AshMap
Overview
The Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo is a cigar that embodies a quiet, almost defiant confidence. Released to celebrate the 23rd year of the Perdomo family’s operations in Nicaragua, this blend was never intended to be a flashy, limited-edition trophy. Instead, it was built as a benchmark—a daily-wear luxury piece that proves premium craftsmanship and aged tobacco need not command a three-figure price. At its heart is a composition of Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers drawn from three distinct valleys—Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega—each aged for a minimum of five years before the buncher’s touch. That aging regimen, typically reserved for far more expensive smokes, is the cornerstone of the Lot 23’s character: a blend that arrives with the mellowed integration and depth that only time can bestow. The binder, a Jalapa-grown leaf, serves as a seamless conduit for this aged core, while the wrapper offers a choice between two compelling expressions. The Natural (Sun Grown) presents a Colorado-hued, silky capa with light tooth, delivering a toasted cedar and roasted almond opening with clean pepper spice. The Maduro expression, darkened to a Colorado Maduro with an oily sheen, deepens the profile with dark chocolate, espresso, and a pronounced dried-fruit sweetness that lingers through the final ash. Hand-rolled at Perdomo’s TESA factory in Estelí—a facility that has set the standard for Nicaraguan quality control—the Torpedo vitola (6.5 x 52) is a masterclass in construction. Its burn is razor-sharp, the draw hits a perfect medium resistance, and the ash holds firm beyond an inch. The smoking experience is a measured ninety-minute arc: from the initial crescendo of cedar and pepper, through a second third layered with seasoned leather and molasses, to a finale of dark cocoa and toasted oak that closes with a long, satisfying finish. In a market where “premium” often translates to premium pricing, the Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo is a refreshingly honest proposition. It is a cigar that respects the smoker’s intelligence—offering genuine complexity and age without pretense. For the enthusiast seeking a serious Nicaraguan puro that punches well above its $9–$13 MSRP, this is not merely a purchase; it is a discovery.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun Grown (Natural) or Nicaraguan Maduro — available in both expressions — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers from Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega valleys, aged a minimum of 5 years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — Perdomo's own TESA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Minimum 5-year aged tobacco throughout the blend; box aging recommended for additional 3–6 months post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The Torpedo opens with toasted cedar, roasted almonds, and a clean Nicaraguan pepper spice on the retrohale. Creaminess develops quickly, smoothing out the initial spice into a balanced, inviting profile.
Second Third
The mid-section deepens into dark chocolate, espresso, and seasoned leather. A subtle earthiness emerges beneath the primary notes, accompanied by lingering sweetness reminiscent of dried fruit or molasses, particularly pronounced in the Maduro expression.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with more pronounced dark cocoa, toasted oak, and a satisfying peppery finish on the retrohale. The draw remains cool and the burn consistent, allowing the complexity to shine rather than heat to dominate. The finish is long and moderately complex.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Perdomo's quality control at TESA is consistently excellent — the Lot 23 Torpedo burns razor-sharp with minimal touch-ups required, draws effortlessly with medium resistance, and produces a firm, silver-gray ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year or a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12 — both complement the chocolate and cedar notes without overpowering the blend
Wine
A medium-bodied Malbec from Mendoza (e.g., Zuccardi Valle de Uco) or a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo — the dark fruit and earth harmonize naturally with the cigar's profile
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark roast Colombian single-origin pour-over; the coffee's natural bitterness and oils echo the cigar's chocolate and roasted nut notes beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the discerning smoker who has transitioned past entry-level blends and is ready to explore the depth of well-aged Nicaraguan tobacco without a punishing price tag. It rewards the intermediate aficionado with enough complexity—layered chocolate, cedar, and pepper—to sustain a thoughtful 90-minute session, yet remains approachable enough for the committed newcomer who understands the value of patience. Perfect for weekday evenings or a relaxed weekend afternoon, the Lot 23 Torpedo is equally at home in a leather armchair or on a sunlit patio. If you appreciate a cigar that builds slowly, evolves deliberately, and refuses to rush its finale, this blend was made for you.
Bottom Line
The Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo is one of the most underrated value propositions in the premium cigar world. Nick Perdomo’s insistence on five-year-aged tobacco at this price point is an act of near-irresponsible generosity, and the result is a cigar that smokes like a $20 blend for half the cost. Buy a box, hide it for six months, and thank yourself later.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Perdomo Lot 23 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo a strong cigar?
It is classified as medium-full (3/5 on standard strength scales). The Natural wrapper offers a clean, balanced profile with moderate pepper, while the Maduro expression delivers a slightly more robust body. Neither is overwhelming, making it suitable for experienced smokers and ambitious intermediates alike.
What does Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct acts. The first third presents toasted cedar, roasted almonds, and a clean Nicaraguan pepper spice. The second third deepens into dark chocolate, espresso, and seasoned leather with subtle earth and dried fruit sweetness. The final third intensifies with dark cocoa, toasted oak, and a satisfying peppery finish.
How long does Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes. The 6.5 x 52 Torpedo format burns at a measured pace, with a cool draw and consistent burn that allows the complexity to develop fully without heat dominating the final third.
What is the best pairing for Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo?
For spirits, an aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year or a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12 complements the chocolate and cedar notes beautifully. For wine, a medium-bodied Malbec from Mendoza or a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo harmonizes with the earthy, dark fruit character. Non-alcoholic: a double espresso or Colombian single-origin pour-over echoes the cigar’s chocolate and roasted nut profile.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo good for beginners?
It is best suited for intermediate smokers who have developed some nicotine tolerance and an appreciation for layered flavor development. Beginners may find the medium-full strength and 90-minute commitment challenging, but it serves as an excellent graduation cigar for those ready to move beyond entry-level blends.
Where can I buy Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo?
Perdomo Lot 23 is widely available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists, as well as major online cigar retailers. Due to its popularity, it is recommended to source from authorized dealers to ensure authentic packaging and optimal storage conditions.
What is the price of Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo?
The retail price typically ranges between $9 and $13 per cigar, depending on the wrapper choice (Natural or Maduro) and the retailer. It is presented in 24-count boxes.
Is Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo worth aging?
Absolutely. The blend already uses tobacco aged a minimum of five years, but additional box aging of 3–6 months post-purchase will further integrate the flavors, soften any remaining edges, and enhance the creaminess and depth. This cigar rewards patience.
What wrapper does Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo use?
It is available in two wrapper expressions: a Nicaraguan Sun Grown (Natural) in a Colorado shade—medium brown, silky with light tooth—and a Nicaraguan Maduro in a Colorado Maduro shade—dark espresso with a subtle oily sheen.
Where is Perdomo Lot 23 Torpedo made?
It is entirely hand-rolled at Perdomo’s own TESA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The filler tobaccos hail from the Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega valleys, and the binder is sourced from Jalapa. Every component is Nicaraguan, making this a true puro.