilla notes. For a non-alcoholic pairing, a double shot cortado or a Colombian medium-roast pour-over coffee echoes the cigar's natural sweetness.
Is the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona good for beginners?
Yes, particularly in the Natural wrapper. Its medium strength, balanced profile, and approachable flavors make it an excellent choice for the novice smoker looking to explore well-aged Nicaraguan tobacco without being overwhelmed by strength or complexity.
Where can I buy the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona is widely available at authorized Perdomo retailers, premium cigar shops, and online cigar merchants. As a tier-1 everyday cigar, it is typically in stock at most major online retailers.
What is the price of the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona is priced between $8 and $12 per cigar, positioning it as an accessible, value-forward everyday luxury cigar.
Is the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona worth aging?
The entire Lot 23 line uses tobaccos already aged a minimum of five years before rolling, so it is ready to smoke upon purchase. While additional aging may further integrate the flavors, it is not necessary. The blend is designed for immediate enjoyment.
What wrapper does the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona use?
The line offers two wrapper options: a Nicaraguan Sun Grown Natural wrapper (Colorado color, medium brown, silky with a subtle sheen) and a Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper (dark espresso brown, lightly oily). Both are grown in Nicaragua.
Where is the Perdomo Lot 23 Corona made?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Corona is hand-rolled at Perdomo's own factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. All tobaccos—wrapper, binder, and filler—are of Nicaraguan origin, making it a true Nicaraguan puro.