AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto is the quiet overachiever of the Perdomo lineup—a cigar that doesn't beg for attention but earns it through sheer consistency and a masterclass in pre-roll aging. Named for the specific tobacco lots that define its blend, this is the smoke you reach for when you want the soul of Nicaraguan leaf without the theatrics of limited-edition hype. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of something deliberate: the Colorado Claro wrapper, silky and faintly toothy, offers a whisper of sweet hay and almond paste, hinting at the four years these leaves have spent settling into themselves. Light it, and the opening third unfolds like a well-rehearsed overture—creamy, medium-bodied, with toasted almonds leading the charge, backed by mild cedar and a palate-coating richness that feels almost dairy-like. The retrohale is where the aged leaf shows its pedigree: a delicate sweetness of sun-dried hay and a floral lift that never veers into perfumery. It's a confident start, but the real story is in the transition.
By the second third, the Lot 23 shifts its weight like a boxer finding his range. The creaminess pulls back just enough to let a more grounded character emerge—mild leather, dry cocoa, and a woody backbone that anchors every puff. The earth notes from Estelí and Condega start to speak, and a faint white pepper tingle on the finish keeps the palate engaged without ever tipping into aggression. This is where the blend's maturity becomes obvious: the tobaccos have been aged so long that they've shed any youthful sharpness, leaving a composed, almost contemplative profile. The coffee notes arrive subtly, like a background hum, and the cocoa deepens into something more bakers' chocolate than candy. It's a middle act that doesn't rush, content to let the flavors layer and settle.
The final third brings a gentle crescendo—black pepper and toasted oak step forward, but they're held in check by the cocoa and leather that have become the cigar's bedrock. There's no harshness, no bitter collapse; instead, the smoke finishes clean, with a balanced warmth that lingers on the palate like a well-told story. The burn throughout is a testament to Perdomo's in-house production: laser-straight, with an effortless draw and ash that holds in dense, one-inch-plus columns. This is a cigar that respects your time and your palate, delivering a 45–50 minute arc that feels both familiar and rewarding. It's not a cigar that shouts; it's one that earns its place in your rotation through quiet, consistent excellence—a workhorse that deserves more credit than the boutique-obsessed crowd gives it.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Connecticut Shade (Natural) or Nicaraguan Sun Grown — available in multiple wrapper options — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega, aged a minimum of 4 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — Perdomo's own factory, Tabacalera Perdomo S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 4 years before rolling; Perdomo is known for aggressive pre-roll aging across all lines |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a creamy, medium-bodied experience with prominent notes of toasted almonds, mild cedar, and a gentle creaminess that coats the palate. There is a subtle sweetness on the retrohale reminiscent of hay and light floral notes typical of well-aged Nicaraguan leaf.
Second Third
The profile deepens into mild leather and dry cocoa with a persistent woody backbone. The creaminess retreats slightly, allowing more defined earth and coffee notes to emerge alongside a pleasing white pepper tingle on the finish.
Final Third
The final third brings a gentle increase in spice — black pepper and toasted oak — while the cocoa and leather remain anchored. The cigar finishes clean and balanced without becoming harsh, a hallmark of Perdomo's careful aging protocol.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — a testament to Perdomo's in-house production. The burn line is laser-straight, the draw effortless with just the right resistance, and the ash holds firm in dense one-inch-plus columns.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Medium-aged bourbon with mild oak and vanilla character — Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace work beautifully; alternatively a light Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 7-Year
Wine
A lighter-bodied Garnacha or Côtes du Rhône — something fruit-forward without the tannin weight that would overpower the cigar's creaminess
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a flat white — the cigar's cocoa and almond notes harmonize naturally with washed coffees
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel—a 34-year-old project manager who's been smoking seriously for about three years. He's got a humidor stocked with a few premium splurges, but on a Tuesday evening after a long day of back-to-back meetings, he doesn't want to think too hard. He wants a cigar that will let him unwind on his apartment balcony, a cold craft beer or a neat pour of Buffalo Trace within reach. He's smoked through his share of peppery maduros and floral Connecticuts, but he's looking for something that hits a middle ground—not too mild, not too bold. The Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto is his answer. It gives him that creamy, nutty opening to ease into, then a deeper, earthier core that keeps him interested without demanding his full attention. He can smoke it while scrolling his phone or chatting with his neighbor, and it never punishes him for zoning out. By the final third, he's reminded why he loves this hobby—clean, balanced, and satisfying. It's the cigar he buys by the box, the one he recommends to friends who ask for 'something good but not crazy expensive.' For Daniel, this is the everyday smoke that makes the occasional luxury cigar feel even more special.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto is a masterclass in balance and value—a cigar that delivers aged Nicaraguan character with flawless construction at a price that invites repeat purchases. If you're looking for a reliable, rewarding smoke that punches above its weight, this is your benchmark.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Medium (3/5) strength. You'll feel a pleasant nicotine warmth, especially in the final third, but it never overwhelms. It's a great choice for a session where you want flavor and a mild buzz without needing a meal beforehand.
What does Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto taste like?
The flavor arc moves from creamy toasted almonds and mild cedar with a hay-like sweetness on the retrohale, into a second third of leather, dry cocoa, earth, and a white pepper tingle. The final third adds black pepper and toasted oak while keeping cocoa and leather anchored, finishing clean and balanced.
How long does Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto take to smoke?
Expect a 45–50 minute smoke. The Robusto vitola at 5 x 50 is a compact format that burns steadily, especially given the dense, well-packed construction—perfect for a lunch break or a relaxed evening session.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto?
A medium-aged bourbon like Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace is ideal—the vanilla and mild oak complement the cigar's creamy almond and cocoa notes without overpowering them. If you prefer rum, try Flor de Caña 7-Year for a lighter, sweeter contrast. For non-alcoholic, a medium-roast Colombian pour-over or flat white harmonizes beautifully with the cocoa and nutty undertones.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto good for beginners?
Yes, it's an excellent beginner cigar. The Medium strength is approachable, and the flavor profile is smooth and creamy without harsh pepper or overwhelming complexity. At $8–$12 per cigar, it's also a reasonable price for exploring what aged Nicaraguan tobacco has to offer without a big investment.
Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar cigar shops, as well as major online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Because it's a production line (not limited), it's widely available—just check for the wrapper option you prefer (Natural, Sun Grown, or Maduro).
What is the price of Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto?
The Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto typically retails for $8–$12 per cigar, depending on your local taxes and the retailer. At that price, it's positioned as an everyday premium cigar—a great value for the level of aging and construction quality.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto worth aging?
Not particularly—the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of 4 years before rolling, and Perdomo is known for aggressive pre-roll aging across all lines. This cigar is blended to be enjoyed now, and additional aging may mute some of its brighter notes. Buy it to smoke, not to cellar.
What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto use?
The Lot 23 Robusto is available in multiple wrapper options: Nicaraguan Connecticut Shade (Natural) for a lighter, creamier profile, or Nicaraguan Sun Grown for a bit more richness and spice. The Natural wrapper (Colorado Claro) is a silky, golden-tan leaf with a slight toothy texture that contributes notes of cedar and mild sweetness.
Where is Perdomo Lot 23 Robusto made?
It's hand-rolled at Perdomo's own factory, Tabacalera Perdomo S.A., in Estelí, Nicaragua. This in-house production ensures strict quality control—evident in the laser-straight burn and consistent draw—and allows Perdomo to age the Nicaraguan long-fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega for a minimum of 4 years before rolling.