AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence in the Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona that you don’t expect from a cigar at this price point. It’s the kind of smoke that doesn’t announce itself with theatrics—no oily wrapper, no aggressive pre-light aroma—just a modest, toothy Colorado wrapper with a faint satin sheen that promises something honest. And that’s exactly what it delivers: a study in restraint and balance, a cigar that knows its lane and stays in it with unwavering discipline. This is the everyday workhorse that doesn’t apologize for being accessible, because it doesn’t need to. The aged Jalapa and Estelí fillers, resting under a Nicaraguan Criollo binder, have been given three years to settle into a conversation, and they speak in a language of quiet complexity rather than loud volume.
The first third opens with a toasted cedar note that is dry and aromatic, like the inside of a well-used cigar box. A mild creaminess wraps around it, softening the edges, while a roasted almond undertone adds a savory depth. On the retrohale, white pepper tingles just enough to remind you the cigar is alive, but it never oversteps. The wrapper contributes a light earthiness that grounds the profile, keeping it firmly in Nicaraguan territory. It’s a clean, focused start—no rough edges, no bitter surprises. The burn is even from the first light, and the draw is open enough to let the smoke roll across the palate without effort.
By the second third, the cigar begins to unfold its hand. Dried fruit emerges—raisin and a mild dark cherry that add a subtle sweetness, not cloying but integrated. A persistent leather note develops, giving the smoke a tactile richness that pairs beautifully with the now-softened cream. The baking spice arrives next: cinnamon and nutmeg, warm and inviting, like the inside of a pastry shop. The complexity builds without ever feeling busy. Each note is distinct, yet they all move in the same direction, a well-rehearsed ensemble rather than a soloist showing off. The strength remains medium, but there’s a growing depth that suggests the cigar is saving something for the end.
The final third tightens the grip. The strength nudges up slightly, and the profile shifts to a medium-bodied espresso note, dark and slightly bitter, balanced by dark cocoa that lingers on the finish. The cedar returns, but it’s more reserved now, a memory rather than a presence. The pepper makes a final appearance, mild and polite, as if to say goodbye without overstaying its welcome. The ash holds firm to the inch mark, and the burn remains slow and even, a testament to Perdomo’s construction standards. When the cigar finally goes out, it leaves a clean, satisfying residue—no harshness, no regret. This is a cigar that respects your time and your palate, and it asks for nothing in return but your attention.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro — varies by blend option — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Criollo |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $6–$9 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Minimum three years of aging on the filler tobaccos before rolling; part of Perdomo's standard lot-aging protocol |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The draw opens with toasted cedar and a mild cream note, underscored by subtle roasted almond and white pepper on the retrohale. The wrapper imparts a light earthiness that integrates cleanly into the base.
Second Third
Complexity builds as dried fruit — specifically raisin and mild dark cherry — emerge alongside a persistent leather note. The creaminess from the first third transitions into a baking spice character with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Final Third
The final third tightens in strength slightly, delivering a medium-bodied espresso note with dark cocoa and lingering cedar on the finish. Pepper returns mildly at the very end without overwhelming the palate.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — a hallmark of Perdomo's Estelí operation. The burn is even and slow for the format, ash holds firm to the inch mark, and the draw is open without being loose.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged rum such as Flor de Caña 7-Year or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark complement the cream and spice notes without overwhelming the cigar's modest strength.
Wine
A medium-bodied Tempranillo such as Rioja Crianza echoes the leather and dried fruit notes beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian coffee — black or with a touch of cream — mirrors the roasted almond and cocoa progression well.
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel. He’s been smoking for about four years, long enough to know what he likes but not so long that he’s become a snob. He’s a project manager who starts his day at 6:30 AM, and on weekends, he takes his coffee to the back porch with a book. He’s tried the $20 cigars—the ones that require a special occasion—but he’s realized that his best smokes are the ones he doesn’t have to think about. He wants something that will pair with his morning coffee, last the length of a chapter, and not demand a full hour of his time. He’s smoked the Perdomo Lot 23 in larger vitolas and loved the profile, but he’s looking for something more focused, a quick hit of that same aged Nicaraguan character. This Petit Corona is his answer. It’s the cigar he reaches for when he wants to smoke without ceremony, when the ritual is just him, the coffee, and the quiet. It won’t challenge him, but it will reward him—every single time.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona is a masterclass in everyday excellence—a cigar that delivers aged Nicaraguan character, flawless construction, and a satisfying arc of flavor for under ten dollars. It’s not a showpiece, but it’s the smoke you’ll reach for more often than any box you own. Buy a box; your future self will thank you.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo Lot 23 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona a strong cigar?
No, it’s rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. It starts mild and builds slightly in the final third, but it never becomes overpowering. You’ll feel a gentle nicotine warmth, not a head rush—perfect for a morning smoke or a quick break.
What does Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona taste like?
The flavor progression moves from toasted cedar, cream, and roasted almond with white pepper on the retrohale in the first third, to raisin, dark cherry, leather, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the second third, and finishes with espresso, dark cocoa, and lingering cedar with a mild pepper return.
How long does Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona take to smoke?
Given its Petit Corona vitola and 4.5 x 44 size, expect a smoking time of roughly 30–35 minutes. The burn is slow and even, so you get a full experience in a compact window—ideal for a commute or a short break.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona?
A medium-roast Colombian coffee, black or with a touch of cream, is the ideal non-alcoholic pairing. It mirrors the roasted almond and cocoa notes, enhancing the cigar’s natural sweetness without overwhelming its medium strength. For something stronger, a lightly aged rum like Flor de Caña 7-Year complements the cream and spice beautifully.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona good for beginners?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for beginners. The strength is Medium (3/5), so it won’t overwhelm a new smoker, and the flavor profile is approachable—creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet—without being overly complex. At $6–$9 per cigar, it’s also a low-risk investment for exploring what a well-made Nicaraguan cigar tastes like.
Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar cigar shops, as well as online retailers like Cigar International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Since it’s a popular everyday line, it’s rarely out of stock, but availability may vary by region.
What is the price of Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona typically retails for $6–$9 per cigar, depending on the retailer and any discounts. This makes it an outstanding value for a cigar with three-year-aged Nicaraguan fillers.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona worth aging?
While the fillers are already aged a minimum of three years before rolling, the cigar is designed for immediate enjoyment. The flavors are well-integrated, and the medium strength means it won’t develop dramatically with further aging. If you have the patience, a year or two in a humidor might soften the pepper and deepen the cocoa, but it’s not necessary—this cigar is ready to smoke now.
What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona use?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona uses a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper, depending on the blend option you choose. The Natural wrapper is a medium-brown Colorado shade with a subtle satin sheen and light tooth, contributing a mild earthiness and a touch of sweetness. The Maduro version would add deeper, darker notes like chocolate and espresso.
Where is Perdomo Lot 23 Petit Corona made?
It’s hand-rolled at Perdomo’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, a region renowned for its tobacco production. The factory is known for its rigorous quality control, which is evident in the cigar’s consistently even burn and firm ash hold.