AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale represents a rare alignment of accessibility and authenticity in the everyday cigar market. Named to commemorate Nick Perdomo's 23 years in the tobacco business, this Nicaraguan offering embodies a philosophy that has increasingly become an anomaly: uncompromising quality at an entry-level price point. Every tobacco component—wrapper, binder, and filler—has been aged a minimum of five years before rolling, a commitment to leaf maturation that remains genuinely uncommon at the $8–$12 price bracket.
The cigar's character unfolds across three distinct chapters. The opening strikes an inviting balance of toasted cedar and creamy sweetness, with a whisper of white pepper that announces its Nicaraguan heritage without demanding attention. As the Lonsdale develops through the middle third, roasted coffee and dried earth emerge, gradually deepening into a leather undertone while a subtle caramel sweetness rounds out the increasingly complex mouthfeel. The final third brings a pronounced woody dryness and espresso-like finish, with hints of dark cocoa threading through to the nub—a satisfying arc of flavor that defies its modest price tag.
Construction throughout remains exemplary, reflecting the precision standards of Perdomo's Estelí factory. The burn line holds true with minimal intervention, the draw remains firm and consistent, and the ash displays that telltale salt-and-pepper character of well-rolled Nicaraguan leaf, holding steady at roughly 1.5 inches. What elevates this cigar beyond typical everyday fare is its maturity. The five years of aging impart a roundedness and sophistication that separates the Lot 23 from younger, brasher competitors. This is not a cigar that feels rushed or green; it tastes like what it is—properly aged tobacco from a maker who refuses to cut corners.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown Natural — 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 | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Minimum 5 years of aging on all tobaccos before rolling; the Lot 23 line was developed to honor Nick Perdomo's 23 years |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening presents a clean, welcoming combination of toasted cedar and mild creaminess with a faint nuttiness. A hint of white pepper on the retrohale signals the Nicaraguan provenance without overwhelming the palate. The draw is consistently smooth and the smoke production generous from the first light.
Second Third
The middle third deepens into notes of roasted coffee, dried earth, and a subtle leather undertone. A gentle sweetness — reminiscent of light caramel or honey — begins to emerge, balancing the earthier qualities nicely. The creaminess from the first third evolves into a fuller, more rounded mouthfeel.
Final Third
The final third brings a more pronounced woody dryness and a lingering espresso-like bitterness. Subtle spice returns on the retrohale, and a faint dark cocoa note threads through the finish. The cigar closes with good complexity for its price point, remaining smooth rather than sharp.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — a hallmark of the Perdomo factory — with an even burn line requiring minimal touchups, a firm but not tight draw, and a solid salt-and-pepper ash that holds 1.5 inches before requiring attention.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged bourbon such as Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch; the vanilla and oak notes in the spirit mirror the cigar's creaminess and cedar
Wine
A medium-bodied Malbec from Mendoza — the dark fruit and soft tannins complement the coffee and earth notes without dominating
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian drip coffee or a flat white — the mild-medium body of the Lonsdale stands up to coffee without needing anything heavier
Who Should Smoke This?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale is ideal for newcomers seeking their first genuine introduction to well-aged Nicaraguan tobacco, as well as seasoned aficionados who value daily smoking without compromise. The 60–75 minute smoking window makes it perfect for an afternoon on the patio or a post-dinner wind-down when you want complexity without overcommitting your time. Its medium strength ensures approachability for less experienced palates while its flavor development rewards serious attention. Hand this to someone curious about what matured leaf truly offers—it's the gateway cigar that transforms casual smokers into thoughtful enthusiasts.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale is one of the most undervalued everyday cigars in the Nicaraguan canon—five-year-aged leaf at this price point is genuinely unusual, and the smoke's maturity proves it. A masterclass in accessible complexity.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo Lot 23 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale a strong cigar?
No. The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale is rated medium in strength (3/5), making it approachable for a wide range of palates while still delivering meaningful flavor complexity. The Nicaraguan tobaccos provide structure without overwhelming the senses.
What does the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale taste like?
The cigar opens with toasted cedar and creaminess, evolves into roasted coffee, dried earth, and leather in the middle, and closes with espresso, woody dryness, and subtle dark cocoa. White pepper and a hint of caramel sweetness appear throughout.
How long does the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale take to smoke?
The Lonsdale (6.5 x 44) typically requires 60–75 minutes to smoke, making it an ideal everyday smoke that doesn't demand an extended time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale?
A lightly aged bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch pairs beautifully with the cigar's cedar and creaminess. A medium-bodied Malbec from Mendoza complements the coffee and earth notes. For non-alcoholic options, medium-roast Colombian coffee or a flat white are excellent choices.
Is the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The medium strength, creamy opening, and well-aged character make it an excellent introductory cigar. It demonstrates what matured Nicaraguan tobacco tastes like without being intimidating, making it ideal for welcoming newcomers to premium cigars.
Where can I buy the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale is widely available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online vendors. Verify availability with your preferred tobacconist.
What is the price of the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale retails for $8–$12 per cigar, classifying it as an everyday smoke despite its five-year-aged tobacco content.
Is the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale worth aging?
While the cigar arrives with a minimum of five years of aging already built into its tobaccos, additional aging in proper humidor conditions can further refine its profile. However, it is fully enjoyable upon purchase.
What wrapper does the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale use?
The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown Natural with a Colorado shade. The leaf displays a medium brown color with a subtle silky sheen, characteristic of properly aged Nicaraguan sun-grown tobacco.
Where is the Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale made?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Lonsdale is hand-rolled at Perdomo's factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The filler tobaccos are sourced from the premium growing regions of Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, all aged a minimum of five years.